Yahoo Autos 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43: First Drive
What You Learn is a recurring look at the cars passing through R&T's test fleet. Sometimes you'll learn a lot about the car, other times, not so much. But it'll always be a succinct take on something we've driven recently. - Ed.
The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 isn't the car we asked for, or wanted, but that doesn't necessarily make it bad. Would I rather Mercedes sell Americans the lovely C-Class estate? Of course, but I also know that if Mercedes brought the C-Estate to the US, the GLC would outsell it by a huge margin. The GLC is the closest thing to a compact Mercedes wagon we'll get here. So be it.
This also isn't really an AMG in the purest sense of the word. Originally, Mercedes intended to bring mid-tier V6-powered models to the US under the AMG Sport trim (recall the C450 AMG Sport), but then it changed course–and naming structure–to convince us that these so-called "43" models were full-on AMG cars. They're not, but their engines, steering knuckles, and (in the case of the GLC) air suspension all benefit from AMG tuning. The result is a car that has hints of AMG, but doesn't offer the full madness of its "63" models.
It's easy to look at the GLC43 and wish it was a C63 Estate, but doing so would be a disservice to what is a fundamentally great car. Cast whatever philosophical problems you have with the AMG GLC43 aside and you're left with something that's quick, practical, luxurious, well-built, and safe. It's an astonishingly well-rounded car, even if it's not the most inspiring.
It doesn't feel all that much like an SUV either. Get behind the wheel, and the GLC feels like a C-Class, only you sit higher. That's no doubt helped by the fact that the interior components are identical to those in the C, but I think it's also because the GLC really isn't that big. Visibility is good too, with an upright windshield and nice big windows all around. In a world of SUV's with rakish coupe-esque styling, it's nice to actually be able to see out of something easily.
Powering the GLC43 is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 making 362 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, that's mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox. This engine is showing up all over the Mercedes lineup. It makes enough power to get the GLC43 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, and it makes a decent noise, but it's not the rorty snorty shout factory that we usually associate with AMG. The nine-speed automatic is excellent however, with smooth operation in everyday driving and quick shifts in manual mode.
Put the GLC43 into Sport or Sport+ mode, and the transmission does a good job of downshifting while you're braking for a turn–something that feels like it came straight out of the Porsche playbook. I also have to applaud Mercedes for not making throttle response overly sharp in Sport+ mode. That keeps smaller throttle applications from being abrupt, head jerking moments.
Selecting Sport or Sport+ firms up the GLC43's air suspension, but there's a button to manually call up the car's Comfort mode. I mostly left the suspension in Comfort mode, where the ride was stiff but not overly punishing. Sport and Sport+ settings would likely be more usable if this car was sitting on 20-inch wheels, not these optional 21s.
As is common on most modern Mercs, steering is overboosted, but direct and easy enough to get comfortable with. Handling is pretty nice too, with the GLC43 feeling more nimble than you'd expect for something that weighs two tons and stands at over five feet tall. Like the Jaguar F-Pace I drove recently, it's not a car that'll make you seek out windy back roads, but it's more than competent on them.
Unlike the F-Pace, the GLC43 doesn't get a particularly clever all-wheel drive system–torque split is fixed at 69 percent rear and 31 percent front. That's at least more sporty than the standard GLC's 55 percent rear/45 percent front torque split.
The GLC43 is competent on curvy roads, but like many Mercedes-Benzes, it excels on the highway. It has all the Autobahn-ready high-speed stability you could hope for, and semi-autonomous driving features that are among the best in the industry. The optional audio system will also improve your road trips too.
Would I prefer Mercedes sell the C-Class Estate in the US rather than the GLC? Yes, and I'd also prefer AMG only put its badge on cars that were truly special and hilarious. But that doesn't take away from the fact that the GLC43 is a damn nice luxury car.
But I still wish we could get a C63 Estate. I know, I'm simple minded.
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