2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43: The Brand's Luxury Performance Crossover

  

Highlight: The GLC is available as a traditional SUV-like or curvaceous hatchback-like design.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $71,685 (Base Model GLC: $44,250)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; an electronic blind spot system; an electronic stability system; a rear view camera; and a tire pressure monitor system

Standard Equipment (43 AMG): 20-inch wheels; a 9-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive; a variety driving modes; AMG sport suspension; a push button ignition system; 10-inch infotainment touchscreen system; a touchpad; a keyless entry system; AMG enhanced braking system; AMG performance steering wheel with shift paddles; keyless entry system; a dual zone automatic climate control system; cargo cover; AMG illuminated door sills; power folding side mirrors; an active parking assistance system; power front seats with driver’s memory; heated front seats; Nappa leather seats; and a start-stop engine fuel saving system

Options:  red/black leather; AMG performance exhaust system; panoramic roof; MBUX interior assistant; Burmeister surround system; heat and noise insulating front side dual pane glass; a driver assistance package with semi-autonomous driving features; navigation system; performance steering wheel; hands free access and augmented video with live traffic

Other Trim Levels:

GLC300

GLC63

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder engine/384-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Towing: 3,500 lbs 

Standard Fuel Mileage: 18-city/24-hwy

What’s New: The GLC is literally a carryover model this with no major changes.

Why: 

AMG performance model

Drivers more like a performance car than a disengaging crossover

Performance sound

Precision-like acceleration

20-inch wheels improves appearance and ride-and-handling

Concert sounding Burmester surround system

Dual panoramic roof

Power leg extender for driver’s seat

Comfortable seating

Easy-to-use navigation system

Hands free access to doors and liftgate

Sporty looking appearance with AMG

Stop-and-go radar activated system is great for stop-and-go rush highway traffic

Power folding rear seats

An audible traffic alert system

An active highway speed adaptive system

Brake hold features (at stop lights)

A cool looking black trim package is available

A variety of powertrains: 4 cyl, 6 cyl or 8 cyl

 

But: 

The AMG is Pricey

No MBUX elongated digital instrument cluster

Lacked in-vehicle charger

Must buy an adapter to charge Androids

Heads-Up Display should be standard on AMG models

Augment reality, why do we need it?

 

Verdict: In this era with so many ‘me-too’ crossovers on the road, Mercedes-Benz has managed to distinguish theirs from the crowd with its AMG enhanced engineering. With the AMG GLC43, Mercedes-Benz’s engineering team has been able to create an engaging performance car, which just happens to be packaged as a crossover. The engineering team has been able to balance both the ride and the driving characteristics of the vehicle. The sporty GLC, which is the crossover version of the brand’s C-Class car, is available in a variety of trims and powertrains. Moreover, the luxury crossover can be configured with a rear wheel drive or an all-wheel drive system.

Furthermore, the roomy five seater, which provides a host of luxury accoutrements, a variety of driving modes and the latest safety driving aids, are great for trips around town or cross country. Lastly, the stylish GLC is cable of carrying an adult bike, too, when the rear seats are folded down.

Competition: BMW X3 M