The Batmobile. That’s what I called the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe. My test vehicle had matte dark grey paint which made it look a bit mysterious and other-worldly. It’s another in the growing sphere of SUVs that look like coupes with a sloping roofline and fastback body style.
Base Price: $70,600
As Tested: $81,830
Horsepower: 416
Mileage: 24 mpg city/18 mpg highway/21 mpg combined
The Mercedes AMG GLC 43 Coupe is all-new for 2024 and is the performance-oriented version of the GLC 300 Coupe. It stands out among the extremely competitive class of luxury compact SUVs with its curvy lines, silky smooth power, opulent interior and latest tech. But it’s also more expensive than many rivals.
The GLC 43 was not produced for 2023 but gets completely redesigned for 2024.
The five-passenger AMG GLC 43 starts at 64,950. Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive is standard. The price can climb in a hurry with options and packages.
There’s also an even higher performance version, the AMG GLC 63 S E Performance. It will be reviewed separately.
The AMG GLC 43 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and mild 48-volt hybrid system that crank out 416 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This is a hefty bump over the GLC 300 which also has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder but has 255 horses and 295 pound-feet. The transmission is a nine-speed automatic. An adaptive suspension is also standard, as is rear axle steering, which makes the GLC Coupe even easier to maneuver.
There are five drive modes: Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Snow, and Individual, which lets you adjust drivetrain, suspension, and vehicle dynamics, and choose whether systems such as traction control and the active exhaust system are engaged.
This is one fun ride! Acceleration is quick – Mercedes says the AMG GLC 43 can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds with little turbo lag. Touch the accelerator and it’s a breeze to speed up for merging and passing at freeway speeds. The nine-speed shifts eagerly and accurately, always finding the right gear. Steering and brakes are responsive, and standard AWD keeps this coupe planted when cornering and on wet roads. While the AMG GLC 43 Coupe doesn’t have the sheer power and performance of some rivals, there’s no doubt that it’s a finely tuned athlete.
Fuel economy is just ok for the class. EPA ratings for my tester are 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with a combined rating of 21. I got 21 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
The interior boasts excellent build quality similar to the premium fit and finish you’d find in the Mercedes S Class. The dash features a digital cluster for the driver and large infotainment system with vertical alignment, like a tablet. Front row passengers have good leg- and headroom. Second row passengers have good legroom but the sloping roofline reduces headroom. Average size adults should be ok there but it may be tight for taller adults.
Standard features include keyless entry, push-button start, rearview camera, surround-view camera system, dual-zone climate control, sport front seats, MB-Tex and microfiber AMG seating, 10-way power driver and front passenger seats with adjustable lumbar support and thigh extension, three driver and front passenger memory settings, heated front seats, leather and heated performance steering wheel, infotainment system with 11.9-inch vertical touchscreen, satellite radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing windshield wipers, adaptive headlights and a moonroof.
Available features include a head-up display, leather and Nappa leather upholstery with an embossed AMG crest on the front headrests, AMG Performance seats, red seat belts, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, massaging front seats, MBUX augmented video for navigation, dashcam, and AMG track pace.
Standard driver assistance technologies include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, collision preparation, collision warning system, pedestrian detection, rear cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, automatic parking assist and driver attention alert.
Available driver assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control, active lane change assist, automatic lane change, active lane keeping assist, active speed limit assist, traffic sign assist, active steering assist, and evasive steering assist.
The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system looks great with its vertical alignment and high-res, colorful graphics. But the user interface can take time to figure out as there are many menus and submenus. And there’s not even a volume knob or physical climate controls, so you have to through the touchscreen. There are also touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel, but they can be persnickety to use. The best bet is to say “Hey Mercedes” – this virtual assistant does an excellent job of understanding and acting on commands. And the MBUX system has easy wireless smartphone integration, whether you use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
Cargo space is decent but there’s not as much room as in the non-coupe GLC class. There are 19.2 cubic feet with both rows of seating in place and 52.6 cubes with the second row folded. A hands-free power liftgate is standard.
The good:
Striking looks
Snappy acceleration,
Sporty performance with five driving modes
Smooth ride
Many standard features and tech
Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Price can climb quickly with options and packages
Sloping roofline reduces cargo space and second-row headroom
Infotainment system has learning curve
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $70,600. Graphite Grey Magno matte paint is $3,250. Black leather seating with read stitching is $1,620. 21-inch AMG Y-spoke wheels with black accents are $1,600. AMG Track Pace is $250. Ventilated front seats are $450. Advanced USB package is $300. Burmester Surround Sound audio system is $910. Driver Assistance Package is $1,950. Credit for missing heated steering wheel is -$250. Destination fee is $1,150 bringing the grand total to $81,830.
Bottom line:
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe is a great mix of comfort and performance. In many ways, this couple handles more like a sports car than an SUV. It’s exhilarating to drive and has the opulent interior and tech you expect in a Mercedes.
