Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC A Surprisingly Sharp & Very Sporty SUV

People often ask themselves whether models such as the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 are “true AMG” products, or just an extension of the AMG Line, and to an extent, that is a fair question. The GLC 43 competes against the likes of the BMW X3 M50, which isn’t a proper M Division car, despite its excellent performance characteristics.
 

Let me just start off by saying that I’m a big GLC fan. This is a young product still, with the first generation having come out in 2015. The advantage of getting a late start was that Mercedes could simply focus on building a superior product to the likes of the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5, and in a lot of aspects, they succeeded.
 
I’ve done a lot of miles behind the wheel of the first-generation GLC, both in SUV and Coupe form, and I’ve enjoyed every moment. These are good-looking, practical and extremely comfortable cars, with excellent driving dynamics and well-built interiors. There’s literally nothing negative to say about them.
 
The second-generation GLC follows that very same recipe. In fact, Mercedes took great care not to change the design all that much, so that people can still instantly recognize it on the road. If you ask me, that was a smart thing to do. BMW, on the other hand, took way too many chances with the new X3 design.
 
Alas, I’m not here to tell you about the regular GLC, even though that one is excellent too – specifically the GLC 300 4MATIC or the 350e 4MATIC (both solid entry-level options). Today, we’ll be focusing on the AMG-spec GLC 43, a near-flagship specification that only bows down to the GLC 63 S E Performance.
 
The GLC 43 is powered by a handcrafted AMG 2.0L inline-four, with hybrid assist and an electric exhaust-gas turbocharger. It has plenty of power, a decent amount of torque, and rapid acceleration. It’s also reasonably priced, to some extent, and despite what some people may think, it is 100% a proper AMG product – to the point where it sort of starts working against it. I’ll break it down and explain why this is a super fun SUV to drive, but also why it’s sort of flawed – in a way that might discourage certain buyers from signing on the dotted line.
 
Design Evaluation
Again, I like how Mercedes didn’t take any massive chances on the second-gen GLC. This is a handsome SUV. I called it “agreeable in the design department” back when I tested the 2025 GLC Coupe variant. By the way, it was the GLC 63 S E Performance, and if you want to read that review, you can do so right here.
 
Like its Coupe sibling, the regular GLC, or GLC SUV, displays that understated confidence, looking very masculine in AMG form – less “pretty” and brawnier, if you will, compared to say a normal GLC 300.
 
It’s wider, lower, and more visually aggressive, but it doesn’t go overboard with any of that stuff. I much prefer the look of the GLC 43 compared to both the X3 M50 and the third-generation Audi Q5. The latter looks better than the X3, too. Also, I promise this isn’t a hit piece on the X3, but talking about it is very important, especially the M50. I’ll explain why a little later.
 
Our test car came with an Obsidian Black Metallic exterior, 20” double 10-spoke AMG wheels, the AMG Dynamic Plus package (red-painted calipers), the AMG Styling package, black AMG grille, quad exhaust pipes (a bit extreme for a four-cylinder but whatever; it looks good), and absolutely amazing headlights – LED Digital Light units with projections.
 
These babies can project visual alerts into the driver’s field of view on the road, showing you a variety of icons that help you detect issues such as construction zones, pedestrians, lane drift, or following too closely. The latter one is easy to “activate”. All you need to do is follow the car ahead a bit too closely without showing signs of slowing down, and the headlights will do the rest. It’s really quite cool and not at all gimmicky.
 
In the United States, you can get them only by buying the Pinnacle Trim package, which is a $4,300 optional extra. It’s worth it though, because it also adds the Burmester 3D Surround Sound system, a head-up display, enhanced ambient lighting, and a great deal more.
 
All things considered, our GLC 43 test car ticked all the right boxes for me from a design standpoint. Not only that, but a friend of mine, who already owns a first-generation GLC, really liked it too. There’s nothing like getting a good endorsement from an actual owner.
 

Interior Assessment
What a lovely specification. I enjoyed the interior of our GLC 43 test car even more than what I experienced inside the GLC 63 S E Performance Coupe last November. Design-wise, it’s exactly the same, but it’s all about the steering wheel. More on that in a bit.
 
In terms of overall build quality, the GLC is a solid product. It feels just as expensive as an E-Class and considerably more upmarket than the new C-Class – and may I remind you that wasn’t always the case.
 
I also think the GLC has a nicer interior than the X3 and the new Q5, and if you opt for this SUV model over the Coupe variant, you also get less of a sloping roofline (aka more room in the back), to go with a more voluminous trunk. It’s got 21.9 cu.ft (620 liters) of cargo capacity with the backseat in place, which you can then extend to 56.3 cu.ft (1,594 liters) with everything folded flat. You also get 39.7 inches (100 cm) of headroom at the back, and 37.4 inches (95 cm) of total legroom. I’m not sure how they arrived at these official measurements, but the GLC SUV can easily serve as a decent enough family car, unless you truly need the dimensions of the GLE.
 
