Most people think of AMG as a large sedan or big SUV with a big, loud engine that will cost well into the six figures and earn you respect from the car community. Times are changing and the Mercedes AMG vehicle line has expanded.
Mercedes AMG has more models joining the improved performance vehicle line. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe is one of the latest to see a big boost in performance this year. This compact SUV is no slouch and a highly tuned sports car with space for five.
With a handcrafted AMG four-cylinder engine with hybrid assist that pumps out 416 hp, the GLC does not lack for performance. The handling capabilities are tuned when you select the AMG version. Equipped with AMG Ride Control, expect sports carlike reflexes with the ability to tackle back roads with confidence. You can even take this ride to the track and enjoy the performance to the max in a controlled environment. Most AMG models never see a track. And that’s OK since the AMG GLC 43 Coupe performs well during the daily commute and on the highway. That firm suspension on the track is quickly tuned for comfort with turn of a knob. However, the throttle and brakes can be touchy at slow parking lot speeds.
Style is a huge part of the GLC Coupe. There’s no boxy tough SUV here. Curves and swooping lines are its styling cues. For 2024, the second generation of the GLC Coupe wears the look better than before with a less abrupt rear hatch design adding to a more pleasing side profile. The AMG version also gives off sports car vibes with special lower body moldings and aggressive front and rear end treatments that complete the AMG look. Spend more for the optional 21-inch AMG wheels to take it up a notch.
Open the door and you’ll see that the attention in the redesign was given to the improved interior. Its fresh look and feel brings the GLC in line with or surpasses others in the compact luxury SUV class. The AMG GLC 43 I drove offers a premium experience with improved materials throughout the cabin. The sports car feel is carried through to the inside with racy leather buckets finished with red stitching. There are even trim pieces with metal weave to keep that sports car look going. Its coupe-like appearance, however, cuts down the cargo space and the rear seat headroom for taller riders.
New this year: the GLC Coupe gets much of the latest tech that Mercedes offers — a nice touch for this class.
Cost: $70,600; as tested $78,830
MPG: 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway; I managed 25.7 mpg in 526 miles of mixed driving.
Safety: Active Brake Assist; Attention Assist; Adaptive Highbeam Assist; Blind Spot Assist; Surround View Camera; Parktronic with active parking assist; Pre-Safe/Pre-Safe sound; Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC; Active and Evasive Steering Assist; Active Blind Spot Assist; Active Lane Keeping and Lane Change Assist; Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function; Congestion Emergency Braking and Stop Assist; PRE-SAFE Impulse Side and PRE-SAFE Plus
Options: $1,620 black leather with red stitching; $1,100 21″ RWM Y-spoke AMG wheels; $750 Nautical Blue Metallic; $1,950 driver assistance package; $250 AMG track pace; $450 ventilated front seats; $300 advanced USB package $910 Burmester surround system
Things to know: The redesigned GLC Coupe now has an AMG version with big power and luxury and sports car style.
Pros:
- Latest technology and safety features
- AMG GLC Coupe has big power, improved handling and brakes
- Hushed cabin makes this an excellent road trip ride
Cons:
- Price is high and can climb quickly with options
- Some learning curve for the technology
- Less rear headroom and cargo space than the regular GLC SUV
