Mercedes-AMG GLC43 2024 review

Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?

7 / 10

Kicking off from $136,400 before on-roads for the SUV or $146,900 for the SUV Coupe, the AMG GLC’s pricing puts it roughly against the likes of the BMW X3 M40i or the Porsche Macan GTS, formidable rivals for sure.

To bring more than just its AMG bite and bark, the GLC43 comes with a reasonable list of kit, mostly borrowed from the GLC300 - the original launch variant of the mid-size Mercedes SUV.

That means it comes with a reasonable list of features like an 11.9-inch multimedia touchscreen with the brand’s MBUX software, a head-up display over the 12.3-inch driver display, a large sunroof, wireless phone charging, heated electrically adjustable front seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a Burmester 3D sound system.

In terms of design and materials the GLC43 features a leather interior upholstery with an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather, but it’s mostly the exterior where the design departs from the GLC300.

An AMG exterior styling pack and the Night Package are both standard - for the first time on the SUV in Australia - and mean black trim highlights, a set of 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels and the Urban Guard Vehicle Protection Plus package are standard.

The optional $6900 Performance Ergonomic Pack adds AMG Performance front seats, which hold front occupants in place a little more snugly, and add a Nappa leather/Microcut microfibre wrap to the steering wheel.

Aside from the different body style, the main difference between the wagon SUV and Coupe is that the aluminium roof rails are absent for the latter.

Another first for the GLC is the inclusion of rear-wheel steering, which enables the rear wheels to turn 4.5 degrees opposite to the fronts at low speeds for extra manoeuvrability, or 0.7 degrees in the same direction when travelling above 100km/h for extra stability - I’ll come back to this later.

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Design – Is there anything interesting about its design?

7 / 10

The AMG GLC43, as you’d expect, has a few immediate give-aways that it’s no regular GLC300.

The vertical grille slats, the lower part of the apron featuring covered-up intake-style designs, and a different set of 20-inch AMG wheels are the easiest things to spot.

But the aforementioned Night pack, which adds black trim to the performance SUV, as well as the quad-exit exhaust tips instead of dual-exit on the GLC300 might be the most quantifiable way to explain the differences to the uninitiated.

In terms of dimensions, the GLC43 is now 67mm longer for the SUV, or 43mm longer in Coupe form. Both have an 11mm wider wheel track, and a 15mm longer wheelbase.

Inside, it’s quite similar to the 300, save for the AMG steering wheel and elements like the contrast stitching in the leather upholstery.

While other - especially more luxury-focused - Mercedes models have moved to a new interior design language with features like the Superscreen or Hyperscreen spanning the dash, the GLC’s interior still looks and feels suitably premium, and hasn’t dated much since being introduced.

The same can be said for its exterior, following relatively small changes over the still good-looking previous generation.

Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside?

8 / 10

The GLC’s interior feels more spacious than in its predecessor, and its ergonomics have been improved a little with the removal of elements like the touchpad control for the multimedia.

The software itself is quite easy to use on the touchscreen itself, removing the need for a physical control, and it’s rather customisable. 

Users are able to even adjust what order the drive modes appear in, and change what the two AMG Dynamic Select control dials on the steering wheel display or change.

The wheel itself is comfortable to hold, but its two-tier rows of controls and the lack of distinct physical buttons is a downside.

There is however plenty of storage, the central cubby and glovebox have space for all your assorted bits and pieces, and the door cards are able to accommodate even the biggest of bottles.

In terms of seats and comfort, the GLC’s cabin doesn’t feel cramped at all, with the seat itself supportive and adjustable to an impressive extent.

Space in the second row is comfortable rather than massively generous, but feels more spacious thanks to plenty of light via the sunroof.

The Coupe’s rear seat also does a decent job of accommodating average-heighted adults.

Behind that, 620L of boot space in the SUV and 545L in the Coupe are 40 and 45 litres more than the previous models, respectively.

Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission?

9 / 10

This is where the AMG version of the GLC really outshines the ‘standard’ GLC300, and starts to justify the extra ask over its $103,370 sticker price.

Like the GLC300, the AMG GLC43 has a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission sending drive to all four wheels.

