Mercedes unveils the Concept GLC Coupe ahead of a Shanghai debut

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A concept of the coupe version of Mercedes’ replacement for the GLK – the new Mercedes GLC – revealed ahead of a Shanghai Motor Show debut as Mercedes’ take on the BMW X4.

Mercedes rolled out a teaser sketch of the coupe version of the new GLC – the replacement for the GLK – at the start of the month, but now, with its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show imminent, we get proper photos of the GLC Coupe and a bit of detail and spec to ponder on.

Looking very much like a smaller version of the GLE Coupe, the GLC Coupe is Mercedes’ answer to the BMW X4, and as they’re unlikely to be able to compete with BMW’s diesel-powered X4s, they’ve given the concept more petrol fire-power than the X4 can currently muster, with the V6 Bi-Turbo delivering 362bhp going to all four wheels through Mercedes’ 9G-Tronic gearbox.

When the GLC Coupe goes in to production – which will probably be in 2016 – it will doubtless come with most of the power options of the car it can thank for the bulk of its underpinnings – the new Mercedes C Class – including, almost certainly, a GLC63 AMG Coupe.

Which, unless BMW churn out a proper MX4, could give Mercedes the performance edge, as could the fact that the GLC Coupe is longer, wider and lower than the X4 (and the outgoing GLK) and has a longer wheelbase for more passenger space.

The GLC Coupe is a niche market product, but it’s a convincing looking one.

But can Mercedes give the GLC the combination of dynamics, economy and performance the X4 has?

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