Mercedes-amg GLC 43
First drive in the UK as cool SUV gets 362bhp twin-turbo V6
THE Mercedes GLC is a practical and comfortable family SUV, so the brand has decided to offer it in the UK with only diesel engines – plus this feisty petrol we test here. It’s the firebreathing GLC 43 from Mercedes-amg, and features a punchy 362bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6.
It’s easy enough to spot, thanks to the bling radiator grille and 19-inch alloy wheels, plus the sportier-looking bumpers and more pronounced tailpipes. On our white test car, it’s pretty conspicuous; the GLC 43 gets a lot of attention on the road.
Part of that could be the noise, too, as the 3.0-litre V6 has a sporty growl that sounds great from the outside; it’s just a shame it’s not so impressive from the cabin. It’s not all mouth and no trousers, either; with 362bhp, the GLC 43 is one of the fastest mid-size SUVS around.
It’ll go from 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds, which is impressive for a 1,845kg SUV. The engine produces 520Nm of torque between 2,000rpm and 4,200rpm, so while performance is superb from a standstill, it’s great in-gear as well. If the mood takes you, the V6 will happily blast up to the red line without noticeable fall-off, as the maximum power arrives at 5,500rpm.
The nine-speed automatic gearbox is well matched to the engine, and depending on the driving mode, it can deliver smooth shifts or more aggressive changes. It’s part of the car’s dual character, where it can go from sedate cruiser to racy maniac when the mood takes you.
The GLC 43 is a superb motorway cruiser, with the smooth-shifting box and torquey engine meaning it’s easy to overtake when you need to. It’s quiet inside at speed, and while there’s some road noise from the big tyres, wind noise is hushed.
It’s comfortable, too, with the adaptive suspension coping well at speed while in comfort mode. If you find yourself on a winding road, there are Sport and Sport+ modes to choose from – but while the dampers stiffen up, the GLC is a bit out of its element. There’s still quite a lot of body roll, to be expected from a tall car like this, but the steering doesn’t have much feel and the 1,845kg kerbweight is much more apparent while cornering, as it doesn’t change direction with much composure. It’s the best-handling GLC in the range, but it doesn’t come close to matching a Porsche Macan for thrills.
This AMG is at its best on motorways and A-roads with long, flowing turns. It seems unlikely that most buyers will be buying the GLC 43 to hurtle down a B-road, though, so its main talents are where it really matters.
The interior is superb, with a stylish and upmarket-looking design, comfortable seats and plenty of in-car technology. Safety
“Nine-speed auto is well matched to the V6; it can deliver smooth shifts or more aggressive changes”
equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera and attention assist, which detects if you’re getting tired and need a break from driving.
The driver’s seat feels cosy, with the dash and centre console designed to wrap around you, while the rear seats have plenty of legroom. There’s also a big 550-litre boot. It’s just as good at being a family car as a standard GLC, in fact.
However, if that’s your plan, a GLC 350d could be the more sensible option. It’s nearly as fast, with a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds, plus it has more torque, at 620Nm. Crucially, though, it’s cheaper to buy and claims 47.9mpg, compared with this GLC 43’s 34mpg. CO2 emissions of 159g/km mean it’s cheaper to tax as well.
However, the stunning AMG model is a car you’ll buy with your heart as much as your head, and the punchy V6, exterior tweaks and extra kit could make it worth the extra outlay for some buyers.