But unlike the 300, the AMG GLC43 borrows its engine from the likes of the AMG A45S, the M139 engine which puts out 310kW and 500Nm thanks to some seriously impressive engineering - and a lot of turbo pressure.

AMG’s one builder, one engine policy (they call it “One Man, One Engine”) means each engine in a GLC43 has been built by a sole expert engineer who has been certified to a high degree.

A 48-volt ‘mild-hybrid’ system is also present in the GLC43, which helps keep the turbocharger spinning (at up to 175,000rpm) to be more responsive, eliminating turbo lag.

The nine-speed auto is also slightly higher-tech than the GLC300’s, a wet start-off clutch replaces the traditional torque converter, which AMG says is lighter and more responsive - also featuring a double de-clutch function for faster shifts.

The AMG Performance version of the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system permanently diverts power to all four wheels with a 31 to 69 per cent front-rear distribution.

Mercedes-AMG claims the GLC43 is able to hit 100km/h from stand-still in just 4.8 seconds.

For reference, the old GLC43 (with a turbocharged inline six) made 287kW/520Nm and was a 4.9sec to 100km/h car.

Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range?

8 / 10

Mercedes-Benz says the AMG GLC43 consumes 9.7 litres for every 100km travelled in an SUV, or 9.9L/100km in the Coupe version, We were unable to properly test both of these figures on the launch.

Both have the same 62-litre fuel tank, and require premium RON 98 fuel.

CO2 emissions are rated at 219g/km for the SUV and 223g/km for the Coupe.

On test, after an hour of driving the GLC43 quite dynamically, the fuel consumption displayed on the trip computer sat around 15L/100km, so regular driving is sure to return a figure closer to Mercedes’ claim.

Driving – What's it like to drive?

8 / 10

A long drive loop that consisted of limited sections of tight twisty roads meant getting to know the GLC in an intimately dynamic sense proved tricky, but what stands out about the mid-size SUV from Affalterbach is how much its ability in cornering belies its size.

The rear-wheel steering makes a big difference for the otherwise sizeable SUV, and even though the it weighs 1976kg (53kg more than before; the Coupe is 94kg heavier than before at 1998kg), the 4MATIC all-wheel drive keeps the GLC’s purchase on the road in check.

Suspension is relatively stiff for a family SUV even in Comfort, though adjustable, as one of the many aspects able to be customised through the multimedia screen menu or even steering wheel dials.

Steering itself can be adjusted, though is probably fine to leave in Comfort depending on personal preference.

But the hero of this - and any - AMG is the engine, and the M139 works surprisingly well in the big GLC.

Where it turns the A-Class hatchback into a proper supercar fighter, it makes the GLC a relatively muscular yet responsive family hauler.

The 310kW and 500Nm outputs are probably the sweet spot in terms of the GLC43 not feeling like there’s too much for anyone to handle, while still being quick enough to keep a keen driver happy.

On calmer roads, highways and gentle winding country roads, the GLC is comfortable enough with everything set up in the appropriate drive mode, though don’t expect to feel immensely refreshed after hours behind the wheel - it’s still set up for relatively dynamic driving.

Noise and road surface imperfections make their way into the cabin to some extent, though it’s not egregious, while one of the cars on test had a small creaking sound present in the dash, set off by road bumps and corners.

Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating?

7 / 10

It has 10 airbags, plus a fairly standard (for its class) suite of safety tech including active features like pedestrian warnings, active lane-keep assist, driver attention reminders, parking sensors and cameras for surround-view monitoring, and collision warnings and mitigation.

Of course, the standard features like ABS, stability control, brake assist, auto emergency braking and lane departure warning all feature.

The rear seats feature ISOFIX and a 40/20/60 split fold.

The current GLC has been awarded five stars by ANCAP and scored well in both adult and child occupant protection.

Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs?

7 / 10

Mercedes-Benz Australia’s warranty is a relatively standard five-year/unlimited kilometre offering, level with rivals like BMW.

Servicing intervals are every 25,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Mercedes’ servicing costs can be covered in packs and for the first three services of a GLC43 SUV it will cost $3445, four for $4552 or five for $6935. These prices are as listed in December 2023, and are subject to change.

Verdict