2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43

Starting at $59,000, the Mercedes AMG GLC 43 comes kitted with rich and opulent highlights while housing a widespread list of safety tech. Moving up against the likes of Audi SQ5 and the BMW X3 M40i, the SUV sees a healthy rivalry with these SUVs. Can it survive ? 

The AMG GLC 43 is an integral member of the GLC family. The SUV is offered in just one trim offered at a sticker price of $59,000. For that price, you get a 3.0L V6 engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and a 4matic drivetrain. 

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However, the AMG GLC 43 is loaded with all the necessary features you can still have more. With a little more dough you can add the Advance light package and AMG Night Package to enhance the feel.

The AMG GLC 43 is the first Merc to feature the AMG-tweaked Twin-turbo 3.0L V6 engine. This powerplant is mated to a crazy 9-speed automatic transmission which isn't just for show, it does enhance the handling and keep the engine on the boil. The V6 churns out an impressive 362 hp of power and 384-pound-feet of torque. 

The powertrain beneath the GLC 43 is as convincing as most of the other midsize luxury SUVs in the class, on par with Jaguar F-Pace S and the Range Rover Velar S which come with a supercharged V6 engine.

Acceleration

The GLC 43 might have quite a powerful engine and that translates to the tarmac. It takes 4.7 seconds to accelerate to a speed of 60 MPH. It is almost the fastest of the lot and on par with the BMW X3 while the rest of the competition lags behind by close to half a second and more. The supercharged engines on the F-Pace and Range Rover aren’t as quick either.

Though the AMG competes right on with the competition and brings justice to the AMG name. Most of the rivals are slower than the Benz.

Braking

The braking on the AMG GLC 43 is strong and firm, paired with the summer tires you get a grippy ride. The pedal feel is long and steady, easy to apply on city and highway. The car can halt from a speed of 60mph at 115 feet.

The opposition may show some commendable numbers but when it comes to braking but the GLC 43 is the true winner in the braking aspect. The Audi SQ5 Premium Plus is the heaviest car in the lot whose effects are clearly visible in its 123 feet performance. 

Ride and Handling

The GLC 43 is impressive for an SUV, the steering might lack the necessary feel but the sports mode covers that up. The handling is nimble though you may experience some body roll on tricky pavements. The sports mode brings the necessary heaviness to the steering for a more responsive steer and the comfort mode gives it a plush ride experience.

Beginning with AMG Dynamic Selects, it presents the driver with multiple driving modes such as Individual, Comfort, Slippery, Sport, and Sport + modes. These modes control the suspension and drivetrain and therefore produces traction in accordance with the road conditions.

The V6 staring powertrain might be a little thirsty but doesn't share the same appetite as the competitors. Its 19 mpg of city mileage might not be that compelling but the car gains an edge on the highway with its 25 mpg mileage. Combined the 21 mpg mileage fits the performance SUV segment perfectly. 

The 21 mpg of combined mileage is not the best on the market but it does strive well with the competition. The X3, however, is the more glamorous car with the best fuel efficiency amongst the lot. 

Only the Mercedes could bring justice to the performance luxury combination. The uber interior quality topped with the Merc styling is a decent cabin to be in. The turbine-like air vents are molded in chrome and blend right with the black Nappa leather seats. The AMG GLC 43 offer top-notch comfort with its front and rear heated seats, everyone can be nice and toasty in this car. 

The 41.9 inches of headroom space and 40.8 front legroom is enough to accommodate longer drivers. The rear section also shares a spacious 38.5 inches headroom and 37.3 inches of legroom space.

The AMG GLC 43 blends right with the SUV standards, however, no car outdid the other, no sense of competition here.

