2021 AMG GLC 43 SUV Review: Frim Ride, Lots of Confidence

The mid-size SUV 2021 AMG GLC43 comes to compete with the other members of the German trident, the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3, and also with other premium proposals such as the Volvo XC60 or the Land Rover Discovery Sport, To a lesser extent it also comes to compete with others such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Likewise, it is also worth mentioning that there is a GLC coupé that adopts a more sporty design with a marked downward drop of the roof, and that it would be the clear competitor of the Audi Q5 Sportback and BMW X4.

In general, the GLC looks like an SUV with a modern and attractive design, more elegant than sporty, and with an interior that, although it does not look as futuristic as those of the new Mercedes batches, for example the A-Class, still really looks good, with wide possibilities of equipment and good finishes in general. By size, it is among the most spacious in the segment.

Describing the 2021 AMG GLC 43, Mercedes says it provides "excellent suitability for everyday use and noticeably more dynamics - not only on the road but in the design as well. The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC SUV, with its carefully customized blend, offers you typical AMG sportiness combined with typical Mercedes-Benz comfort. With the enhanced 3.0 liter V6 biturbo engine, you will drive with better agility and significantly more lateral dynamics."

All versions of the GLC are built around different engines. The GLC 300 uses a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder delivering 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. The GLC 43 AMG comes equipped with a 3.0-liter turbo V6 that delivers 385 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque and the GLC 63'AMG models use a 4.0-liter turbo V8 that cranks up power to 503 horsepower. and 516 lb-ft of torque. All of these mechanics are available in both body styles, SUV and coupe. A 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard in every GLC variant.

The 2021 GLC 43 AMG Comes With Lots of Equipment

The GLC 43 AMG offers standard 20 and 21 inch wheels as an option. Added to this is a panoramic sunroof, an automatic lowering suspension for easier loading of cargo, a sports exhaust and several driving modes. You are also entitled to a passive keyless entry system, electric parking brake, heated / electrically adjustable front seats with memory, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, remote engine start, heated / electric exterior mirrors, seats electrically folding rear, infotainment screen with touchpad controller in addition to USB-A and USB-C ports. There is also a whole panoply of electronic driving aids which range from crosswind assist to blind spot assist, from rain-sensing wipers and active brake assist to adaptive braking.

Options include air-conditioned front seats, tri-zone climate control, heated rear seats and nappa leather upholstery. Mercedes-Benz will also equip your GLC with a Burmester stereo system, active multi-beam LED headlights, a digital instrument panel consisting of two screens (12.3 inches and 10. 25 inches), a navigation system, a foot-operated tailgate (except AMG GLC 63), a wireless charging system for cellphones, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an active parking aid, a set of smart driving (including a full suite of driver aids), head-up display, sport package (including more powerful brakes), night package (black exterior trim) and heater driving.

The GLC 43 is the right compromise between power and comfort. It's not as radical as the GLC 63 AMG, but gives you enough power to put a smile on your face.

It features a special AMG exhaust that produces an engine noise that simulates racing cars. Everything in itself is a package that arouses envy on the streets.

The 2021 GLC 43 has a map guidance system that works with augmented reality, which superimposes arrows on the camera image, indicating where to turn. It would be ideal if it were projected on the Heads Up Display, so that you are not constantly looking at the central screen. However, Apple CarPlay does not occupy the entire center screen.

Otherwise, Mercedes-Benz has done an excellent job with this GLC 43 AMG. We did not find any fault with it other than that the seats are not ventilated to cool off on a hot day. It did have heated seats though.

The Price

The 2021 AMG GLC43 SUV's starting price is $59,900. With the configuration that came to us, it has a total cost of $71,685 dollars that includes larger wheels, carbon fiber inserts in the interior, and multimedia packages among other things.

The driving experience of this car in the beginning feels unusual, but then you get used it and I liked the feel of driving this vehicle a lot. The ride control is good, but sometimes you feel the terrain and that happens because although the suspension is in comfort mode, it is quite stiff; hence, it has a firmer ride. But, regardless of the driving mode, one aspect that we feel behind the wheel is the confidence it gives us, the touch it transmits at every minute, the poise that it looks like in different conditions, always aware that we are in an SUV and not in a sports car that goes with the center of gravity closer to the ground.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.

Reference: Journal Access.