Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC a match for its sporty rivals such as the BMW X4 writes Geraldine Herbert What is it?  When BMW launched the X6, they proved that they could create a demand for something we never knew we wanted.  Motoring critics may have been baffled by the very idea of an SUV coupe but BMW showrooms worldwide have resonated with the footsteps of eager customers. Today the crossover coupe is a must-have in any premium range. The latest in the Mercedes-Benz line-up is a sloping roof coupe version of the GLC SUV Who is it aimed at? The GLC is designed to appeal those who are not in the conventional four-wheel-drive market and yearn for a combination of style and sporty driving dynamics. Styling? With a diamond radiator grille, short rear overhang, and swooping roofline, it certainly has road presence and rivals the likes of BMW’s X4 and Jaguar’s F-Pace. Under the Bonnet? Powering my 220d test car was the 2.1-litre diesel version – and the refinement is particularly impressive. Sitting at the very top of the GLC Coupe range are the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and GLC 63. The 43 refers to a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that has been used in numerous AMG Performance models. It delivers 270kW (367hp) plus maximum torque of 520nm. The 63 comes with the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. Both versions come with price tags in excess of €100,000. What about inside? Inside, the GLC is an oasis of opulence and comfort. The finish and quality of the fittings are impressively tactile and beautifully crafted – particularly the dashboard and centre console. The five-seat coupe is also almost eight centimetres longer and four centimetres lower than the regular GLC, with good leg room in the back for two adults. However, the sloping roofline means headroom is a little tight and the boot space is smaller than the GLC SUV’s 550 litres, but it does offer a decent 491 litres that can extend to 1,400 if you fold the rear seats. The boot is quite narrow, though, and the load lip is high, so its usefulness is slightly compromised. On the Road? There was plenty of oomph from my 220d’s engine and it goes from 0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds, with a top speed of 210km. It has 170bhp and 400nm of torque and the...