Thursday 18th July 2019

Mercedes-AMG delivers 390hp GLC 43

Slightly more modest Affalterbach option still does 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds...

---

Last month we saw AMG’s new £75,000 GLC 63, and now the Affalterbach-based division has given us a glimpse of its slightly less pricey alternative. The GLC 43 4MATIC and GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe offer a cheaper way into an AMG-branded SUV and are obviously targeted at customers who assume that a 476hp V8 is probably overkill for the job in hand. 

The 3.0-litre V6 biturbo found in the 43-badged cars sends a healthy 390hp - 23hp more than before - to a 31/69 rear-biased four-wheel drive system, via AMG’s nine-ratio Speedshift transmission. The higher output is attributed to larger turbos mounted closer to the engine, as well as “adjustments made to the software”, with the resulting 384lb ft of torque between 2,500 and 4,500rpm being enough for a 4.9-second 0-62 sprint. Top speed stands at an electronically limited 155mph. 

Externally, an AMG-specific radiator grille, new high-performance LED headlights, restyled aprons front and rear, enlarged side sills and round tailpipe finishers set the car apart from the standard model. That’s not forgetting, of course, the AMG light-alloy wheels; five variants ranging from 19- to 21-inches being available, with the 19s as standard. Inside, meanwhile, improved sports seats, aluminium trim and an AMG-specific version of Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system should keep buyers happy. 

The latter features both a 12.3-inch instrument cluster on the left and the 10.25-inch touchscreen display on the right, via which one of five drive programs - Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual - can also be selected. These allow the car to range between being “efficient and comfortable” and “extremely sporty”, with the most aggressive setting adjusting the ESP to ensure that the “available spectrum in terms of lateral dynamics is considerable.” Jolly good. 

Multi-chamber air suspension with AMG Ride Control+ and adaptive damping ought to mean that the GLC 43 offers a suitable ‘Jekel and Hyde’ mix of comfort and agility. As well as lowering the car at high speed to increase stability, an all-round pneumatic control system ensures that its level remains constant regardless of the weight it is carrying, making the 43 an attractive choice for load-luggers in a hurry.

"This mid-size performance SUV combines new, expressive design features with enhanced performance, the innovative MBUX infotainment system and absolute viability in everyday use. And, of course, its exceptional agility and sporty driving dynamics mean that we are able to meet our brand promise of "Driving Performance" in this segment, too," said Mercedes-AMG Chairman, Tobias Moers. 

There’s no word on pricing or availability just yet, but it can’t be too far off now. More when we have it.

[pilotdan]

With Audi choosing to move their S models, such as the comparable SQ5, to being all diesel, I can see this picking up their share for people who refuse to have a derv 'performance' car.

I like it - price dependent.

[GT3hopeful]

I think a New Macan S would be preferable at similar money?

[cerb4.5lee]

I love that colour and I like the idea of these. I have a GLC350d which has been a brilliant(if very boring) long distance cruiser. I would like to experience how this engine changes the character of the car.

[Chestrockwell]

cerb4.5lee said:

I love that colour and I like the idea of these. I have a GLC350d which has been a brilliant(if very boring) long distance cruiser. I would like to experience how this engine changes the character of the car.

Everyone moans about hot diesel cars until they own one, your GLC for example is definitely a fantastic all rounder, sure you could say it’s boring but it’s not meant to be fun and I doubt it having a 390bhp V6 would make it more ‘fun’.

My 430d was ‘boring’ compared to a 435i (at the time) but the price difference in fuel and VED along with it handling the same and not being that much quicker made the diesel make more sense. I returned an over all average of 35 mpg over 30k miles and that’s me having a heavy foot. I can’t imagine a 435i/40i returning more than 20 with my driving.

If I was in the position of comfortably affording the GLC43, I’d honestly get the 350d instead, if I had serious money, I’d get a Cayenne Turbo. It explains how there are hardly any of the full fat AMG’s of these about. 90k for a car with 2014 C class interior. Facelift model might change things.

[belleair302]

I do prefer the E class for interior size, but I still do not get why people buy these over the existing estate version. Is it just to keep up vertically with everybody else?

[cerb4.5lee]

Chestrockwell said:

cerb4.5lee said:

I love that colour and I like the idea of these. I have a GLC350d which has been a brilliant(if very boring) long distance cruiser. I would like to experience how this engine changes the character of the car.

Everyone moans about hot diesel cars until they own one, your GLC for example is definitely a fantastic all rounder, sure you could say it’s boring but it’s not meant to be fun and I doubt it having a 390bhp V6 would make it more ‘fun’.

