The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG is one of the two performance variants of the popular GLC-Class SUV that will hit the US market next year. The other one is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC63 S E Performance, which is AMG's first hybrid SUV and boasts a whopping 671 horsepower.
But while the GLC63 S E Performance may steal the headlines with its impressive numbers, the Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG deserves some attention too. It offers a compelling combination of power, luxury, technology, and efficiency that makes it a smart choice for buyers who want a sporty and refined SUV.
Here are some of the reasons why the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG is worth considering:
It has a potent turbocharged engine with a mild hybrid system
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. That's more than enough to propel the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, according to AMG, and to reach a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited).
But what makes this engine even more impressive is that it features a second-generation belt-driven starter generator (RSG) that acts as a mild hybrid system. The RSG provides a temporary power boost of 13 horsepower and helps with gliding and recuperation. It also improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions by enabling a start-stop function and coasting mode.
The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a fully variable all-wheel drive system that distributes power between the front (31 percent) and rear (69 percent) axles.
It has a sporty and elegant design
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG looks like a typical GLC-Class SUV but with some distinctive touches that give it a more aggressive and dynamic appearance. It has a larger grille with vertical chrome bars, flanked by LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights. The front bumper has large air intakes and a splitter, while the rear bumper has a diffuser and quad exhaust tips.
The SUV also comes with an AMG Night Package that adds high-gloss black exterior elements, such as mirror caps, window frames, roof rails, and side skirts. The AMG Night Package Plus adds dark chrome accents on the grille, front splitter, rear diffuser, and exhaust tips.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG rides on 20-inch alloy wheels with a five-spoke design and black accents. Buyers can opt for larger 21-inch wheels with different styles and colors.
It has a luxurious and tech-savvy interior
The interior of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG is spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped. It has leather upholstery, red contrast stitching, aluminum trim, ambient lighting, and AMG-branded floor mats. The front seats are heated, power-adjustable, and have a memory function. The rear seats are split-folding and have an armrest with cupholders.
The dashboard features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, navigation, and a Burmester sound system. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather and has paddle shifters, cruise control buttons, and touch-sensitive controls for the displays.
The SUV also comes with a host of safety and driver-assistance features, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, surround-view camera, head-up display, and more.
It has a competitive price
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG is expected to start at around $70,000 when it arrives in US dealerships in early 2024. That's not cheap by any means, but it's reasonable considering what it offers in terms of performance, luxury, technology, and efficiency.
It's also cheaper than some of its rivals in the segment, such as the Porsche Macan GTS ($79,450), the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio ($82,545), and the BMW X3 M ($71,895). The only competitor that undercuts the GLC43 AMG is the Audi SQ5 ($54,995), but it has less power and fewer features.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG is a smart choice for luxury SUV buyers who want a sporty, refined vehicle that can handle any road condition. It has a potent turbocharged engine with a mild hybrid system, a sporty and elegant design, a luxurious and tech-savvy interior, and a competitive price. It may not be as powerful as the Mercedes-Benz GLC63 S E Performance, but it's more affordable and more efficient. It's a well-rounded SUV that delivers on its AMG badge.
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