Interior Features

Some interior features include in the GLC 43 are as follows -

• Power front sport seats with memory
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 3 years of Mercedes me Connect Services
• Mercedes me connect Assist Services
• Remote Start via Mercedes Me Mobile App
• Heated front seats
• 40/20/40-split rear seats with power folding
• Power-folding side mirrors
• MB-Tex/DINAMICA upholstery
• KEYLESS-START
• KEYLESS-GO
• Power liftgate
• The automatic lowering for easier cargo loading
• Household-type 115V power outlet
• Illuminated entry system
• Refined cargo compartment

Infotainment System

The 7-inch infotainment screen takes the center stage, it's controlled through a touchpad controller between the seats. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on the AMG GLC 43. Jumping from menu to menu on this car is easy but it will take time getting used to the controller. Other features on the infotainment territory are- 

• Central controller and 7-inch color display
• FrontBass system
• Bluetooth audio streaming
• Prewiring for GARMIN MAP PILOT
• Dual USB audio ports
• HD Radio receiver
• SiriusXM Radio with 6-month All Access trial

Cargo volume

The automatic tailgate on the AMG GLC 43 opens up a nice 19.4 cubic feet space. However, with the touch of a button, the second seats go 60/ 40 split to unlock the complete 56.5 cubic feet cargo potential on the AMG GLC 43, making enough space to pack for a weekend fishing.

With the rear seats up the 19.4 cubic inch space might not feel that compelling, the competition feature better boot space. However, the AMG GLC 43 overcomes this adversity with the full 56.5 cubic inch space after the seats down. 

No other SUV can undermine the GLC 43s exterior, the car is bad in black for Christ's sake! Right, from the extra-long wheels to extended fender flares you get a decent looking car from front to back. The SUV measures a long 183.5 inches in length while the width and height for the car are 74.4 inches and 64.1 inches respectively. 

The GLC seems like SUV which is pretty compact but stands tall when placed beside its rivals. It has a sporty aesthetic with arches and a defining exterior that define well its appearance.

All of the SUVs are of the same size as the AMG GLC 43 the only difference maker here is its low 6.7 inches of ground clearance. About the weight, according to the modern-day market, the AMG GLC 43s 4145-pound weight is perfect for the class.

Exterior Features

The GLC 43 comes with some of the following exterior features -

• Aggressively elegant design
• The class standard in cabin style
• Spaciousness and solidity
• Performance-focused cockpit
• Anodized roof rails
• AMG body styling
• Chrome diamond-block grille
• Gloss Black exterior accents
• 20-inch AMG multispoke wheels, silver 

The 2020 AMG GLC 43 comes standard with active safety features like emergency braking, forward collision alert, driver drowsiness monitor and more. The SUV scored a nice all-star rating from the NHTSA, it was also named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

• ATTENTION ASSIST
• PRE-SAFE
• COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS
• Integrated Restraint System
• Side curtain airbags
• Seat belt technology
• Occupant Classification System (OCS)
• ISOFIX / Universal LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
• Integrated 3-button garage door control
• Antitheft alarm with remote panic feature
• Driver-programmable driveaway locking
• Night Security Illumination

BMW X3 M40i Vs Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43

The BMW X3 is priced a little lower than the AMG GLC 43, the lack of standard features and weaker power justifies the gap. Where the X3 is the nice everyday drive SUV the AMG GLC 43 is a luxury creature. The X7 is one up on fuel efficiency but the Mercs extra horsepower covers it up.

Overall the Mercedes Benz AMG GLC43 turns up the true winner as a complete performance SUV.

AUDI SQ5 Premium Plus Vs  Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43

Equipped with just enough features the X7 is an ideal SUV on the market. While it accomplished the SUVS practicality somehow it missed out on the performance part. The GLC 43, on the other hand, is a true performer, its better at acceleration, power, and weighs less. To an extent, the GLC 43 feel like a more aggressive car to drive as well.

So, if you are shopping for an everyday driver then go for the SQ5 and if performance is what you aim to go for the AMG GLC 43.

Jaguar F-Pace S Vs Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43

The Jaguar devotees will enjoy this new niche SUV, it's fast, capacious, and comfortable everything a performance luxury SUV stands for. On the contrary, AMG GLC 43 is a quicker car that delivers more value. The F- Pace is more inclined towards comfort while the GLC 43 is a more luxurious SUV.

Considering the price slab, the AMG GLC 43 is an ideal choice for the class.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 is the more athletic car in the class, right from its blistering acceleration to the magnetic interior the car knocks the ball out of the park in every aspect. Luxury shoppers looking for an SUV will not think again, it can be both the type of car you get your groceries in and the one which you could drag race with.