Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 2016 Review

What’s it all about?
The GLC 43 is the latest AMG-fettled Mercedes to arrive in Australia with the lusty new twin-turbo V6 petrol engine matched to a slick nine-speed auto and grippy 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

Based on the GLC SUV, the ‘43’ is arguably one of the most practical of the new, less hardcore but more affordable AMG breed, which also includes the recently arrived C 43 Coupe as well as swoopy GLC Coupe, M-Class-based GLE SUV and GLE Coupe and E-Class sedan versions from the German hotshop.

How much will it cost?
At $101,400 (plus on-road costs), it’s the most affordable of the ‘43’ range, at $4215 less than the similarly-spec’ed C 43 Coupe and $7500 cheaper than the sleeker GLC 43 Coupe.

But it’s not lacking in fruit, with the standard kit for the GLC 43 extending to 21-inch AMG alloy wheels, a body kit, Air Body Control suspension/adaptive damping, leather upholstery, COMAND satellite navigation, head-up display, twin sunroof and a Burmester surround-sound audio system.

Safety is well covered with nine airbags, a 360-degree camera, LED lighting with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, Driver Assistance Package, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Pre-Safe Plus and Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian detection.

Our test car also featured Obsidian Black metallic paint – a $1990 option.

The GLC 43 is backed by a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, with service intervals at 12 months/25,000km intervals, along with three years roadside assist.

Mercedes-Benz is yet to announce whether it will offer the option of capping the price of maintenance.

AMG-fettled Mercedes are traditionally hard-charging, hard-edged beasts, but this new breed of V6-engine model has a softer side and arguably better compromise for daily driving without giving away too much in the go-fast department.

Slot the driving mode selector into Comfort and it whisks away in traffic, with a firm but tolerable ride on decent bitumen and fuss-free acceleration and refinement. Switch to ‘Sports’ or ‘Sports Plus’ and drivetrain, suspension and steering response sharpen up considerably but without impacting too much on the overall tranquil driving experience.

With the biturbo V6 pumping out 270kW and as much as 520Nm between 2500-4500rpm, combined with laser-quick gear changes the GLC 43 will pile on the speed from the get-go under hard throttle, making Mercedes’ 4.9sec 0-100km/h claim, almost believable.

Power to all four wheels (with a slight rear wheel bias) combined with grippy Continental rubber (wider at the rear) and negligible body roll allow for thrilling and confidence-inspiring mid-corner velocity, at least in the dry.

The GLC 43 also makes all the right noises, from down-changing blips to exhaust crackles, albeit with less histrionics and theatre than the snarling V8-engined C 63, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

With a classy interior finished to typical high Germanic standards, the icing on the cake is a reasonably roomy and flexible, five-door SUV layout courtesy of the boxy GLC base vehicle. Up to five adults can be comfortably accommodated, as can bulky goods, a large dog and the weekly shopping, in various combinations depending on seating configuration.

Practical SUV touches abound, like deep door pockets capable of swallowing large drink bottles and 12-volt sockets in both the front and rear.

Loud, extreme wheel/tyre package deliver plenty of kerbside cred and on-road grip, but hamper low speed maneuvering and thump disconcertedly on even minor bumps and road joins.

Enthusiasts will also complain about the tame exhaust and engine soundtrack, which sounds uninspiring at anything less than full, 6500rpm redline endeavors in Sports mode.

While hard to criticize – we love the multiple downshift and double-declutching features – the nine-speed auto does deliver the occasional harsh gear change or step, especially accelerating hard from idle.

The standard seats are comfortable and supportive, and only those planning extensive corner carving shenanigans will lament the lack of a more figure hugging sports seat option. Side and rear visibility is poor from the driver’s seat but this is offset by myriad driver aids including lane change warning and 360-degree view that makes reverse parking a breeze.

Given the addictive performance on tap, owners are unlikely to get anywhere near the official fuel consumption of 8.8L/100km (our around-town figure was closer to 13.5L).

Who will it appeal to?
The new batch of AMG ‘43’ coupes, SUVs and sedans are clearly aimed at those who previously couldn’t afford the AMG badge, as well as family or practical types who aspire to early Sunday morning fangs and the occasional track day. The fact you can carry a bike or flat-pack Ikea furniture in the back adds to the GLC 43’s ‘tool-box’.

Among the premium, compact sports SUV brigade, potential buyers are most likely to shop the GLC 43 against the Porsche Macan, which offers a similar pricepoint, performance and pedigree.

Badge and body kit aside, this over-sized, red-hot hatch probably doesn’t generate the same amount of envious stares as your typical Mercedes-AMG bitumen blaster. But it delivers where it counts – behind the wheel – and packs in sufficient technology, refinement and comfort for the price.

What it lacks in drama and mongrel compared to its fire-breathing V8 AMG predecessors, it makes up for with greater practicality, affordability and user-friendliness.

For this reason Mercedes should sell heaps…

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 pricing and specifications:
Price: $101,400 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo-petrol
Output: 270kW/520Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.8L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 201g/km (ADR combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Porsche Macan GTS (from $109,500 plus ORCs)
>> Audi SQ5 plus TDI (from $108,900 plus ORCs)
>> BMW X4 xDrive35i (from $89,300 plus ORCs)

Related reading:
>> Mercedes-AMG sets prices for GLC 43 and GLE 43
>> PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Mercedes-AMG shows off GLC 43 Coupe
>> NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Mercedes-AMG reveals GLC 43 4MATIC