Luxury crossovers translate to big profits for automakers, but it was BMW who discovered yet another income source when it launched its first-generation X6 for 2009. By replacing the SUV body of the then second-generation X5 with a sleeker four-door coupe design, BMW created an entirely new segment and its competitors took notice. Mercedes-Benz revealed its response, the GLE Coupe, in 2015, and also responded in kind to the BMW X4 with the GLC Coupe for 2016. Mercedes' high-performance AMG division immediately got involved and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe was born.
For the 2020 model year, it has received a mid-life refresh alongside its fraternal twin, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV. Although it may look similar to last year's model, there are some styling differences and, perhaps most importantly, more power and new technologies. All of this will keep the AMG GLC 43 Coupe competitive for the next few years until its successor arrives. But for now, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe delivers the goods customers want and much more.
Sleeker Styling Is Sexier
Mercedes-AMG knew not to mess too much with a good thing regarding the GLC 43 Coupe's styling, but there are some nice touches that make it look even better. For starters, notice it has received AMG's now trademark Panamericana grille that initially debuted on the amazing AMG GT. There's also a new front bumper that was previously only found on the sportier, more powerful, and more expensive GLC 63 Coupe. Along with restyled LED headlights that now match the automaker's latest corporate look, there are also some sharp-looking matte black fins over the air intakes.
The rear end has also received a slight nip/tuck by way of a new rear diffuser and rounded quad tailpipes, replacing the square-shaped units. The new LED taillights also look far better than the ones they replaced and buyers get a choice of a few attractive wheel designs.
In short, the 2020 GLC 43 Coupe has the more premium appearance it needed all along.
AMG GT Influence Inside
Like with the exterior, Mercedes wanted to give the GLC 43 additional premium touches inside too. A few examples include red highlights throughout the cabin and a new steering wheel. Both driver information screens have also grown in size. The gauge cluster now measures at 12.3-inches while the touchscreen, which incorporates the automaker's new MBUX infotainment software, is now 10.25-inches. In general, the dashboard's styling is influenced by the one found in the flagship AMG GT. In previous model years we noted that, despite looking luxurious, some of the build materials felt cheap, specifically some plastic elements. We're hoping Mercedes-AMG has properly addressed this.
While the GLC 43 Coupe's sloping roof looks cool on the outside, there's a price to pay inside. That sloped C-pillar makes it a bit more difficult for rear-seat adult passengers to get inside without knocking their head. There's also less headroom inside and cargo volume is down from 19 cubic feet to 18 cubic feet compared to the SUV body style. It's not a huge price to pay, but some drivers may find themselves annoyed by less rearward visibility.
More Power And Solid Performance
Mercedes-AMG builds some of the best performance engines in the world. Best sounding, too. Continuing with the GLC 43 Coupe's closer association with the more powerful GLC 63 Coupe, the automaker has upped the power output. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 remains but now produces 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. Previously, it was rated at 362 hp and the same amount of torque. Once again, power is sent to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Interestingly, and despite the additional 23 ponies, the GLC 43 Coupe still has exactly the same 0-60 mph sprint time as before, 4.7 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph. However, if you opt for those 21-inch wheels with summer rubber, top speed is increased to 155 mph.
And because this is a performance-focused machine, buyers receive many standard features to aid them for a thrilling driving experience. Among them are a speed-sensitive steering wheel, an adaptive AMG Sport Suspension, and a rear-biased 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. There are four unique driving modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual.
Pricing
As is typical with new model years and facelifts, there is a slight price bump over last year's model though we highly doubt this will deter customers. The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe begins at $63,995, including the destination fee. Bear in mind this price will gradually increase once additional option packages are checked on the order form. It's also worth noting that the GLC 43 SUV – same engine, same interior, etc. – has a lower base price of $60,495, also including destination. This is a $3,500 price difference for essentially the same vehicle, but four-door coupe styling, in our opinion, looks an awful lot sexier.
Will It Sell?
Unfortunately, Mercedes does not release separate sales figures for the GLC Coupe and SUV, and AMG 43 and 63 variants. Therefore it's very hard to determine whether the Coupe or SUV body style is more popular. The good news is that that we know the GLC lineup plays a vital role in Mercedes' lineup. Just last year a total of 69,729 examples were sold in the US. That's a significant increase from 2017 when 48,643 units left dealership lots. Even with a high starting price, Mercedes never would have launched the GLC 43 Coupe in the first place if it didn't believe it would sell in solid numbers.