Luxury SUVs. Sporty coupes. Chances are, you have no trouble associating Mercedes-Benz with either of those things. But if the idea of combining them into an SUV coupe is new to you, you’re not exactly alone. Of course, Mercedes-Benz has always led the pack, so it should come as no surprise that we’ve come out with a vehicle that combines the practicality of an SUV with the sportiness of a coupe, all wrapped in a package that delivers the level of luxury Mercedes-Benz drivers expect – the new Mercedes-Benz GLC coupe and GLE coupe.
Based on Already-Popular Mercedes-Benz Luxury Crossover SUVs
As the name suggests, the GLC and GLE coupes are based on the Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLE luxury crossover SUVs – but sportier. Both are still very practical, functional vehicles that allow you to haul a family, the office crew or whatever else you typically need to haul in a crossover with comfort and ease. The bodies are slightly longer, and the roofline is lowered a bit, giving the coupes a leaner, meaner, sportier stance. The rooflines feature that combination of style and luxury you expect in a Mercedes-Benz coupe, applied to the crossover class.
A Little Less Headroom, a Lot More Style
While you do sacrifice a little cargo and head room for the extra stylishness, most won’t miss it. You lose about a cubic foot of cargo capacity, but with a still-generous 18 cubic feet, there’s still plenty of cargo space for most drivers. And since Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLE crossovers are built for comfort, the coupe versions still have more-than-ample headroom. You don’t lose any seating – you can still seat five comfortably and still have a generous center console, infotainment display with your choice of 7-inch or 8.4-inch display.
Additional equipment that’s standard on Mercedes-Benz SUV coupes includes safety features like collision prevention assist, keyless start, power sunroof, power tailgate, folding mirrors and power driver’s seat.
As You’d Expect, the New Mercedes-Benz SUV Coupes Have It Where It Counts
The new SUV coupes have it where it counts, depending on the same powertrain that their slightly larger cousins have. The GLC coupe features a four-cylinder engine that produces a full 241 horses and 273 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard and, for additional sportiness and handling, comes with standard shift paddles. The standard drivetrain is the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all wheel drive. The new SUV coupes also feature beefed up dampers, springs and bushings and tighter steering ratio compared to the standard GLC and GLE crossover SUVs. Take our suggestion (one echoed by Car and Driver) and use the Sport+ transmission setting. The shifts are aggressive, giving you a more exciting driving experience in keeping with the SUV coupe’s bolder, more daring look.
The Real Question – Are the SUV Coupes Right for You?
So, are the new Mercedes-Benz SUV coupes for you? It depends. If, like many, you need the practicality of an SUV or crossover but you’re not quite ready to give up the stylishness and performance of a sports coupe, the GLC and GLE crossover SUV coupes do an excellent job of giving you the best of both worlds. Style to spare, handling that compares favorably with a sports coupe, while still giving you plenty of space for the kids and all the stuff you need to haul all over creation to keep up with them.
Ultimately, the only way to know if the new SUV coupes fit the bill for you is to come in and take one for a drive. We’re sure you’ll find the new Mercedes-Benz SUV coupes meet the need of luxury crossover drivers while adding an extra level of sporty indulgence that adds a whole new level of appeal.
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