The Mercedes AMG GLC 43 4Matic SUV, with its handcrafted 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo Engine, was a sporty driving experience, certainly agile and responsive enough, generating 416 horesepower, 369 lb-ft of torque, top speed 265 km/h. But priced at CAD $102,133 (base CAD $79,900)? That’s a reach.
Competitors include the BMW X3 M40i, with prices starting at CAD $74,900, less powerful than the Mercedes, more refined and smoother.
The Audi SQ5 is also more affordable than the Mercedes (CAD $73,150), equipped with a 3.0L turbo V6 engine, higher-quality interior, an 8-speed automatic and quattro all-wheel drive. Even the Porsche Macan S, starting at CAD $80,800, with a 2.9L twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, is comparable.
Options on the media vehicle I drove included the AMG Drivers Package at CAD $4,000 (20-inch AMG 10-Twin-Spoke Wheels, Performance Steering Wheel in Nappa/Microcut), Pinnacle Trim at CAD $3,950 (Heat & Noise Insulating Glass, MBUX Entertainment, Burmester 3D Surround Sound System, Head-Up Display, Augmented Reality for Navigation), and Exclusive Trim at CAD $1,975 (MB Navigation, Traffic Sign Assist, Premium Ambient Lighting, 360 Camera).
Engineering with Luxury Refinement
Performance is the difference-maker if you’re shopping around in this category of luxury SUV. This engine incorporates Formula 1-derived technology, such as an electrically assisted turbocharger, for better responsiveness and power delivery.
The Mercedes AMG GLC 43 4Matic SUV features a nine-speed transmission (AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT) and AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive, with 60% of torque sent to the rear wheels. Standard rear-wheel steering and adaptive damping further improves agility, making it feel more like you’re in a sports car.
Interior Balances Sporty + Luxury
The sportiness of the driving experience is matched by the sport feel of the interior, with a heavy dose of luxury touch points, like the optional Nappa leather, soft-touch surfaces and other high-quality finishes that envelop the driver’s seat area.
And yes, I loved the steering wheel – flat-bottom with capacitive touch buttons, aluminum shift paddles, and a drive mode selector dial enhances both functionality and sporty aesthetics.
The interior offers ample rear-seat space for two adults, heated and power-adjustable front seats, and a panoramic sunroof that extends to the rear, creating an airy, luxurious environment.
Distinctive Design
It definitely looks sharp. The Mercedes AMC GLC 43 features an AMG-specific grille, large air inlets, a rear diffuser, and quad exhausts,. Overall you can describe it as muscular and athletic, a look that differentiates it from the competitors. The optional AMG Line with Night Package adds a bolder aesthetic.
Despite its performance focus, the SUV maintains a sleek, refined silhouette, available in both traditional SUV and coupe-style fastback variants, catering to varied luxury tastes.
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC SUV is unique in the luxury vehicle segment for its seamless integration of Formula 1-inspired performance, a tech-rich and sporty interior, and distinctive AMG styling. For that price point, though, you need to take a hard look around, test drive the competitors, before you commit. Don’t fall for sales-speak. Drive one, and let it digest for awhile.
Images by Mark Keast
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
But I love writing about cars – check that, luxury cars, a level of superior, engineering sophistication, high performance and style, that transports you not just from one destination to another but also out of whatever you are going through on a particular day, whatever mood you are in, all to another head space. It’s complete and total exhilaration, head to toe.
Check out my stories, and email me direct at mkeast@regardingluxury.com
