If you’re looking for a performance SUV, I want to introduce you to the recently launched Mercedes-AMG GLC43. The GLC43 has a new engine, new outputs and sees some major changes to its underpinnings and tech.
It competes against the BMW X3 M40i, Audi SQ5 and Porsche Macan S; all exceptional sports performance SUVs with cult followings.
Fans will be enthralled by the GLC43's new engine but I'm testing this new variant to see if it has what it takes to woo families, as well.
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Mercedes-Benz GLC43 2024: 4Matic
| Engine Type | Turbo 4, 2.0L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 9.7L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $127,600 - $146,630 |
| Safety Rating |
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Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with? 7/10
7 / 10
There are three GLC variants for both the SUV and Coupe and our model is the AMG GLC43 SUV.
It would be remiss to say it’s a ‘mid-spec’ model, even though that’s where it technically sits in the line-up. Think of the 43 as a top model with the warmed-up performance engine, compared to the GLC63 S E Performance flagship variant.
The GLC43 is priced from $136,400 before on roads and that positions it as the most expensive compared to its rivals. And it’s $1930 dearer than the outgoing model it replaces.
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In comparison, the least expensive rival is the Porsche Macan S at $117,500 MSRP, (although the petrol Macan is about to sell out ahead of the launch of the EV) then the Audi SQ5 3.0 TDI Quattro MHEV at $119,700 MSRP, and the BMW X3 M40i for $126,800.
Our test model has been fitted with the Performance Ergonomic Package for $5307.50 and adds power front passenger seat with memory function, black Nappa leather, memory package, multicontour front seats, AMG Performance seats , heated front seats, automatic front passenger airbag deactivation, AMG 'Track Pace', and an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre.
Our test model also has the optional AMG carbon-fibre trims for $1306.80, bringing the total before-on-roads price to $143,014.
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Standard luxury and practical features include keyless entry, push-button start, panoramic sunroof, Burmester surround sound system, powered tailgate, tyre mobility kit, and new suspension with adaptive adjustable dampening.
Standard technology features include 'Digital Light' for headlights, 64-way coloured ambient lighting, 11.9-inch touchscreen multimedia system, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, augmented reality satellite navigation, fingerprint scanner, DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth and a 5G module for the Mercedes Me Connect app.
Design – Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10
9 / 10
The GLC43 looks distinctly more aggressive than its GLC300 sibling.
The grille features vertical struts instead of the star motif and there’s a sporty spoiler lip at the rear that complements the quad exhausts.
The large headlights featuring Mercedes Digital Light LEDs dance when you first put them on and add a sporty dynamic to the styling, as does the 20-inch alloy wheels.
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The interior is largely the same with a dashboard that is headlined by an 11.9-inch touchscreen multimedia system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
The ambient lighting system transforms the space at night time and honestly, makes it look pretty flash compared to some of its rivals. I also love the big panoramic sunroof and cute circular air-vents found in the front – they add some interest to the cabin.
The optioned performance seats of our test model make this look the part of a performance SUV and there is AMG badging everywhere - just so you don’t forget what you're driving. This looks beautiful inside and out and it earns its luxury tag.
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Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside? 8/10
8 / 10
The cabin up front feels like a cockpit because the optioned performance seats absolutely lock you into place.
The adjustments are pretty good for the lumbar and under-thigh supports but the highlight are the kinetic stretching massage functions on both front seats, it really helps to alleviate fatigue on a longer journey.
While I find the seats comfy, my husband didn’t! He said he needed more ‘space’ between the legs and with the bucket-style, he um … didn’t get that required space. Take from that what you will.
Getting in and out of the backseat is easy enough but the side steps are overkill and can dig into the calves.
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The back seats are not super comfortable as they are on the harder side but the headroom and legroom are great for my 168cm height. The back row would still be most comfortable as a four-seater when filled with adults, though.
The individual storage is excellent up front with a decently sized glove box, middle console and a huge storage bin and drink bottle holder in each door.
The centre console features a good-sized cubby that includes a phone shelf and two retractable cupholders.
The storage and amenities in the rear are okay with directional air vents, reading lights and a fold-down armrest with two cup holders. You also get shallow storage bins in each door but this row misses out on charging options, which is a shame.
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The other technology looks high-end and the graphics in both the 11.9-inch touchscreen multimedia system and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster assert that the GLC43 is a luxury vehicle.
Both are easy to use, highly customisable and look fantastic. What a combo!
The augmented reality satellite navigation shows dynamic directions overlaid on a live video feed, so there's no excuse for getting lost while using it. There's also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as, a Mercedes Me Connect app, so you can access features on your car remotely.
Charging options are only found in the front row but you get a good selection with three USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad.
