2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 / GLC43 Coupe

Overview

Two of the Mercedes-Benz AMG performance group's most recent creations are the GLC43 and the GLC43 coupe, and they are winners. Using the standard GLC-class as its foundation, AMG engineers drop a 362-hp twin-turbocharged V-6 under the hood, add an adaptive suspension with a performance bent, and dust the GLC inside and out with a liberal coating of sporty styling elements. What they’ve created is a pair of unnaturally sporty compact luxury SUVs with a near perfect blend of comfort, athleticism, and utility that are as at home attacking apexes as they are traversing interstates. If you like the sound of that, then all you have to do is choose between fastback or conventional squareback body styles.

What's New for 2017?

The GLC43 and GLC43 coupe are both new models in the Mercedes-AMG lineup for 2017. Although the squareback GLC43 and fastback GLC43 coupe share the same basic shape with their corresponding Mercedes-Benz models, there’s no mistaking the swaggering AMG versions for anything but. They represent the performance-packed sweet spot in the lineup between the standard GLC300 and the utterly mental GLC63, which comes with a twin-turbo V-8 and up to 503 horsepower (each reviewed separately).

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Pricing

Original MSRP:

• Base: $55,895
• Coupe: $60,645

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Under the hood of each GLC43 model is a rip-snorting twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that provides more than enough muscle for day-to-day use and makes a perfect companion for assertive drivers. An AMG-tuned nine-speed automatic transmission is quick-shifting and smooth. The engine makes an authoritative 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, enough to scoot both the GLC43 and the GLC43 coupe from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. All-wheel drive, standard on both models, sends 69 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels. Handling is predictable and perfectly balanced. Despite its on-road dexterity, the GLC43’s ride is refined and rarely harsh over rough stretches of pavement. When the adaptive suspension is in its stiffest setting, however, road imperfections make themselves known to occupants.

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Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The GLC-class’s high-quality interior gets sportified in the GLC43 models, with highly bolstered seats, paddle shifters, and optional interior embellishments such as carbon-fiber trim and red seatbelts. The steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles are chunky metal levers and operate with a satisfying click. Luxury features abound, and the power-adjustable steering wheel and power front seats offer supreme adjustability. Heated rear seats are standard on the squareback model but curiously are an option for coupe buyers. Just because the GLC43 is a performance-oriented crossover doesn’t mean it can get away with not being practical, and it does a good job of hauling cargo. Other rivals offer more space, however, and the coupe’s fastback rear hatch does reduce its cargo capacity.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The Mercedes COMAND infotainment system is intuitive and reasonably snappy in the GLC43. The system lacks popular smartphone-integration features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but our complaints start and end there. A tablet-like 7.0-inch display screen floats above the dashboard’s central air vents and is controlled by a console-mounted rotary knob. An upgraded 8.4-inch screen is optional and comes with navigation and real-time traffic and weather updates through SiriusXM Travel Link. A six-speaker audio system with SiriusXM radio, a CD/DVD player, and USB connectivity is standard, and a 13-speaker Burmester surround-sound setup is optional.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 / GLC43 Coupe’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.