2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV Review: The Last Vestige Of AMG's V6
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 is the thinking person's go-faster SUV. Compared to the 469-horsepower big-boy GLC 63 twin-turbo V8, the 43's power output of 385 hp looks a bit lightweight. But just think about that for a second. When exactly did 385 hp become lightweight? Isn't it just an illusion created by the utterly ridiculous ongoing German horsepower war? It may be down on power compared to its brother, but this compact luxury performance crossover is powered by a perfectly capable twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. It also comes with many AMG-enhanced goodies as standard, giving it a more aggressive look both inside and out. Even this late in its life, the GLC 43 seemingly still has the right stuff, but both the Porsche Macan S and the BMW X3 M40i are also highly dynamic SUVs. Still, the Merc's classy interior and strong performance keep it in contention with these competitors.
What's the Price of the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV?
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV has a price of $59,900 MSRP, excluding the $1,050 destination charge. Compared to its main competitors in the USA, the GLC 43 is the most expensive. The Audi SQ5 goes on sale for $55,800, while the X3 M40i retails for $57,800.
Handling and Driving Impressions
The GLC 43 is equipped with an adaptive air suspension system, AMG Dynamic Select, and a three-stage electronic stability program. To drive, it's a bit of a mixed bag. When we first drove the standard GLC in 2015, we liked that Mercedes didn't bother to make it sporty. Even so, the chassis felt capable of coping with more power. Body lean was minimal, the standard 4MATIC provided loads of grip, and, crucially, the ride was compliant. Honestly, Mercedes could have stuck with the stock suspension because the combination would have been epic. Still, you can choose between four preset modes, including Slippery, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. These are the overarching settings, adapting the suspension, throttle response, and stability control.
Mercedes also offers an Individual mode, which allows the driver to select their own unique set of parameters. Unfortunately, the options are limited. You can't have the suspension in Comfort and the engine in Sport, for example. These two elements are always linked, and it's a pity. In Comfort mode, the GLC 43 is as easy to live with as a standard GLC - it goes about its business in a quiet and refined fashion, with little to no clues about what lies under the hood. Dial it up to Sport+, and the engine comes alive, offering a guttural growl as you accelerate and a series of pops and bangs when you lift off. It's such a satisfying way of destroying fossil fuel. The stability control is also less intrusive, and with nearly 70% of the power going to the rear, it's relatively easy to induce a slide on a loose surface. This is not a track car, which is why we would have liked to have a mode where the suspension remains in Comfort, but the engine is a bit more awake and vocal.
Verdict: Is the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 A Good SUV?
This is a brutal verdict because the GLC is so close to the end of its life. You can tell by looking at the interior that it's achingly close to facing the axeman. Do you get one now, or do you wait until the next generation rolls in? There's an excellent case to be made for getting one now. As mentioned earlier, the glorious 385-hp turbocharged V6 is also on the way out. The next-generation C-Class AMG will use a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid setup, so it stands to reason that the next version of this car will use the same. The GLC 63 will get all the horses, while the 43 (or whatever Benz calls it) will be detuned. It's such a pity because the GLC 43 is, in our opinion, a better buy than its more powerful 63 brother. The 63 has too much power, and the opportunities to fully exploit it are minimal. The GLC 43 is a more balanced offering. It feels lighter and nimbler, and it also makes a lovely noise. The competition is also strong, however. Audi's SQ5 leaves us a bit cold, but the X3 M40i is an exceptional car; it's even better than the stupidly stiff X3 M. As a less intimidating AMG product, the current GLC 43 still has a lot to offer.
What Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV Model Should I Buy?
There is only one model, but it's worth exploring the options list to find the best specification. We'd have ours in the new Starling Blue with the 20-inch alloys with black inserts. The Cranberry Red/Black leather seats are a must and they couple nicely with the no-cost Natural Grain Black Ash wood and aluminum interior. The Driver Assistance Package is a must, and selecting it automatically adds the Multimedia Package. Finally, we'd go with the high-end $850 Burmester sound system. This brings the total to $69,070, including destination and delivery. That's not bad and still a decent chunk away from the GLC 63 model.
2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV Comparisons
2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV vs Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV
While Merc's twin-turbo V6 is a gem, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 will go down as one of the greatest engines in the history of internal combustion. The power gap isn't as significant as you might expect, however. The V6 produces 385 hp, while the 63 boasts specs of 469 hp and 479 b-ft. AMG obviously had to detune the 4.0-liter, as it's capable of producing more than 600 hp. The epic soundtrack remains in place.
You'd guess the 63 would walk all over the 43, then. The truth is, the 63 is only really ahead in two departments - straight-line speed and noise. The 63's ride is too firm, and the fuel consumption is horrific, if not on paper than in reality because you're constantly chasing that soundtrack, and that turns gas into noise quite rapidly. If money were no object, it's hard to resist the allure of the 63's V8. But the 43 offers excellent performance and a better ride at a lower price, which is why it's our choice here.
2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV vs BMW X3
BMW's X3 M40i is less powerful than the AMG GLC 43 SUV, but it puts the power down more effectively thanks to a better AWD system. It has 382 hp versus the Merc's 385 hp, yet it gets to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, beating the Benz's 4.7-second time. BMW also offers a more balanced suspension system that hits that perfect spot between comfort and agility. We'd even have it over the more powerful X3 M, which is just too stiff to live with no matter what driver setting you use. We have had the opportunity to drive this model on track, and the electronic nannies are superb. In Sport+ mode with the stability control dialed back, it feels glorious. Switch everything off, and it handles like an understeering pig. BMW is at the forefront of selectable driving modes, we reckon. The X3 also has a more modern interior and has a huge 28.7-cube trunk, easily beating the Merc's 17.6 cubes. Basically, the BMW is newer, and you can tell. This battle might be less one-sided when Mercedes introduces the new GLC.