Live Thread: 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 review

Colin
By Colin Wood
Jun 13, 2024 | Mercedes-AMG, New Car Review, Live Thread, GLC 43

Photography by David S. Wallens

Will most buyers of a Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 know that the engine under the hood was built by hand? Likely not, but that's not going to stop us from enjoying the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 we've been given to review.

Instead of a large biturbo V6 or V8 previously found in AMG models, the GLC 43 makes do with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter inline-four rated at 416 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque.

4MATIC all-wheel drive–with a 31:69 torque distribution, says AMG–and a nine-speed auto work together to send that power to the road.

From a standstill, the GLC 43 can reach 60 mph in under 5 seconds, and can continue to accelerate to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Fuel economy is rated at a combined 22 mpg–19 in the city and 25 on the highway.

MSRP for a 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 starts at $64,950.

Questions? Comments? Feel free to drop them in the comments below.

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Comments
Colin Wood
Colin Wood Associate Editor
6/13/24 1:00 p.m.

So, if you had the scratch, this, or something for Porsche, BMW or Audi?

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/13/24 1:08 p.m.

Yes, “just” a four under the hood. Did I notice when driving around town? It’s still quick. It’s not the fastest SUV, but it’s still quick for most needs. 

The big thing I miss, though: the tactile switches found used by Mercedes-Benz up until recently. The old roller knob for the radio, for example, was a thing of beauty, perfectly machined from aluminum and delivering the most satisfying click as it passed each detent. I’d change the volume just because it felt so satisfying. 

Now we get a slider touch-pad thing. Our 10-year-old Civic has something very similar. The experience and interaction–what makes a Rolex feel so special, for example–has been removed. 

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/13/24 1:16 p.m.

Other switches have been given similar treatment. 

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/13/24 1:17 p.m.

But not all of the switches have been changed.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/13/24 1:17 p.m.

What I’m lamenting: Something that made a Benz feel so special has been removed. 

And that gives me the sads. 

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/13/24 1:18 p.m.

The front seats also feel narrow. I get that this is a smaller SUV, but it just feels small. Like, here’s my leg up against the center console. I have to do that with my Miata, but it’s a Miata. 

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/13/24 1:21 p.m.

Giant screen, too. Personally, I prefer the more integrated setups–see Hyundai and BMW i4.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/13/24 1:58 p.m.

Back seat offers plenty of room for me, though. This is me sitting behind me. (I’m about 5-foot-7.)

I could spend all day back here. (Assuming the a/c was turned on because it’s hot today.)

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/13/24 2:00 p.m.

Check out the headrests:

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/13/24 2:01 p.m.

My favorite thing of the car–and some possible meme fodder:

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