What's all this about?

We knew it was coming, following on from a concept reveal at the Beijing show in 2015, but Mercedes is making a coupé out of its GLC SUV. That means you're looking at the GLC Coupé, obviously.

OK, do we have an AMG version?

Yes, just days after the announcement of the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, the company has confirmed that the same 367hp, 3.0-litre biturbo V6 drivetrain will be ported into the GLC Coupé. No other data beyond a 0-62mph time of 'less than' five seconds is quoted.

How about the rest of the range?

Mercedes is promising eight variants, four petrol and four diesel, although beyond the AMG GLC Coupé 43, we know only of a quartet of models for the autumn launch (order books open in the UK in June, showroom appearances begin in October). The two diesels are the GLC 220 d 4Matic and the 250 d 4Matic: the former with 170hp, 400Nm, 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds, a top speed of 131mph, economy rated at 55.4mpg and CO₂ emissions of as little as 134g/km; the latter increases the outputs to 204hp and 500Nm, dropping the 0-62mph time to 7.6 seconds and upping the maximum chat to 139mph, apparently with no detriment to the eco-stats. Then we have a petrol model and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

Really?

Yes indeed. The sole petrol version at launch will be the GLC Coupé 250 4Matic, powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged lump. This has 211hp and 350Nm, good for 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and 139mph flat out, with fuel returns of 40.4mpg and emissions of 159g/km. We've not been told the 350 e 4Matic PHEV's data yet, although Mercedes is happy to confirm that it has a system output of 320hp, it'll emit puny amounts of CO₂ of the order 59- to 64g/km and yet it'll be capable of 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds and a 147mph top whack.

Can you outline some more of the tech?

For sure; all GLC Coupés get the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic, save for the 350 e, which has the older 7G-Tronic unit with two less ratios - Mercedes says this gearbox is optimised for eco-running. Although the launch models will be all-wheel drive, not all GLC Coupés will be 4Matics, and to highlight its sportiness in comparison to the regular GLC, various bits are added or offered as options to make it sharper to drive. So, sports suspension with Dynamic Select is standard fit; you can upgrade to adjustable damping or the Air Body Control set-ups if you wish. The Coupé's steering rack is pointier than the boxier GLC's, at 15.1:1 vs. 16.1:1. And on the petrol models, you can fit an optional sports exhaust to spice up the soundtrack.

It's a familiar-looking thing, isn't it?

Well, Mercedes has been accused of the 'photocopier' approach of designing its current saloon range and it would seem some of the same ethos has crept into the SUV line-up - the GLC Coupé looks like a shrunken GLE Coupé with a GLC's face. Not a bad thing, though, as it's a handsome car and the salient points are these: at 4,730mm in length and 1,600mm high, the Coupé is 80mm longer and 40mm lower than the regular GLC; its A-pillars are less steeply raked than those on the more upright SUV; the GLC Coupé has a 0.31 Cd figure, meaning it is an aerodynamically efficient machine; in 250 petrol guise, it weighs a reasonably light 1,710kg; and there's apparently no need for a rear wiper, as Mercedes says the 'airflow does not break away until after the spoiler lip, which means that water is unable to strike the rear window'.

How about within?

Familiar GLC stuff, with a variety of man-made leather and proper cow hide finishes offered. Standard equipment on all models will include an automatic tailgate, 20 CD multimedia system, reversing camera and keyless go, as well as all the sorts of driver assist and safety systems that are a necessity in 2016. The boot, by the way, holds 491 litres with a full complement of humans on board and 1,205 litres with the rear seats tucked away.

Have you got anything else to add?

More models will come on stream by the end of the year, following on from the variants listed above, while over on the continent there'll be an Edition 1 GLC Coupé, which has a number of exclusive features such as an AMG Line exterior, 20-inch AMG light alloy wheels, designo paint finish and bicolour leather trim. It's not coming to the UK, though.