IN these days of so many different models from every car make, it's unusual for one to come with two distinct bodystyles.

But that's what Mercedes-Benz did with the GLC SUV, making it available either with a traditional five door estate body or a sleeker five door coupe.

All come with the Mercedes 4-MATIC four wheel drive system and a nine speed automatic gearbox, and after 2019 there's a choice of just two diesel engines.

Petrols had previously been included in the range but even so most earlier cars will have diesel power under the bonnet for reasons of better economy and lower emissions.

The diesels start with a 194bhp 2.0-litre designated 220d that can thrust you to 60 miles an hour from rest in an excellent 7.6 seconds and is also capable of an almost unbelievable 54 miles per gallon - fantastic for a large heavy vehicle..

The second offering is the 300d, which boasts 245bhp. That's enough to bring the sprint time down to a superb 6.2 seconds and yet it's still capable, under ideal conditions, of 50 miles per gallon.

There's a column mounted selector for the automatic box, and paddles behind the steering wheel should you wish to do the changes yourself - although very few owners will ever bother, since fully auto does everything so beautifully.

Both engines make light work of pulling what is a large car and if the mood takes you, the performance can be improved by selecting Sport on the driving mode system. There are also eco, comfort and individual settings.

The beauty of these cars is the refined manner in which the power is delivered, with barely any hint of diesel or any other noise getting into the cabin.

Cruising over any road surface is sublime and unruffled as the suspension smoothes out every ripple. That is perhaps just as it should be in such a top notch motor car, but it needs to be said nonetheless.

Safety features include Active Distance Assist, Active Steer Assist and Active Brake Assist - all of which will save occupants from nasty situations.

And reversing is easy thanks to a boot mounted camera which cleverly retracts when not in use to keep the lens clean.

A powered tailgate gives access to 550 litres of luggage space and this rises to a hefty 1,600 with the rear seats folded.

Inside it's typically Mercedes, with crystal clear dials, large chunky leather armchairs, and a predominantly black colour scheme highlighted with brushed aluminium here and there.

There's a dashboard mounted touchscreen for accessing on-board features and a classy looking centre console in a piano black gloss finish with three of the five dashboard air vents at the top. Interior space is generous even for five people.

All models have the very good MBUX multimedia system and that gives access to a wide range of intelligent voice control features.

And while it might seem a bit gimmicky there is a serious safety aspect.

You can tell the car to set a destination in the navigation system, change radio stations, alter the temperature or even re-dial the last telephone number you called - and all without having to take your eyes off the road.

Basic trim levels are Sport, AMG Line and AMG Line Premium. Sport models have heated front seats, privacy glass, agility control comfort suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels.

AMG Line models add 19-inch AMG alloys, AMG sports suspension with selectable damping, AMG body styling, AMG sports seats and a diamond-patterned radiator grille.

Pay about £32,000 for a '20 20-reg 220d Sport, or £42,000 for a '21 21-reg 300d AMG Line Premium.