Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 2024 Coupe: Here's A First Drive Review
The new GLC 43 AMG does look very nice with its aggressive styling including the new slim tail-lamps plus a sharper face
Mercedes-Benz has been launching one new car after the other while maintaining a firm grip on its crown. However, there are two sides to the brand in being the one offering luxury while its AMG division is all about performance. There was the C43 sedan sometime back and now its SUV sibling is launched which is the new GLC 43 AMG.
It is a fast AMG SUV and it is also perfectly sized for our market along with the fact that you do not have to worry about the ground clearance. The new GLC 43 AMG does look very nice with its aggressive styling including the new slim tail-lamps plus a sharper face. Of course, being an AMG you get a massive grille, large intakes, fins and what not. Then there are lovely 21-inch wheels, metal side-steps and the slanting coupe-like rear which dominates your attention.
The rear has a large diffuser and large exhausts sticking out as well. The GLC 43 on the inside also has a large dose of AMG with sport seats which wrap around you like any performance car should, metal trim, red seat belts and red top stitching too. Then there is the massive AMG sports steering wheel and pedals.
The large screen is as crisp as any Mercedes touchscreen is while this car gets AMG specific bits and info. Then there is also a proper full-color Head-up Display with multiple AMG-specific display modes which is brilliant to use too. Quality as you would expect is top notch and it feels special. Other goodies include a 15 speaker Burmester 3d audio system.
That said, this is not a Mercedes that you lounge at the back as the coupe style roofline eats into the room while the windows, all black trim further make it seem smaller. It is best for tagging along with your friends for the drive as you would most likely be at the driver's seat most of the time. The engine is all new and that is the big change with a 2.0l turbo petrol with a 48V mild hybrid system as well. The engine comes with F1 tech and develops 421hp and 500Nm. Standard is a 9-speed auto with a wet clutch along with plenty of configuration while you can even do a race start!
It does not feel like an SUV as you sit lower and grab the large AMG steering wheel. The engine in normal mode is a bit silent but as you dial up the modes in Sport and more, the engine wakes up. There are proper exhaust pops and crackles in Sport+ but it is very aggressive and it is like taming a wild animal!
The gearbox is too aggressive but it is fun while being best for an open road. Here, it feels properly quick and exotic with the exhaust making you forget that this is not a V6! Put it down in comfort and it becomes civilised. However, while the handling is so fun and perfect for enthusiasts, the ride is too stiff even in comfort mode. Hence, you need to watch out for potholes but thankfully you do not need to watch out for scraping them since this is an SUV after all! There is a lot of tech and adjustability with rear axle steering and more while the personality of the car is quite sports car like.
This is a proper AMG and not an SUV which is merely sporting. Prices have gone up to Rs 1.10 crore and it is very firm plus space at the back isn't much but here is a sports car which you can enjoy everyday which is the real deal while also being pretty practical. The ideal AMG for India then?
What we like: Looks, performance, interior, handling, practicality
What we do not: Stiff ride quality, rear seat space
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