Mercedes Reveals The Concept GLC Coupe

Mercedes Concept GLC Coupe (Credit: Mercedes)

Mercedes used the Shanghai Auto Show to reveal its latest creation: the Concept GLC Coupe. While automakers put out concept vehicles all the time, this one is what Mercedes itself calls “near-production” and likely will hit the market sometime in the near future. It’s based on the GLE Coupe, which is the answer to the BMW X6.

The Concept GLC Coupe is supposed to be a blend of a sports coupe and a sport utility vehicle. On the one hand it comes with a sleek body, four exhaust pipes and a twin-blade radiator grille. The concept is also outfitted with skid plates, 21-inch wheels, running boards and a high ground clearance.

Before anyone asks why Mercedes is creating such a vehicle, keep in mind that the BMW X6 has sold well and the GLE Coupe has been a success. Automakers are in business to make money, and they don’t do that by creating models nobody wants (like the Honda Crosstour).

Mercedes Concept GLC Coupe (Credit: Mercedes)

One advantage of the Concept GLC Coupe is that it’s “born to race on every ground” as Mercedes says. Just try driving a C-Class Coupe through deep snow or on a dirt road with serious ruts. Rocketing the thing forward is a 3.0-liter V-6 engine that kicks out a healthy 367 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. It works with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ 4Matic permanent all-wheel-drive system.

With the Concept CLC Coupe, Mercedes is showing one way it can further expand its SUV product lineup. The company needs to defend that turf now more than ever thanks to plenty of other luxury automakers jumping into the SUV market, like Jaguar and Maserati.

Whether you’re a fan of sport utility “coupes” they look to be a market force that’s only becoming stronger.

Mercedes Concept GLC Coupe (Credit: Mercedes )