By Prashirwin Naidu
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d Coupé is the latest contender in the premium mid-size SUV market, and it’s making a bold entrance.
Inspired by the trailblazing BMW X6, the GLC Coupé has become a standout in a crowded segment. It brings a fresh, stylish alternative to rivals like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Porsche Macan, Volvo XC60, and even its sibling, the standard Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV.
With its sleek design and unique appeal, the GLC Coupé continues to ride the wave
of the coupe-SUV trend, blending practicality with a touch of flair. At its heart, the GLC Coupé takes inspiration from the C-Class Saloon, offering the same refined driving dynamics but with a higher driving position and more muscular styling. The GLC 220d Coupé has had a few cosmetic tweaks, and in Spectral Blue, it looks absolutely stunning.
In fact, I first spotted one just the other day at the gym while my dad was walking on the treadmill and grabbing his smoothie – and it was hard to take my eyes off it!
Getting behind the wheel of the GLC 220d Coupé felt surreal—it truly embodies the
kind of luxury many dreams are made of. As I eased out of the parking bay, this
beauty turned heads. Throughout the day, I noticed a mix of reactions: some people
looked envious, while others marvelled at the car.

But none of that mattered. I cranked up the powerful 15-speaker Burmester sound
system, blasting Dr. Dre’s Keep Their Heads Ringin’, and enjoyed the ride.
It’s true — driving a car like this changes how people treat you. I’ve never had this
kind of attention in my Volkswagen Up or even my dad’s 2014 Mazda 3 Astina.
Speaking of which, Mazda really needs to step up. Their outdated line-up and
lacklustre PR strategy don’t exactly inspire confidence — time to catch up with the
competition, Mazda!

Anyway, chalk and cheese. When a new Merc is in the driveway, one cannot talk
about an ageing Mazda. People assume the driver is flush with cash or there’s spare
change everywhere in the vehicle. In hindsight, it doesn’t matter; one will be forgotten tomorrow. Nobody will remember Prashriwin driving around in a swanky Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d Coupé. I was in awe of this car. Sitting confidently on 20-inch AMG 5-spoke light alloy wheels, the GLC 220d Coupé exudes elegance and presence.

The AMG Line styling elevates the exterior, with a bold front-end featuring large air
inlets, sleek side skirts, and a sporty rear diffuser-look apron. The attention to detail
is impeccable—everything inside and out feels meticulously crafted.
At the rear, the GLC Coupé dazzles with its futuristic two-part taillights, blending
black and dark-red elements seamlessly. It’s nothing short of spectacular.
Inside, the cabin is a visual masterpiece, combining cutting-edge design with
practicality. Rear passengers enjoy generous head and legroom, even with the
panoramic sunroof. However, the sloping coupé roofline slightly reduces boot space
— 545 litres compared to the standard GLC’s 620 litres.

Overall, the GLC 220d Coupé is a perfect mix of style, sportiness, and functionality.
It’s hard not to be impressed. Sitting in the GLC 220d Coupé felt like stepping into the cockpit of a spaceship. The interior is sleek, with smooth, high-quality materials beautifully integrated into the door inlays. When it comes to tech, the GLC doesn’t disappoint. It features the latest generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. While it takes a bit of getting used to, it becomes intuitive with time.
The star of the interior is the massive 11.9-inch infotainment screen hovering above
the centre console. It’s one of the largest I’ve seen and puts nearly every function at your fingertips.

But the real highlight is the drive. Powered by a mild-hybrid 2.0-litre turbocharged
diesel engine producing 145kW and 440Nm, it’s paired with a smooth 9-speed
automatic transmission and Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The result is a
sporty, swift performance that doesn’t compromise on comfort.
The GLC 220d Coupé proved to be economical, managing an impressive 8L/100km
on long highway journeys. It also delivered composed on-road performance, with a
well-insulated, plush cabin that felt luxurious throughout.
Priced at R1 392 350 before optional extras, the model we tested came loaded with
additional features totalling R251 405, bringing the final price to R1 643 755.
Walking away from the GLC 220d Coupé, it’s clear this is a well-rounded SUV that
will delight many Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts. However, its hefty price tag might
make happiness a luxury only some can afford. As Bond once said, You Only Live
Twice—so maybe it’s worth indulging while you can.