2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43

Starting at $57,000, the Mercedes AMG GLC 43 comes kitted with luxurious and posh features while housing an extensive list of safety tech.Going up against the likes of Audi SQ5 and the BMW X3 M40i, the SUV sees a tough rivalry with these SUVs. Can it stand tall? Read on the review to find out.

Offered in a single configuration, the 2020 Mercedes Benz AMG GLC 43 comes priced at $57,000 and equips itself with a 3.0 liter twin-turbo V6 and the AMG 4Matic driving system. Although all the AMG provides us in the GLC 43, this trim is filled up with quite some abundant features along with the performance features induced by the AMG.

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Although it comes in only one trim, you get various optional features and packages to upgrade and customize your GLC 43 SUV. So all we recommend you is to have a look at them and customize your SUV as per your taste.

Fitted with a powerful and responsive powertrain, the Mercedes AMG GLC 43 comes with a 3.0 Liter twin turbo V6 engine under its hood that is capable of producing a horsepower of 385 hp and a torque of 384.lb.ft. This engine is paired up with a smooth 9G-tronic 9 speed automatic transmission and the Mercedes AMG 4matic all-wheel-drive system.

The powertrain under the GLC 43 is as powerful 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.

Ride and Handling

With the AMG tuned athletic handling, the GLC 43 consists of a composed ride and behaves well on the tarmac. It runs smoothly on the plain roads but drive on bumpy roads and the body gets a tad grumpy. On the other hand, edgy corners are tackled with ease.

Coming with AMG Dynamic Selects, it provides the driver with various driving modes such as Individual, Comfort, Slippery, Sport, and Sport + modes. These modes control the suspension and drivetrain and accordingly generates a traction in accordance to the road conditions.

Braking

The Mercedes AMG GLC 43 comes with large metallic brakes that give a pretty sharp bite. Its front brake is of 14.2 inches and its rear brake is of 12.6 inches. Together these two brakes are quite capable enough to stop this heavy SUV at a safe distance in emergency situations.

The Mercedes GLC 43 has decent fuel efficiency given its powertrain delivering 21 MPG with a mileage of 19 MPG in the city and 25 on the highway.

The 2020 Mercedes GLC 43 is not the best SUV when it comes to fuel economy but remains similar to the BMW X3 and the Audi SQ5 that are quite some performers and also maintain a decent economy.

“Mercedes' typically firm seats result in supreme long-distance comfort. Three consecutive days with five-hour-plus drives yielded nary an ache or pain. Optional front-seat thigh adjustment increases comfort further. The seat bolsters keep you in place when cornering.” -edmunds

Looking at the GLC 43 from outside might seem quite compact, however it is quite spacious, comfortable and luxurious on the inside. Adorned with luxury and AMG sporty features, the trim and dash around the cabin has an opulent feel to it. It has a head room of 41.9 inches (front) and 38.5 inches (rear), a shoulder room of 57.3 inches (front) and 56.5 inches (back) and a spacious legroom of 41.9 inches (front) and 37.3 inches (back). This is an SUV that you don’t have to hesitate to take someone on a long drive.

Infotainment System

In the middle of the cabin sits a Standard Mercedes infotainment system. This system comes with a touchpad controller, a 7 inch screen, etc. There are also many other features that come in addition to this infotainment system. They 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

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
• Automatic lowering for easier cargo loading
• Household-type 115V power outlet
• Illuminated entry system
• Refined cargo compartment

Cargo Volume

In the trunk, the 2020 Mercedes Benz AMG GLC 43 is commodious and helps you to easily load it up with as many utilities as you want. It has an impressive cargo cabin of 56.5 cu.ft for this purpose behind its second row.

“The 2020 Benz GLC crossover nails a rigorous set of safety hurdles for a perfect score here.” -thecarconnection

In its exterior, the heavy duty Silver Arrow does not get any major changes this year. The AMG GLC 43 still carries the looks of its predecessors. This 4987 lbs heavy SUV is 189.6 inches in length, 76.2 inches in width and 69.5 inches in height. The GLC looks like that SUV which is quite compact but stands tall when parked besides its competitors. It has a sporty aesthetic with curves and a defining exterior that define well its character.

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

With the NHTSA and IIHS yet to rate the GLC 43, it can be said that it is pretty safe after looking at the list of Safety features it provides you. Some of them are -

• Active Brake Assist
• Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• Crosswind Assist
• LED Daytime Running Lamps and taillamps
• Blind Spot Assist
• Rearview camera
• PRE-SAFE
• Seat belt technology
• 7 air bags
• Adaptive braking technology
• Antilock Braking System (ABS)
• Brake Assist (BAS®)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• 4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS)
• Trailer Stability Assist
• Aluminum and high-strength steel body structure
• Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• SmartKey with KEYLESS-START
• Antitheft alarm system with remote panic feature
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Electric parking brake

Mercedes AMG GLC 43 vs Audi SQ5

Aside from the fact that the Mercedes has a stronger powertrain and hence performs quicker, the SQ5 clearly is an overall better package. It has similar fuel efficiency but adds better value to its features and list of advanced tech. Value for money? We think the Silver Arrow all but fails to tackle the 4-rings. The SQ5 should be your preferred SUV and is a steel as it is also cheaper.

Mercedes AMG GLC 43 vs BMW X3 M40i

Comparing the GLC 43 with the BMW X3 M40i, the choice is a thin line to walk on because they go hand-in-hand on most parameters. The Beemer is quicker, delivers athletic and robust handling, has greater fuel economy, and provides easy to use infotainment system with gesture controls. It’s also cheaper than the Mercedes and since both these SUV’s are similar, it totally depends on what brand you’d prefer.

The 2020 Mercedes Benz GLC 43 might not have any major update since its previous iteration yet it manages to its stand amongst the top liners of this midsize SUV segment while giving them a tough competition. While it certainly is time for an overhaul, the Silver Arrow heavy duty in itself is a great car; it’s just the fact that its rivals have a better package.