The GLC43 AMG is the perfect balance between luxury and performance, without sacrificing much. It’s one of the better small SUVs in the segment, offering impressive driving dynamics, an upscale cabin, and a sleek exterior. However, it’s not without its drawbacks. While the GLC43 delivers on power and handling, it falls short in refinement at lower speeds. The GLC comes with a steep price tag, and the price climbs quickly once you start adding features and options.
For shoppers who want that perfect blend of a luxurious performance SUV, the GLC43 is a great choice.
Performance
The GLC43 may not be as powerful as the 63 model, but it more than holds its own when it comes to performance. Equipped with a 416-hp turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder under the hood, it is a step up compared to the normal GLC300, which makes just 255 horsepower. The driving experience is enjoyable and well-rounded, hitting 100 km/h in about 4.5 seconds. While not the quickest, it’s quick for a gas-powered SUV. What sets the GLC43 apart, is the exhaust sound. In an age dominated by quiet electric vehicles, the GLC43’s growling engine and pops and bangs under acceleration are music to the ears, adding a layer of character that’s becoming rare in today’s vehicles.
The transmission offers quick and responsive shifts, contributing to its sporty feel, though the GLC43 isn’t perfect. At lower speeds, the drivetrain can feel a bit unrefined, with less than smooth performance in stop-and-go scenarios. On the better side, the braking is impressive and smooth for daily use, while also delivering confidence when stopping at higher speeds.
The GLC43 excels in cornering, delivering the precision and stability you’d expect from a German performance SUV. The steering is well-weighted and provides enough feedback to give you a confident connection to the road. Its balanced tuning makes it an engaging and enjoyable drive, with its refined handling apparent as soon as you hit the road.
Interior
One area where Mercedes continues to dominate is the interiors. As expected from a Mercedes, the interior elevates the entire vehicle. The cabin has a modern and stylish ambiance, with high-quality materials used throughout. One of the highlights of every Mercedes vehicle is the ability to customize the interior to suit a wide range of tastes, offering plenty of personalization options. However, this comes at a cost, as the price can climb quickly once you start adding options.
That said, the cabin does fall short in terms of storage space. The center console, while visually appealing is somewhat restrictive. For example, the wireless charging spot can be difficult to access if there’s a drink in the cup holder. While the design prioritizes aesthetics and is visually appealing, it compromises functionality in certain areas. On the upside, the layout of the controls is intuitive, and the touchscreen infotainment is user-friendly and easy to use. Beneath the touchscreen, there are a few touch-sensitive buttons, but they don’t offer much control. For the most part, everything is handled through the touchscreen.
Comfort
The GLC43 offers a good balance of comfort and sportiness. Its suspension smooths out most road imperfections, handling most bumps and potholes without any issues. However, the ride leans more toward sporty than luxurious, with noticeable changes depending on the selected drive mode. In Comfort mode, it adapts well to everyday driving, offering a more relaxed experience. Switch to the sportier modes, and the suspension becomes firmer, making bumps feel more pronounced.
The seats are firm and supportive, with a look great with the two-tone design, particularly in the brown and black mix. However, they aren’t the most comfortable. On the bright side, the cabin remains impressively quiet even at high speeds, with little road and wind noise.
While not cramped, the cabin feels a bit on the smaller side due to the GLC’s size and its placement within the Mercedes lineup. The front seats offer decent space all around, providing a comfortable space for most drivers and passengers. However, the rear seats fall short in legroom, making it less accommodating for taller passengers.
Technology
The GLC43 shines in the technology department, with its 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge display. These not only enhance the cabin’s modern look but also offer excellent functionality, plenty of customization options, and a user-friendly interface. The wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration further adds to the user experience. Connectivity is another strong point in the cabin, with a good number of USB-C ports ensuring everyone’s devices stay charged. A wireless charger is also available in the center console but its placement can be inconvenient if the cupholders are in use.
Mercedes’ voice recognition system is among the best in the industry. It handles practical commands easily and adds a bit of fun with its playful responses. For example, if you ask whether BMW is better, it replies, “You wouldn’t be sitting here in a Mercedes if you thought so”. While Tesla continues to lead the pack in automotive technology, it’s encouraging to see other automakers, like Mercedes-Benz, stepping up their game and delivering better tech features in their vehicles.
On the safety and assistance front, the GLC’s advanced driving aids perform well in most situations. Lane-keeping assistance and blind-spot warning work well. However, the adaptive cruise control can feel a bit jerky at times, especially at lower speeds.
Storage
The GLC43, while impressive in many areas, falls short when it comes to cargo space and interior storage. With approximately 620L of cargo capacity, it’s practical and sufficient for most shoppers but lags behind competitors in the segment.
Interior storage isn’t that great either, with a design that prioritizes aesthetics over practicality. While there is storage space in the center console, it falls short in terms of utility, making the interior less functional compared to some competitors. The use of space inside feels constrained, which can be a drawback for some shoppers.
