GLC Coupé : Mercedes introduces its new model in Shanghai
This concept car embraces the stylistic features dear to the coupé and the sensual design of future generations of SUVs. Its recipe for success is based on sleek and racy details.
The guiding principle, “Born to race on every ground”, fits the GLC Coupé to perfection. A sculpted bonnet, robust body, double louvre radiator grille, 4 exhaust pipes, large-format 21-inch tyres… Clearly, everything here points to virility and power. The high-performance LED headlights give real expressiveness to the GLE coupé’s younger brother : the day lights and indicators are housed in slatted inserts, readily referred to as “eyebrows” by the designers, with three pivoting lenses sparkling beneath. The upper part of the passenger compartment culminates in a line extending to hardly 1.6 metres, a feature derived more from the coupé than the SUV, just like the frameless side windows, integrated roof railings and hidden door handles. Viewed from the rear, it offers a width of precisely 2 metres, sturdy shoulders and modelled wheel housings with large-format rims with double openwork.
Inspired by AMG models, the direct-injection twin-turbo V6 engine produces 367 hp and tork of 520 Nm. Power that the GLC Coupé also owes to a 9-speed automatic 9G-Tronic gearbox and permanent integral 4Matic transmission.
The blow to the very appealing X4 is clear to see. Since the presentation of the concept car in bright yellow livery at the Shanghai Motor Show, the press has already compared the BMW to this model, for which we will probably have to wait at least until the summer of 2016, though some people are predicting its release in 2017. Commercially, the stakes are high, given that the SUV market is still on the up-and-up, with sound prospects, especially in China.
