Overview
The compact luxury SUV segment is rich with high-performance choices but the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC-class Coupe is one of the more stylish offerings in this hot-blooded niche. With either the twin-turbo V-6 or the twin-turbo V-8 under the hood, the GLC Coupe has power to spare. Complemented by an aggressively-tuned suspension, the AMG-goosed GLC Coupe has a delightfully playful driving demeanor. Similar offerings such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, the BMW X4 M, and the Porsche Macan are plenty exciting to drive too, but the AMG GLC edges them out in terms of luxury and comfort. The GLC Coupe’s cabin is lined with fine materials, and a host of technology features is standard. The Coupe doesn’t have quite as much cargo room as the mechanically similar squareback model, reviewed separately, but its rakish roofline certainly makes it look cooler.
What’s New for 2022?
The GLC Coupe sees several features become standard for 2022, including automatic high-beam headlamps, passive entry, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display. However, Mercedes-AMG has also told Car and Driver that certain 2022 models normally offered with V-8 engines will not be available. The GLC63 and GLC63 S models may be impacted by this change to the lineup, but representatives from Mercedes-AMG would not comment or confirm that information by press time.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Normally we’d recommend the mega-powered GLC63 S model, but since that trim may be impacted by Mercedes’s mysterious supply-chain issue, we’ll recommend the GLC43 instead. Its turbocharged V-6 still makes it a compelling package, Outside of the AMG-specific performance bits, the GLC43 Coupe has a long list of standard features, such as LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a power liftgate, and a nearly all-digital dashboard. It also comes with a wide array of driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The powertrain platter is tasty, with a 385-hp twin-turbo V-6 or a twin-turbo V-8 pumping out either 469 or 503 ponies; all three engines pair with a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The V-6 provides more than enough muscle for day-to-day use and makes a fine companion for assertive drivers. In our most recent test, it ran to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. The V-8 is far more boisterous, though, and in the S model, it’s strong enough to power the fastback SUV to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. No other competitor in the segment offers a V-8; the Porsche Macan Turbo, Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, and BMW X4 M each employ a V-6 that makes about the same amount of power as the non-S 63. The AMG GLC Coupes ride on an air suspension with adjustable damping, they stop with authority thanks to beefy brakes, and they handle far better than their tall SUV bodies would have you think.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
According to the EPA, the GLC43 Coupe puts up 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. We have yet to take the 43 on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy loop, but the GLC63 S returned 20 mpg in that test, 2 mpg less than its EPA highway rating. In the city, the S scores 16 mpg, same as the lower-powered GLC63. For more information about the GLC-class’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
These AMGs offer the luxury and comfort you’d expect from a Mercedes. The seating surfaces are supportive, and the front buckets have lots of adjustability. High-quality materials abound, and the center console is topped with a modern-looking 10.3-inch touchscreen display. One drawback of the Coupe styling is that the pitched roofline digs into passenger space. People in the front seats have plenty of headroom, but second-row passengers may feel a bit cramped. Cargo room suffers as well, as the Coupes offer 18 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet behind the fronts. Both numbers lag behind the storage space in the X4 M, which measures 19 and 51 cubic feet, respectively. And compared with the squareback GLC, which holds seven carry-on suitcases behind its second row, the Coupe holds only five.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The GLC’s MBUX infotainment system is displayed on a dash-mounted touchscreen that spans 10.3 inches, and there’s a bit of a learning curve to operate it with ease. If you’d rather not use its touchscreen capability, you can try the touch-sensitive pad near the center armrest or the steering-wheel controls. A six-speaker audio system is standard on the GLC43, as are SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity. A 13-speaker Burmester stereo system is optional. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration also come standard.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The GLC Coupe comes with a plethora of safety and driver-assistance features. For more information about the GLC-class’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The warranty offered by Mercedes is right in line with what’s offered by rival manufacturers such as Audi and BMW. Jaguar, however, provides longer coverage than Mercedes.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
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