Last week, Mercedes-Benz revealed the all-new 2023 GLC-Class, which is the second generation of one of the most popular premium vehicles in the world. This is like a crossover version of the C-Class sedan and it should soon come in a few extra flavors, like the GLC Coupe… or an AMG Coupe.
The first GLC-Class was launched in 2015 as a replacement to the GLK. A coupe version arrived the following year, and both received mid-life updates in 2019. Now, an all-new GLC has been released, designated the X254 and based on the same architecture as the all-new C-Class.
The next GLC Coupe is codenamed C254, and while it’s currently undergoing testing, it probably will take a few more months to be released. But thanks to a rendering from the website Kolesa, you won’t have to wait for that long to see it.
The major change is to the roof, obviously, which is a bit lower and tapers elegantly towards the trunk. The roof rails have also been removed to make it appear sleeker and sportier, though not all models will come with these AMG-like bumpers that have black intakes.
Compared to the older model, the 2023 GLC Coupe has softer curves and a much more distinctive set of headlights. This design pushes the vehicle in an upmarket direction. The front end is wider, with simple horizontal lines making this appear to be a baby GLE. Meanwhile, the wheel arches are painted in the same diamond white as the rest of the body, a change over the previous generation that makes the 2023 model more car-like.
For the record, its only direct rival is the BMW X4. However, there’s also the Range Rover Evoque to consider, as well as a growing number of EV crossovers, many of which have the “fastback” design.
2023 GLC Coupe specs
The new GLC Coupe’s best feature is probably the interior, which looks quite similar to that of the C-Class. The large infotainment display cascades down the dashboard tilted 6 degrees towards the driver, and you can get this with a new style of thin-spoked AMG steering wheel.
Even though the screens have off-road themes that you can’t get in the C-Class, the GLC Coupe will feel most at home on the road. Based on the MRA (Modular Rear Architecture) platform, this high-riding coupe will have a variety of engine options, though we believe all of them will have the same displacement.
In Europe, the bottom of the range will be the GLC 200 and the GLC 220 d Coupe. These turbocharged 2.0-liter models make about 200 horsepower and they’re both mild hybrids. To increase power, Mercedes will add electricity, not cylinders.
The most powerful powertrain yet confirmed is in the 2023 GLC 400 e, which makes about 380 horsepower from a 2.0-liter like the one the GLC 300 has. It will be quite interesting to see a drag race between this and the X4 M40i.
Of course, AMG models are also a give, since they account for so many of Mercedes’ sales. The cheaper, less powerful model will be the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. Its powertrain was previewed by the new C43 sedan/wagon, which delivers 402 horsepower from a 2.0-liter turbo.
As for the flagship GLC 63, this will sadly go from a fire-breathing 4.0-liter V8 to a hybrid four-cylinder. But fear not, because recent reports suggest the F1-derived tech is good for about 670 hp and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm).
