2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV First Look Review: Back With A Four-Banger
Just over a year since the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV was revealed, the more powerful AMG versions have followed. The AMG GLC 43 is the less powerful of the two, with the GLC 63 it was revealed alongside being reviewed separately. Although it doesn't look drastically different from its predecessor, the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV has traded in its old V6 for a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that's supplemented by an electric motor to deliver 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, enough for a 0-60 mph sprint of 4.7 seconds. This sporty SUV comes with all the performance goodies expected of an AMG model such as rear-axle steering and the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission. But can a four-cylinder AMG excite as much as the six-cylinder BMW X3 M40i?
When Is The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV Coming Out?
The release date for the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV in the USA has been scheduled for early in 2024. It will be coming out after the AMG C43 Sedan, which also went from a V6 to a four-cylinder mild hybrid.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV Price And Competition
Information relating to the price of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV will be announced closer to the on-sale date. The previous model started at around $60,000, so the new one will probably go for an MSRP of between $63k and $65k.
As far as rivals go, the 2024 GLC 43 SUV's main one will be the excellent BMW X3 40i which starts at a cost of $61,000. Even though the X3 is fundamentally an older model and has less power, it's going to be a tough mountain to climb for the AMG. The M40i is quicker and has that sweet-sounding six-cylinder engine. For a little less money, there is also the Audi SQ5 that matches the GLC 43 to 60 mph, despite having less horsepower on tap.
New Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV Exterior And Colors
Visually, the exterior of the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV doesn't break any new ground for the German carmaker. All the requisite AMG touches are there and it's got the premium aura expected of it, but it's all rather familiar for a brand-new model.
In front, the AMG-specific radiator grille has vertical struts and houses the large Mercedes badge in the middle. The AMG front fascia is embellished with a chrome trim element and bold air intakes, while sizable inlets and air curtains help to guide airflow where it's required. Although US-specific details must still be shared, the model pictured here is fitted with 20-inch multi-spoke wheels.
Although Mercedes oddly didn't share a clear picture of the GLC 43's rear, it will have the same curvy taillights as the GLC 63, but the diffuser-look rear fascia is different. Another difference is the 43's exhaust outlets which are rounded in shape and not trapezoidal like those of the 63.
There are several packages that can be equipped to customize the GLC 43's appearance, including two versions of the AMG Night Package with its numerous high-gloss black accents. The AMG Performance Studio Package comes with a high-gloss black front splitter with flics on each side as well as a rear diffuser with a diffuser board. It also comes with extra high-gloss black flics for the air outlets in the rear fascia. Finally, the AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package does what it says on the box, equipping the exterior with various elements in visible carbon fiber.
The usual selection of exterior colors should be available for the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV, so there should be no shortage of options. This should include familiar hues like Cirrus Silver and Obsidian Black along with some premium Manufaktur shades if the previous model is anything to go by.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV Dimensions
A little larger than the previous model, the dimensions for the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV include a length of 187 inches stretched over a 113.7-inch wheelbase. Its width is 75.6 inches and the height works out to 64.4 inches.
Mercedes-AMG has not yet provided a curb weight figure, but the electric components will likely increase the vehicle's mass beyond the last model's 4,162 pounds.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV Engine And Performance
The M139I engine in the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder mill with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger as well as a belt-driven starter-generator that adds another 13 hp. After the new C43 and C63, it was inevitable that the GLC 43 would go the four-cylinder route but at least the total outputs of 416 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque are hard to argue with.
But despite the notable increase in power, the new GLC 43 can only match the previous model's 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds, likely because it weighs more. The top speed remains electronically limited to 155 mph.
With technology derived from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, the electric exhaust gas turbocharger ensures spontaneous responses from the powertrain no matter where the engine is in the rev range. The 48-volt system also assists with the smooth operation of the start/stop system and the GLC's gliding capability.
The only transmission is the nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT 9G multi-clutch automatic which has a wet start-off clutch in place of a conventional torque converter. This setup has several benefits, including lowering weight and optimizing acceleration. In both Sport and Sport+ driving modes, there is a double-declutching function for the most sporting driving experience, and Race Start guarantees the quickest sprint times. Comfort, Glide, and Individual modes are also available.
Power is routed to all four corners via the AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel-drive system with its rear bias; power is distributed 31 to 69 percent between the front and rear axles. This improves traction and handling when accelerating.
There is more tailoring of the driving experience with the five drive programs for the AMG Dynamic Select system, the ESP has three selectable stages, and there is an Off mode for controlled environments like racetracks. Here, the electronic nannies are switched off, and it's up to the driver to keep the AMG pointed in the right direction. Rear-axle steering is standard, and the AMG steering is speed-sensitive, so the 43 remains as easy to control as possible at all speeds.
Not only a sporting model but also a Mercedes-Benz luxury crossover, the GLC 43 comes with the AMG Ride Control steel spring suspension with an adaptive damping system that provides good long-distance comfort. Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ are the three damping maps that the driver can choose from.
Gas Mileage
The EPA will only publish its gas mileage specs for the AMG GLC 43 closer to the SUV's on-sale date. The previous V6 model returned 18/25/21 mpg city/highway/combined. Hopefully, the new one's smaller engine and mild-hybrid assistance will improve on these numbers and provide the new GLC with a better range when its 16.4-gallon gas tank is full.
As it doesn't have the high-performance battery of the GLC 63, the GLC 43 doesn't have that model's all-electric range.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV Interior And Cargo
Luxury and sportiness sit side by side in the new interior of the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV. With the normal GLC's cabin as a base, a host of AMG touches lift the environment above the less powerful GLC 300.
The latest MBUX software forms the backbone of the infotainment interface, which includes a digital driver's interface and a tilted touchscreen interface. These displays are specific to the AMG model, including the Supersport style of the driver-focused content. The AMG Track Pace data logger is available as an option for racetrack use, and it can record over 80 vehicle-specific data points such as steering angle and acceleration. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a top-notch sound system are all expected to be standard.
Everything inside the cabin is aligned to the AMG's sporty nature. That includes the seats in the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV which are finished in a mix of MB-Tex and microfiber upholstery with unique graphics. The flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel, meanwhile, has a Nappa leather finish. Leather and Nappa leather with an embossed AMG crest can replace the default upholstery optionally. Elsewhere, the cabin features AMG sports pedals, floor mats, and illuminated door sills, and there are aluminum gearshift paddles for the transmission.
Merc's typical range of driver assists will be available, so expect everything from a surround-view camera system to evasive steering assist, front/rear parking sensors, augmented reality for the navigation system, and evasive steering assistance. That's not close to being an exhaustive list, but as on most other Mercs, you'll have to pay extra for the best features.
At 21.9 cubic feet behind the second row, the cargo space in the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV is soundly beaten by the 28.7 cubes in the BMW X3. When these second-row seats are folded, trunk space increases to 59.3 cubes.
