Quick twin test: RR Evoque vs Mercedes GLC Coupe

This is the Ember limited edition – a top-spec (and overpriced) Evoque HSE Dynamic with red flashes over its otherwise stony-black exterior. In this 5dr, adults just fit in the back but the boot’s smaller than the Merc’s. You don’t actually lose much space in the GLC Coupe compared to the regular GLC – rear headroom is OK, and the boot is shallow but big in area since the tail is longer than the standard car's.

The Evoque is modern and plush inside, with decent quality, but five years into its life it struggles against the best Merc can do. Still, the new big-screen connected multimedia helps. The ride is a little lumpy. 

Sport utility coupe or not, the Merc’s cabin is extremely car-like. But in a good way. Extensive driver aids are on the options list. Ride is slightly stiffer than Evoque’s, but copes far better than the bigger GLE Coupe.

The 180bhp Ingenium can’t match the Merc’s performance, and the 9spd ZF auto is infuriatingly fidgety. The underlying platform is old now, and there’s a slight shakiness to its motions. But the steering has real feel and the chassis is playful once you’re through the initial roll. Lots of electronic cleverness helps off-roading.

The Merc’s 204bhp engine mates well with the in-house 9spd. The platform here is new C-Class’s and it gives a huge sense of strength. For the Coupe, the steering is sharper than the regular GLC. With little roll and wide tyres, grip is huge. But the steering offers no feel and cornering’s one-dimensionally on-rails. Test car had optional adaptive air suspension.

The Evoque was a hot ticket when it launched, and sales are still rising – though the more practical LR Discovery Sport has just managed to overtake it. Shifts many more units than any Jaguar.

Merc is doing disconcertingly good trade with the big GLE Coupe, and the GLC Coupe is a far better car than that. Remember BMW has an X2 soon to join the X4 and X6, and Audi is launching even-number Q cars.

Range Rover Evoque verdict: Handily compact, trendy. Feels dynamic but could use more poke.

Mercedes GLC verdict: Big enough for a family, but a C-Class estate is sweeter to drive.