Mercedes has released a facelifted version of the GLC Coupe, pulling its styling, engines and technology in line with the firm鈥檚 recently-refreshed GLC SUV. When it reaches the UK later this year it sole opposition will be the BMW X4. At a glance, its exterior looks almost identical to the model it replaces. However, Mercedes has given the GLC Coupe a subtle range of styling updates such as a new front bumper, a new grille, a redesigned diffuser and a fresh pair of exhaust tips. Mercedes鈥檚 revisions to the GLC Coupe鈥檚 interior are much more involved, with a redesigned dashboard, a reworked centre console, an air-vent design borrowed from the new A-Class, a tweaked multifunction steering wheel and the firm鈥檚 latest MBUX infotainment system. The new MBUX multimedia system replaces the old GLC鈥檚 ageing 鈥楥ommand鈥?setup. It consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch centre-mounted display and a multifunctional touchpad mounted on the transmission tunnel.
Voice and gesture control also feature. From launch, the new GLC Coupe will be available with five engines: two are mild-hybrid petrols and three are regular diesels. All models will be fitted as standard with Mercedes鈥檚 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The entry-level petrol-hybrid, badged GLC 200, combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol with a 48-volt electric starter-generator for a combined output of 192bhp and 320Nm of torque. Stepping up the range, the GLC 300 comes with the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder from the new Mercedes C-Class, producing 254bhp and 370Nm of torque. The GLC Coupe鈥檚 diesel options open with the 200d; a 1.6-litre twin-turbocharged four-cylinder producing 158bhp and 360Nm of torque. Like the rest of the GLC鈥檚 diesel range, it complies with Euro 6d standards thanks to a diesel oxidation catalytic converter, a particulate filter and AdBlue injection. Currently, the diesel range is topped by the GLC 220d and the GLC 300d, both of which use a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The former produces 189bhp and 400Nm of torque, while the latter musters a claimed 238bhp and 500Nm of torque. Prices for the new GLC Coupe are yet to be announced. However, the current model starts from around 拢42,000, and we鈥檙e expecting a similar entry-point for the updated version.
Even so, that four-cylinder generates impressive output (with 295 pound-feet of torque to go with its load of horsepower). And the 4266-pound Cross Country鈥檚 5.9-second run to 60 mph is plenty quick, if not quite on the pace of your Germans. The problem could be the way in which that power is delivered. It surges and ebbs. If you鈥檙e riding the torque wave, this wagon feels genuinely quick. Fall off it, though-as you frequently will-and the auto feels breathless and wimpy. Climbing back up takes a moment, and the engine moans at the effort. The Cross Country turns in a middling braking performance, requiring 173 feet to stop from 70 mph. And the brakes are grabby and difficult to apply consistently. Its steering is indifferent. We鈥檙e glad to note that, despite wearing optional 20-inch wheels (in place of stand颅ard 19s), the Cross Country rides more comfortably than the somewhat flinty sedan on which it鈥檚 based. Put the mode selector into dynamic should you want a less comfortable ride. The Cross Country鈥檚 structure feels stouter than the sedan鈥檚. We chalk that up to the cushier ride. This is good, because we really want the V90 to be great. It looks stunning (especially in non-Cross Country dress), and the interior is beautifully designed and finished. It鈥檚 roomy and practical. And dammit, we like wagons, even when they鈥檙e festooned.
Three years after the premiere of the first Cayman GT4 Clubsport, Porsche unveiled its successor. The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport represents a consequent further development of the successful model from Weissach. In developing the new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, the focus was put not only on further improved driveability and faster lap times but also on the sustainable use of raw materials. The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport is the first ever production race car to feature body parts made of natural-fibre composite material. The driver and passenger doors and the rear wing are made of an organic fibre mix, sourced primarily from agricultural by-products such as flax or hemp fibres and feature similar properties to carbon fibre in terms of weight and stiffness. Powering the 718 GT4 Clubsport is a 3.8-litre flat-six engine producing 425 bhp (313 kW). Compared to its predecessor, this represents a 40 bhp increase in performance.
The power is transferred to the rear wheels via a Porsche dual-clutch gearbox with six gears and mechanical rear axle differential lock. The lightweight spring-strut front suspension is taken from its big 911 GT3 Cup brother. The impressive racing brake system features steel brake discs all round measuring 380 mm in diameter. Tipping the scales at 1,320 kg, the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, delivered ex-works with a welded-in safety cage, a racing bucket seat as well as a six-point harness, is a real lightweight. For the first time, the near-standard mid-engined racer comes in two versions ex-works for global track driving excitement: the "Trackday" model and the "Competition" variant for national and international motor racing. Only the "Competition" edition is offered in the UK. The "Competition" model - which is available in the UK via the Porsche Cars GB Motorsport department - features a raft of details relevant for racing. The shock absorbers can be adjusted in three stages. The safety fuel tank with a capacity of 115 litres is suitable for long-distance events. Thanks to a brake balance system, the balance bias can be infinitely adjusted between the front and rear axle. An integrated air jack system guarantees fast pit stops. The quick-release racing steering wheel adopted from the 911 GT3 R ensures a range of adjustment options for the individual needs of the drivers. An automatic fire extinguishing system adds another safety feature for the racetrack. The 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport "Competition" is priced at 拢130,300.00 plus VAT (157,000 Euro), and is not homologated for road use. Porsche's head of motorsport Fritz Enzinger.
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