It unites the typical stylistic elements of a coupe with the design language of current SUV models. Just one year later, this promise has become a reality: the new GLC Coupe translates the design idiom of the show car with its distinctive basic structure and stretched greenhouse, virtually unchanged into series production.

At the same time, the sports car among Mercedes-Benz's mid-size SUVs impresses with its brand-typical safety, modern assistance systems and an especially sporty dynamic character. The as-standard sports suspension as well as more direct sports steering, Dynamic Select and 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive with 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission combine effortlessly superior ride comfort with decidedly sporty agility.

Two suspension variants with continuously adjustable damping are optionally available: the new Dynamic Body Control with steel springing as well as the already known Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension. Both options make for further enhanced driving dynamics and comfort.

'The GLC Coupe reflects our iconic Mercedes-Benz coupe design while symbolising the bipolarity of our brand; it is 'hot and cool',' said Gorden Wagener, head of design at Daimler AG. He added, 'With its design idiom of sensual purity, it perfectly embodies our styling philosophy while at the same time representing contemporary luxury.'

The combination of multifunctional SUV and emotively appealing coupe constitutes a skilful fusion of emotion and intelligence. With an exterior length of 4.73m, a height of 1.6m and a wheelbase of 2.87m, the GLC Coupe is dynamic and compact in appearance. This makes the Coupe almost eight centimetres longer and about four centimetres lower than the multi-talented GLC, with which it shares its basic architecture. The GLC Coupe owes its distinct character to a typically coupe-esque, single-louvred diamond radiator grille and a restyled, dropping roofline.

The A-pillar is less steeply raked, while the continuation of the roof outline is lower, terminating in the elegantly flowing, muscular rear end, typical of a coupe. The rear window dispenses with a wiper, as the airflow does not break away until after the spoiler lip, which means that water is unable to strike the rear window.

The striking features of the front end are its dominant, steeply raked diamond radiator grille with a single louvre and integral star, short overhang and SUV-inspired override guard. The innovative headlamp concept, optionally in LED High Performance technology, sports the now characteristic Mercedes-Benz light signature. A striking injection of sports car genes is provided by the large lateral air inlets.

The perfection with which the intrinsically opposed design worlds of coupe and SUV have been brought into harmony is revealed by the side view of the 1.6m high GLC Coupe with its typical, stretched roofline of a sports coupe.

The squat greenhouse blends in perfectly with the side of the vehicle to underline its coupe character. The interplay between the high beltline and wide shoulders results in proportions that lend the GLC Coupe its dynamic looks.

This interaction is given added emphasis by the drawn-in waist between the dropping line and the lower, rearwards ascending light-catching contour.

A clear clue to the vehicle's distinctive SUV heritage is given by the optionally available side running boards. Flush with the outer edge of the body, wide wheels up to a size of 50.8cm (20 inches) together with ample ground clearance underpin the GLC Coupe's sporty dynamic ambitions on unpaved tracks and unsurfaced roads.

The styling of the rear end gives added emphasis to the vehicle's coupe genes. With its pronounced shoulders, muscular bumper design with integral exhaust tips and underride guard in the form of a diffuser, the wide rear end of the GLC Coupe underlines the vehicle's athletic looks, while enabling the Coupe to hug the road.

Narrow, split-tail lights, a centrally positioned brand star and a sharp spoiler lip reflect a design that made its debut with the S-Class Coupe and which all Mercedes-Benz coupe models have since followed. Relocated to the lower section of the bumper, the number plate as well as the typical form of the rear window with its rounded upper area are among the other stylistic features. Like the headlamps, the night design of the LED tail lights sports the typical light signature of Mercedes-Benz.

Following the exterior design philosophy, the interior welcomes the occupants with the typical coupe flair and a high-grade ambience. The design idiom combines sensual purity with dynamic sportiness while embodying a convincing interpretation of modern luxury.

Distinctive stylistic elements of the GLC Coupe are the dashboard and the centre console with its flowing lines, a large, one-piece console panel making an elegant sweep below the semi-integrated media display from the centre air vents to the armrest. These clear lines give a feeling of spaciousness while conveying a puristic modernity.

The optionally available AMG Line Interior provides a clear commitment to even greater dynamism and sportiness. This package includes, for example, sports seats with upholstery in Artico man-made leather/Dinamica microfibre with the option of sports seats with bi-colour look leather upholstery.

The new GLC Coupe comes as standard with sports suspension including Dynamic Select with the five transmission modes Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. Dynamic Body Control sports suspension with steel springing and adjustable damping is optionally available.

Further, with this option, Dynamic Select allows the driver to adapt the individual character of the vehicle.