2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 coupe represents the high-performance variant of Mercedes’ midsize luxury SUV, tailored for those who seek more than just a plush, family-friendly ride.
With AMG's expertise in enhancing both power and agility, this model adds a thrilling dynamic to the GLC range.
What’s in a Name?
At its core, the GLC43 Coupe is a sportier, performance-focused version of Mercedes’ popular GLC SUV, bridging the gap between practicality and exhilarating performance. The "Coupe" designation comes from its sloping roofline, which provides a sleek, coupe-like silhouette without sacrificing too much of the GLC's everyday utility.
Visually, the AMG GLC43 stands out from its non-AMG siblings through more aggressive front-end styling, quad exhaust outlets, larger wheels, and AMG-specific badging.
The non-AMG GLC models emphasize comfort, refinement, and efficiency, with powertrains designed for smooth, everyday driving. They deliver a composed ride with a well-insulated cabin, but their performance is restrained, more focused on comfort than on providing a sporty driving experience. The standard GLC 300, for instance, delivers respectable but not pulse-quickening performance from its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 255 horsepower.
In contrast, the GLC43 is a performance SUV at its core. Its AMG-engineered chassis, more powerful engine, and tuned suspension provide sharper handling and quicker acceleration. While the standard GLC versions are perfectly suited for drivers prioritizing luxury and comfort, the GLC43 is for those who want that but also crave speed and a more visceral driving experience.
As is standard fair for most AMGs, including the GLC43 coupe, a stiffer adaptive suspension, upgraded brakes, and a more aggressive power delivery is fitted. These upgrades are part of what truly differentiates it from its more comfort-oriented cousins.
What's New for 2024?
For 2024, the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe receives several updates, the most significant of which is found under the hood.
In the ongoing battle between complying with ever tightening emissions regulations and balancing customer tastes, Mercedes has equipped the GLC43 with a new electrified turbo system, marking a significant shift towards improving both performance and efficiency. This turbo technology, influenced by Mercedes' Formula 1 program, enhances responsiveness and reduces turbo lag by using an electric motor to assist the turbocharger. Front fender badges denote this tech innovation with the addition of the words “Electrified” to them.
This pioneering electric exhaust gas turbocharger benefits from the integration of a 48-volt electrical system, and powers the belt-driven starter-generator. Not to delve too much into the weeds here, but the new turbocharger can operate at speeds up to 175,000 rpms, maintaining boost pressure consistently for immediate launch. This results in essentially zero turbo lag, despite the relatively small 2.0-litre displacement of the engine.
In addition to the powertrain updates, the 2024 GLC43 also benefits from subtle design tweaks, including a refreshed grille, updated lighting elements, and a slightly more aggressive body kit.
Inside, the cabin technology has also been upgraded, with the latest version of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system offering better connectivity, faster responses, and enhanced voice control.
Cabin Technology and Interior
Stepping into the cabin of the GLC43 Coupe is a reminder that, despite its performance credentials, this is still a luxury SUV through and through. The interior strikes a balance between sportiness and refinement.
You’ll find a mix of premium materials, including alcantara, leather, metal, and soft-touch plastics, all of which create an ambiance of high-end sophistication. The AMG-specific elements, such as the sport seats, flat-bottom steering wheel, and unique trim options, add a racier feel without compromising the upscale vibe.
One of the highlights of the GLC43 coupe’s interior is its technology suite. The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system sits front and center, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen display.
The MBUX system is one of the best in the business, offering intuitive controls, crisp graphics, and seamless integration with smartphones via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.. There’s even an AMG Race mode and Track Pace system for those with further sporting aspirations. For the watch fans out there, Mercedes-Benz’s partnership with luxury watch manufacturer, IWC, shows its appearance with a virtual rendering of one of their 3717 Pilot watches as the stopwatch display.
Mercedes has also included voice control, activated by saying "Hey, Mercedes," which allows for hands-free control of most vehicle functions, from adjusting the temperature to setting navigation.
