Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d Coupe — The Green Lane

12 months ago

Driving a best-selling Mercedes

This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more

Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d Coupe — The Green Lane

What is Mercedes’ best-selling SUV? Motoring editor Jeremy Taylor and sustainable fashion expert Jessica Saunders drive the hybrid Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d Coupe.

The C&TH Cars Hub

Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d Coupe

JS – Remember the days before SUVs were invented and we just drove estate cars?

JT – Well, you say that but ‘sport(s) utility vehicle’ was a term first applied to the Jeep Grand Cherokee in a 1974 advertising brochure!

Oh no, 50 years of SUVs – so really we should thank (or blame) the Americans for introducing the term?

That’s right. SUVs of every shape and size now dominate the market. Even Ferrari and Rolls-Royce offer multi-purpose vehicles with extra ground clearance. Mini, family, super and hyper SUVs have changed the face of car buying in this country.

And just to prove the point, most mainstream manufacturers offer more than one type. Mercedes, for example, sells no less than SIX, ranging from the GLA to the heavyweight G-Class. The best-seller is the mid-range GLC we’ve just driven.

It’s available as a ‘standard’ SUV or in Coupe form, with a gently-tapered rear roofline that adds a touch of sporting dash to the profile. The 2024 models come with petrol and diesel choices. Our 2.0-litre car featured a mild hybrid system that added an extra boost of power, while two plug-in versions are also on sale. The thirstier six and eight-cylinder GLC models are no longer available.

So, economy is up and, although a combustion engine is used in every model, buyers should benefit from a decent battery-only range?

The 300de is said to offer 73 miles using electric power, which is very good indeed. Our 220d returned around 42 mpg in real world driving conditions. I can’t say it’s a thrilling drive, but as a roomy, everyday vehicle, it’s a practical choice with a suitably posh badge.

Yes, I’m not sure the nine-speed automatic gearbox matches the engine at times – it feels a bit jittery. You can’t fault the interior though, although the seats are a bit on the firm side. Most functions are operated from the touchscreen: there are few physical buttons, which may not suit everybody.

Most UK sales of the GLC go to fleet buyers, but the car is also great family buy. Our GLC Coupe cost from £69,355 in luxurious AMG Premium Line Plus trim – there are countless trim levels to ponder on the Mercedes website configurator.