Now, with regards to specs, this GLC 43 tester is absolutely loaded. Let me just list some of the highlights, starting with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Then you’ve got memory settings for both the driver’s and passenger’s sports seat, AMG Real Performance sound (feeds you a V8-like noise when accelerating and even upon start-up), the USB Plus package, keyless go, a panoramic roof, a Burmester sound system, ambient lighting, 360-degree camera system, and a heated steering wheel, among many other features (including a ton of active safety goodies).
 
This car also featured the splendid AMG Performance steering wheel, with a carbon fiber and Microcut microfiber aesthetic. It looks awesome – like it belongs on an AMG GT instead of a “lowly” GLC 43.
 
All things considered, I’d give the interior of the GLC 43, as presented here, a solid 9.5/10. You really don’t see that many great-looking, well-built interiors in new cars nowadays, even with premium brands – unless, of course, it’s some type of flagship model like an S-Class or an S-Class equivalent.
 
If only they hadn’t fed the new C-Class a whole bunch of “cost cutting measures” on the inside. Mercedes could have easily had the best interior quality line-up among its peers. Although, they’re still in contention for no.1. It’s just tough to say at the moment.
 
Driving Take
Hold on to your seats, gentlemen, because this is going to be a touchy subject.
 
Now, I drove this car in pretty much every setting imaginable. From bumper-to-bumper traffic, regular traffic, on the highway, and even a few backroads that allowed for slightly more spirited driving. I’ve never been more confused by a drivetrain in my entire career.
 
Those of you that read my GLC 63 S E Performance review would have undoubtedly come across this passage: “This is a relatively docile AMG product, but an AMG product, nonetheless. It’s not as feral as a quintessential AMG, something with a massive V8, but those days are slowly coming to an end anyway.”
 
While that GLC 63 was way quicker than the GLC 43, it’s the latter that feels more… feral and just angrier in general. I’m not exactly sure if it’s by design. It just feels as though the gearbox isn’t getting along well with the 2.0-liter inline-four turbo engine. There’s just an absurd amount of lag – and I’m pretty sure it’s not turbo lag.
 

Somebody needs to jailbreak this thing and speed up the throttle response. It’s either the throttle or the gearbox, or both. But if you’re not riding the torque band, the GLC 43 will take forever to kick down. Meanwhile, driving slowly in traffic can be rather obnoxious too, because the car feels jerky, but in a bad way. Not “snappy” jerky, just “indecisive” jerky. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I really didn’t like the fact that this car had only one personality: Sporty – and only when you’re flat out.
 
The total system output for the GLC 43 is 416 horsepower (421 ps) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. It can take you from zero to 60 mph (97) kph in about 4.5 seconds, and that’s an extremely respectable figure. Heck, it’s beyond respectable. Most people will never need anything faster than this. But they will need something with a more split personality that can be both extremely aggressive and relaxing. I think you’re better off just paying extra for the GLC 63 S E Performance, because its PHEV drivetrain is better balanced.
 
Isn’t this too small an engine, you ask? Well, not necessarily. I know that generally speaking, a larger engine can produce power more… comfortably. More cylinders means more displacement, which means less boost needed for any given output. In turn, that means less thermal and mechanical stress.
 
But I think that performance-wise, this inline-four is pretty darn good, and if you’re buying the car new with zero or very few miles on the clock, then there’s no need to worry about long-term reliability – what happens after a few hundred thousand miles won’t be your problem.
 
That being said, the BMW X3 M50’s turbocharged 3.0L inline-six engine is vastly superior to what you get in the GLC 43. It’s not even close. From a pure driving standpoint, you simply have to have the BMW. At least whenever it comes down to these two specific variants. Otherwise, by all means swing for the GLC 63 S E Performance over any X3 model currently available. The Merc is way quicker and consequently, more fun; not to mention more comfortable.
 
Everyday Living
You can get decent mileage from a GLC 43 if you’re careful. According to Mercedes, 19 mpg (12.3L/100 km) in the city and 25 mpg (9.4L/100 km) on the highway is attainable, and I concur. Despite this being just a mild-hybrid vehicle, meaning you can’t drive in EV-only mode, it’s more fuel efficient than the GLC 63 S E Performance.
 
As for how much you need to pay to land yourself a brand-new 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV, well, it’s no more than $67,100. Meanwhile, a new BMW X3 M50 will set you back upwards of $65,900. It’s a tough choice, but it really depends on what type of SUV experience you want to have.
 
Our test car, fully loaded as it was, had a total price (taxes included) of €107,550 here in Romania.
 
Test Drive Roundup
I remain conflicted when it comes to this specification. It’s so far from perfect, it’s ridiculous. At the same time, once you floor the throttle properly, this thing is quick – and the GLC as a whole, is an excellent vehicle. I almost wish you could “Voltron” the GLC 43 and the X3 M50 to the point where the drivetrain from the latter makes its way under the hood of the Benz.
 
Now there’s an idea! Give the GLC 43 that 3.0L inline-six turbo and the Bimmer’s gearbox, and it becomes the perfect performance compact SUV. Totally serious.
 
Pros
– Performance
– Price
– Comfort
 
Cons
– Turn Radius
– Drivetrain Setup