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The GLC43 gets a large coloured head-up display, fingerprint scanner (that can lock a certain profile or features) and dual-zone climate control but it would have been nice to see climate control in the rear row as well.
The boot is pretty large for a medium SUV at 620L, and can comfortably fit shopping or luggage.
There’s a tyre mobility kit and extra underfloor storage, and the rear row has a 40/20/40 split fold, which opens up your storage options. You also get a powered tailgate in this model, which is always handy.
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Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission? 9/10
9 / 10
The 43 gains the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine from the AMG A45 hot hatch, which replaces the 3.0L turbo V6 from the previous model.
What makes this one interesting is that it’s been designed with Formula 1 tech and its performance is boosted by an electric turbocharger. Which means you have instant power delivery.
The new engine produces a power output of 310kW and 500Nm of torque. So, a little more power (23kW) but a little less torque (20Nm) than the previous model. The GLC43 is an AWD and has a nine-speed auto transmission which is mostly smooth.
The new GLC43 features a true AMG engine and that means it was hand-built by a master engine builder. Every AMG engine features a plaque with the builder's signature, which is very cool.
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Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range? 9/10
9 / 10
You might be surprised given its outputs, but the new GLC43 is fairly frugal when it comes to consumption.
The official combined fuel-cycle consumption figure is 9.9L/100km and my real-world usage came out at 8.8L.
I have put the GLC43 through its paces too – mountain roads, urban and long trips … and have not been shy using it’s power.
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That's excellent usage for such a powerful SUV but expect higher in an urban setting.
Based on the official combined fuel cycle and 62L fuel tank, expect a theoretical driving range of 626km.
Mercedes recommends a minimum 98-octane unleaded petrol to be used.
Driving – What's it like to drive? 7/10
7 / 10
After driving the GLC43, it proves why its considered a performance SUV – the new engine and that Formula One tech creates a fun on-road experience.
Power delivery is quick and stable – you never feel overwhelmed by what the car is doing but you do get excited.
It has a dedicated 'Track Pace' feature for when you take it to a race track. I mean … is that needed for a family car? Probably not but it’s cool nonetheless.
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This new model sees a redesigned adaptive suspension and rear axle steering. The suspension is firm and it hits the road with a definitive thump. I like the feedback when I’m pushing it around bends but for the daily school run, it’s a pretty hard ride.
The rear axle steering is fantastic when you hit big mountain hair-pin turns or need to manoeuvre precisely in your lane. It’s extremely agile on the road, when it needs to be.
It’s a bummer that the cabin is loud with road noise and while you can do long journeys, just know it’s not a comfort tourer. You drive this for the fun factor.
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All of the pillars are quite wide, which I found impeded my vision on bends but on the straights it was fine. I just did more of a weave and bob to check all of the blind spots this week.
Because of the electric turbocharger, power stays high but revs low at lower speeds. This can make parking can feel a little bunny-hoppy at times until you get used to how to accelerate at low speeds. Once you do, it’s a breeze to park and the 360-degree camera is top-notch.
Warranty & Safety Rating
Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating? 9/10
9 / 10
The GLC43 has a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing done in 2022.
It scored very highly on both its adult and child protection scores at 92 per cent each and features 10 airbags, including side-chest airbags for the second row. It’s usual to see these only in the front, so that’s great for a family car.
Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring, driver attention warning, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping/departure alert, traffic sign recognition, HUD, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree view camera system, as well as, front and rear parking sensors.
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The safe exit feature is cool because the lights flash red on the door you’re trying to open and you get a sound alert if an obstacle is detected.
The GLC43 has ISOFIX mounts on the rear outboard seats plus three top tethers but you’d be doing well to fit three seats, two will fit best.
The GLC43 has AEB with car, pedestrian, cyclist and junction turning assist function operational from 7.0 - 80km/h, or up to 250km/h for a car.
Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs? 6/10
6 / 10
The GLC comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, which is a normal term for the class.
You can pre-purchase either a three-, four- or five-year servicing plan, priced at $4420 for three years, $5520 for four and $6245 for five years.
Services on the five-year plan cost an average of $1249 per service which is very expensive for the class.
Servicing intervals are reasonable at every 12 months or an extra-long 25,000km, whichever occurs first.
Verdict
The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 has your back if you’re looking for a thrilling performance SUV that moonlights as the daily family driver. It boasts a fairly practical cabin with good storage. Is it too expensive? Yep. Would I have one? Absolutely. It’s fun and full of features.
This rocked my kid's world – the lighting, the cool superhero vibes of the styling … the ‘tatatata’ chirps of the engine. It won him over completely.
Pricing Guides
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