My 430d was ‘boring’ compared to a 435i (at the time) but the price difference in fuel and VED along with it handling the same and not being that much quicker made the diesel make more sense. I returned an over all average of 35 mpg over 30k miles and that’s me having a heavy foot. I can’t imagine a 435i/40i returning more than 20 with my driving.

If I was in the position of comfortably affording the GLC43, I’d honestly get the 350d instead, if I had serious money, I’d get a Cayenne Turbo. It explains how there are hardly any of the full fat AMG’s of these about. 90k for a car with 2014 C class interior. Facelift model might change things.

Yes and I'm certainly in your camp and I do think that a SUV does suit a nice torquey diesel engine for sure. On the very rare occasion that I've driven the GLC with any real vigor it falls apart a fair bit and really feels its weight in the corners and under braking. I can't see the GLC43 really improving much on that(it is still a heavy/tall vehicle), I'm guessing that it will have a completely different suspension set up hopefully improving it a bit though?

I just adapt a relaxed driving style in the 350d and appreciate what it is really good at, and it just isn't the sort of vehicle that you throw around for me.

[cerb4.5lee]

belleair302 said:

I do prefer the E class for interior size, but I still do not get why people buy these over the existing estate version. Is it just to keep up vertically with everybody else?

I actually much prefer an estate from an actual driving perspective(I've had a X5 and a 5 series touring) and an estate is a much better steer. Although I do like the higher driving position of a SUV and they are quite flexible/have decent ground clearance over rough ground down tight country lanes etc.

[GroundEffect]

Always liked the GLC.

[nickfrog]

belleair302 said:

I do prefer the E class for interior size, but I still do not get why people buy these over the existing estate version. Is it just to keep up vertically with everybody else?

Probably more than one way to skin a cat. I like estates but prefer SUVs, more space for the smaller footprint amongst other advantages.

[Red 3]

This is already a very accomplished car pre face lift. I owned a Macan Turbo for 2 years prior to changing to the AMG and personally find the GLC a far better all round car.
With the 9 speed box I also believe its performance equal to the Turbo once on the go and Considerably ahead of the Macan S.
At 9/10ths it is also the better steer on our North Yorkshire A & B roads.
A very understated and under rated machine...!

[Hairymonster]

As vulgar and pointless as the people that buy them

[juice]

Hairymonster said:

As vulgar and pointless as the people that buy them

Yes, indeed. Let's all get Octavia Estates, the motoring equivalent of blancmange.

[Red 3]

Hairymonster said:

As vulgar and pointless as the people that buy them

Bit of a sweeping statement. I also drive a harmless little ole MG Midget, does that better suit your idea of an automotive enthusiast?

[playalistic]

Hairymonster said:

As vulgar and pointless as the people that buy them

That's a good one. Well done.

[Hairymonster]

juice said:

Yes, indeed. Let's all get Octavia Estates, the motoring equivalent of blancmange.

Or an SLK55, the motoring equivalent of a tanning salon, to complement the GLC, the motoring equivalent of TOWIE

[Hairymonster]

Red 3 said:

Bit of a sweeping statement. I also drive a harmless little ole MG Midget, does that better suit your idea of an automotive enthusiast?

Nope

[playalistic]

You ok hun?

[juice]

Hairymonster said:

Or an SLK55, the motoring equivalent of a tanning salon, to complement the GLC, the motoring equivalent of TOWIE

How did you know I'm from Essex - Stalker !!




Edited to add - you're right about the SLK I've got a cracking golfer's tan since owning it !

[Hairymonster]

juice said:

How did you know I'm from Essex - Stalker !!




Edited to add - you're right about the SLK I've got a cracking golfer's tan since owning it !

QED

[akashzimzimma]

Chestrockwell said:

Everyone moans about hot diesel cars until they own one, your GLC for example is definitely a fantastic all rounder, sure you could say it’s boring but it’s not meant to be fun and I doubt it having a 390bhp V6 would make it more ‘fun’.

My 430d was ‘boring’ compared to a 435i (at the time) but the price difference in fuel and VED along with it handling the same and not being that much quicker made the diesel make more sense. I returned an over all average of 35 mpg over 30k miles and that’s me having a heavy foot. I can’t imagine a 435i/40i returning more than 20 with my driving.

If I was in the position of comfortably affording the GLC43, I’d honestly get the 350d instead, if I had serious money, I’d get a Cayenne Turbo. It explains how there are hardly any of the full fat AMG’s of these about. 90k for a car with 2014 C class interior. Facelift model might change things.

It's been facelifted, as per above , so it has a more advanced interior than the facelifted C Class actually. It has the larger centre screen, digital cockpit, with the addition of MB Aux from the A Class.