While I found the system to be more impressive when showing off to friends and family versus everyday useful, there’s no doubt that this is a preview of what is to come as we move towards autonomous driving.
Comfort features are also top-notch. The AMG seats offer a blend of high adjustable support and cushioning, keeping you planted during spirited driving without sacrificing comfort on long journeys. There’s also ambient lighting, adjustable in multiple colors, and an optional Burmester sound system that elevates the auditory experience.
For a coupe-style SUV, the GLC43 manages to offer respectable interior space. The sloping roofline does eat into rear headroom slightly, but the overall cabin feels spacious for front and rear passengers.
Cargo space remains usable, though not as generous as in the regular GLC SUV, thanks to the coupe-like rear design.
Under the Hood: Electrified Turbo Power
As mentioned earlier, arguably the most exciting update for 2024 is the new engine technology in the GLC43. Powering this AMG variant is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine paired with Mercedes’ new electrified turbo system.
This engine, developed and manufactured in Affalterbach under the "One Man, One Engine" principle, utilizes a small electric motor to spool the turbocharger before exhaust gases can take over, effectively eliminating turbo lag and providing instant throttle response. The result is 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, routed through a nine-speed automatic transmission and sent to all four wheels via Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
While a 2.0-liter engine may seem modest compared to some of AMG’s larger V6 or V8 powerplants, the electrified turbo makes the GLC43 feel much quicker and more responsive than you’d expect. The engine’s immediate power delivery allows for sharp acceleration, with the SUV sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in about 4.7 seconds.
The electrified turbo isn’t just about performance, though—it also helps improve efficiency by allowing the engine to run at lower RPMs more often, reducing fuel consumption during everyday driving.
This new engine technology provides a blend of power and efficiency that feels particularly well-suited for a luxury performance SUV. The smooth power delivery, combined with the all-wheel-drive system, gives the GLC43 excellent traction and stability, even in less-than-ideal driving conditions.
How Does it Drive?
The 2024 GLC43 Coupe strikes a balance between outright performance and daily drivability. Around town, it behaves like a refined but sporty luxury SUV, with a smooth ride and quiet cabin, despite its performance-oriented suspension setup and large wheels.
AMG’s adaptive suspension does a good job of softening the harsher impacts from bumps and uneven roads, though it’s definitely stiffer than the suspension on non-AMG GLC models.
When you’re ready to push it, the GLC43 delivers. The combination of the electrified turbo engine and AMG-tuned suspension makes it feel far more nimble and responsive than a typical midsize SUV. The steering is sharp, with just the right amount of weight and feedback, while the brakes provide strong, confident stopping power.
In corners, the GLC43 remains flat and composed, with minimal body roll—something that’s impressive for a vehicle of its size. The 4MATIC rear-biased all-wheel-drive system ensures that power is distributed effectively, giving the SUV excellent grip even when pushed hard. For a vehicle that weighs over 2,000 kilograms, it feels surprisingly agile, making it a fun option for spirited driving on winding roads.
The exhaust note also deserves mention. While I was concerned that the move to a smaller engine would take away from the AMG auditory experience, my fears were unfounded.
In typical AMG fashion, the GLC43 sounds aggressive when you’re on the throttle, with a throaty growl that reminds you this is no ordinary SUV. Yet, when you’re cruising and at the push of the exhaust button, the sound fades into the background, allowing for a more peaceful driving experience.
Final Thoughts
In the niche luxury performance SUV coupe space, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe is a standout in the performance luxury SUV segment, offering a unique blend of style, performance, and practicality.
The BMW X4 M40i is currently being re-launched as an all-new generation vehicle, the Audi SQ5 is getting a bit long in the tooth, and the all-new Porsche Macan, while strictly not an SUV coupe, has just moved to a fully electric model.
While it may not be as spacious as the standard GLC SUV, the GLC43 coupe’s new engine and updated design adds a touch of style and performance that many buyers will find appealing.
If you’re looking for a luxury SUV coupe that can deliver thrilling performance and everyday comfort, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe should be high on your list.
