2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d Coupe driven: Sweet as a nut

The first in a massive product offensive this year, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d Coupe is an attractive and thoroughly modern SUV. You can’t miss the updated GLC Coupe, owing to its small rear window, sloping roof line and star-spangled grille. That’s stars as in the three-pointed star of the brand’s logo.

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What you might miss, however, is the power boost under the bonnet. This goes unnoticed until you step behind the wheel and take the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d Coupe for a drive. As part of the subtle upgrade for 2024, the GLC 220d now boasts 145 kW and 440 Nm of torque and retails for R1.39 million. The more potent 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d Coupe we’re focusing on here retails for R1.45 million and packs a healthy 198 kW and 550 Nm.

2024 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 300D

The four-cylinder 300d designation is not dissimilar to what powers the bigger GLE SUV. So, in this guise, it is downright sporty. Even if it defaults to a smooth and effortless drive manner most of the time. Our test route in and around the scenic routes of Cape Town was not the most dynamic proving ground for the day. However, it allowed us to quickly acclimate to the comfort and practicality of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d Coupe.

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Power output is naturally up on the previous GLC and this is augmented by Merc’s clever 48V mild-hybrid electrical system. Known as EQ Boost, it’s more efficient on start-up and assists the stop/start system when on the move. Best of all, there’s a 17 kW and 200 Nm boost for seamless overtaking accleration. Zero to 100 km/h is tackled in a respectable 6.4 seconds, top speed is 250 km/h on the dot, and you’ll consume just 6.1 l/100 km while doing it.  

SMOOTH OPERATOR

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d Coupe is the smoothest operator since Carlos Sainz Jnr. It still feels a pretty weighty vehicle and, as such, it’s always settled and composed. The four-cylinder doesn’t provide any discernable soundtrack at all. What you get in the thoroughly modern 300d is a whole lot of hush. The cabin quality, too, is excellent. It’s whisper quiet and devoid of any rattles and squeaks.

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Perhaps the only area of compromise comes when you turn your attention to the rear of the car. The load sill is fairly high and the coupe roofline low. Therefore, there’s not much interior space at the back. And I felt there was quite a sizeable blind-spot at oblique junctions and when reverse parking. Sure, most 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d Coupe models will come equipped with cameras up the wazoo. But there is a sense of light and airiness missing in the rear.

SWEET SPOT

Aside from our criticisms about the rear quarters, the GLC is the sweet spot, size-wise, in the Merc SUV range. It is large enough for five without being so big that you’ll known down a building in the tight Cape Town CBD. Inside, the facia in our test unit was clad in an attractive gloss finish. This contrasted nicely with satin aluminium controls and air vents. The firm’s MBUX touchscreen is an ideal size, too, and fairly intuitive to use.

TEST SUMMARY

With so many Mercedes-Benz models in a different array of body styles to choose – and even more on the way this year – customers of the three-pointed star are spoilt for choice. Nevertheless, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d Coupe is perhaps one of the best rounded of the lot. This all-rounder doesn’t come cheap but it ticks all the boxes for usability, frugality, comfort and a surplus of performance.

THE FIGURES

• Model: 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d Coupe
• Engine: 2.0-litre twin-turbodiesel
• Transmission: 9-spd dual-clutch auto
• Power: 198 kW (+ 17 kW)
• Torque: 550 Nm (+ 200 Nm)
• 0-100 km/h: 6.4 seconds
• Top speed: 250 km/h
• Consumption: 6.1 l/100 km (claimed/combined)
• Price: R1 447 350

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