74 Mercedes-Benz GLC GLC 43 4Matic Premium Plus 5dr MCT

In second generation form, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 has changed its approach. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

Want a sporty mid-sized premium badged SUV with a bit more of a luxury focus? The second generation version of the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 aims to fit that remit and swaps its old V6 for mild hybrid power in this X254 form.

Background

In the real world, if you want a properly sporty Mercedes GLC, this AMG-tuned 43 model is your main option. The Mercedes-AMG brand does also offer an uber-powerful 63 model, but that demands a six-figure outlay, much of which is paying for a PHEV system you may not want and which makes little difference to efficiency. The GLC 43 shares its exalted stablemate's new four cylinder format but in contrast, uses much less sophisticated mild hybrid technology - in place of the first generation model's more sonorous V6. Essentially, it's an SUV version of the brand's C 43 saloon or estate model. A very different proposition from its predecessor. And also rather different from anything else in the segment.

Driving Experience

Our comments here will largely replicate the ones we made for the closely related C 43 model. If you happen to be familiar with the previous generation GLC 43, you could be forgiven for approaching this replacement 'X254'-series model with a twinge of disappointment. You might have expected that part of the point of replacing the old snarling V6 with a four cylinder unit would be to aid efficiency by reducing weight, but in fact the MK2 GLC design is actually a little heavier than its predecessor. Which is why, despite the fact that the 42hp power output this time is 40hp more than before, the rest to 62mph sprint time (around 5s) is much the same. Top speed is still limited to 155mph. It's also disappointing to note that torque has dropped by 20Nm to 500Nm. But things get better if you're prepared to stick with what AMG is trying to do here. Somehow, the engineers have managed to make this 'four' sound as good as the old 'six', though it unfortunately lacks the wild roar that characterises much the same M139 2.0-litre unit in the other model in which it's used, the A 45 S hot hatch. Unlike the 8-speed auto used in that car, the engine's paired with a 9-speed auto here and gets a mild hybrid electrified set-up working via a Garret 48V turbo using a compact motor that acts directly on its shaft, spinning at up to 175,000rpm. The mild hybrid system adds a 14hp boost at low speeds to counter turbo lag. Torque is transmitted to tarmac via 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. Standard-fit adaptive dampers firm up noticeably in the fiercest 'Sport' or 'Sport+' Dynamic Select drive modes. Which helps contain body roll on secondary road journeys where you'll notice the sharper steering and the beefier brakes.

Design and Build

Visual differentiation from any ordinary 'AMG Line'-trimmed GLC is subtle, but brand loyalists would recognise the horizontal strakes on the radiator grille, the side sill extensions and the small tailgate wing. As usual with the GLC, there's a choice between SUV and SUV Coupe body shapes. Despite there being just four cylinders beneath the bonnet, there are four exhaust tail pipes beneath the rear bumper too. The wheel arches may not be as beefy as those of a GLC 63 but they do house large rims of either 19 or 20-inches, depending on the spec chosen. Inside, if anything, the visual cues to this GLC 43's identity are even harder to spot. There are special sports seats, various extra AMG badges and an AMG button as a short-cut to the dynamic functions, plus red stitching and red seat belts; that's about it. Otherwise, it's the same screen-dominated cabin as you get in any other GLC. There's a 'floating' 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an MBUX infotainment system with an 11.9-inch portrait screen. This features over-the-air updates - and live streaming services so that owners can link accounts to services like Spotify and access them in the car. Space in the rear is comfortable for two but a squash for three. Out back, the 600-litre boot capacity is competitive. There's a 55-litre reduction in that figure if you opt for the alternative GLC Coupe body shape.

Market and Model

Expect to pay around £75,000 for this GLC 43 4MATIC and you won't be too far out. That's in SUV form; you'll need to budget around £6,500 more for the SUV Coupe version. These prices represent an increase of around £5,000 over a comparable Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC estate. For reference, the alternative Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+ flagship PHEV model costs from around £109,000; ouch. Whatever GLC 43 model you choose, it'll come well equipped. 'Premium' spec gets you 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, an AMG body styling it with a rear spoiler, privacy glass, rear-axle steering and LED headlamps with the brand's 'Digital Light' technology and the company's 'Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus' set-up. Inside, there's an AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather, two-zone Thermotronic automatic climate control, ambient lighting and powered front seats with memory settings. There's black leather upholstery and anthracite line structure lime wood trim too. Plusher 'Premium Plus' spec adds larger 20-inch wheels and a panoramic sliding sunroof, plus 4-zone Thermotronic climate control, a head-up display and a Burmester 3D surround sound system. Plus there's carbon fibre interior trim inlays and a sound personalisation system.

Cost of Ownership

Apparently, the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 team worked with the development engineers to create a new turbocharger that gives this mild hybrid engine better efficiency. This four cylinder 48V model though, doesn't appear to be much more frugal than its un-electrified six cylinder predecessor. We think anything approaching 30mpg on a regular basis would be quite a challenge, particularly if you drive this car in the manner intended. The CO2 reading is well over 200g/km, regardless of body style choice. As usual with mild hybrids, there's a belt starter generator acts as an alternator, charging the rear-mounted battery, which in turn powers a booster fitted to the engine. Overall, the system's job is to recoup some of the energy normally lost during braking or coasting, using it to assist the engine under load and to power the car's start/stop system and some of its electric ancillaries. Service intervals for this GLC 43 will depend on how far you drive and under what conditions - but Mercedes does offer 'ServiceCare', which allows you to spread your bills into manageable payments, guarantees the price of parts and labour for up to four services, and covers the cost of recommended service items such as brake fluid, spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters and screen wash. Another thing we'll need to tell you is that the comprehensive three year unlimited mileage warranty is built upon by Mercedes' Mobilo scheme which delivers breakdown cover for up to thirty years, as long as you continue to have your car serviced at a Mercedes main dealer.

Summary

We'd hoped for a little more from this fast AMG-fettled GLC 43. It does after all, share its engine with arguably the most exciting hot hatch ever made, the Mercedes-AMG A 45S. But the excitement you get in that car has been dialled down in this one and instead of it being a cut-price GLC 63, what you get instead is a car that doesn't offer an awful lot more than you get in an ordinary GLC 300. We're disappointed too that the switch to four cylinders hasn't improved efficiency the way it was supposed to. But of course, one of these would still be a very nice thing to have for an aspiring middle manager: perhaps someone who wouldn't want the extra bite of the kind of BMW X3 M40i xDrive rival model we'd recommend instead. Ultimately, like its C 43 model counterpart, the GLC 43 isn't a bad package: but it just doesn't feel very 'Mercedes-AMG'. If you don't care and don't mind the price tag, then you still might like one.