2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe first drive review: Is it this one?

If you’re in the market for a fast, stylish coupe-SUV, the German is still your best bet. The BMW X6 first launched in 2008, and since then, it’s become more popular and faster with every iteration. Launched in 2017, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 coupe became the first model in the range to be built locally in the country. Based on the C 43 sedan, the GLC 43 SUV coupe is now in its second generation and has undergone a number of changes. It now features updated styling, a revised interior layout and a smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric turbocharger instead of the previous version’s 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine.

The question now is whether this new GLC 43 is a more practical option in the AMG range, or whether the AMG-built C 43 sedan is still the better choice. Let’s take a look!

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2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe first drive review: Design and features

I think it’s one thing to design a coupe-SUV, but it’s another thing to implement that idea into a good-looking, mass-produced car – much more challenging, in fact. I think the GLC 43 coupe is one of the most beautiful cars in the segment. It’s not big by any means, but it strikes a good balance with its proportional stance and commanding road presence. The front end is dominated by a large grille opening flanked by chrome vertical slats. Adding to the aggressive design is a black diffuser that runs the width of the car, flanked by two tiny winglets on either side. The rear end features quad exhaust pipes, a large black diffuser and an AMG-specific lip spoiler, all of which add to the car’s overall aggressive appeal.

The new GLC 43 Coupe comes standard with the Night Package, which includes Mercedes Digital Light headlights. With a staggering 1 million LED light pixels per unit, these lights provide excellent illumination in all directions – a definite advantage on Indian roads. The Night Pack also replaces many chrome components with black elements, adding an extra touch of style. Our test car came equipped with the larger 21-inch optional alloy wheels with a two-tone finish and aero-efficient brake discs, and all I can say is they look damn good. The GLC 43 Coupe is available in nine colors, with five standard features and four optional extras. What you see on these pages is the optional high-tech Silver Magno, which really complements the car’s aggressive and imposing design.

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe first drive review: Interior design and features

While the GLC 43 Coupe’s exterior design is distinctive, its interior design unfortunately follows the same formula as other vehicles in the current Mercedes range. So you get an interior that looks pretty much the same as other Mercedes models, with just a few extras here and there. That’s not to say the cabin doesn’t look upscale or attractive, it’s just that more differentiation between models would be welcome. However, the AMG range brings some changes to the interior, with carbon fiber and Alcantara finishes on the steering wheel, sports seats, AMG door sills and AMG-specific media displays. The real highlight of the cabin is the 12.3-inch instrument cluster and vertically mounted infotainment display combination, both of which feature crisp graphics and user-friendly interfaces.

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The front seats are very comfortable, offer excellent support and come with massage function, heating/cooling and three memory settings. What really impressed me, though, was the space in the back. The rear seats, while sporty and supportive, are roomy enough to accommodate three adults in a pinch. Rear-seat passengers also enjoy a range of comfort-adding features, including door pockets, manually operated sun visors and a Type-C charging port. Additionally, the 15-speaker Burmester 3D sound system is an excellent feature that is sure to delight music lovers in any seat.

However, the coupe design has its drawbacks, not least boot space, which is limited to 545 liters, 80 liters less than the standard GLC SUV. However, to be honest, I feel that anyone who wants a GLC 43 will sacrifice the number of passengers on board rather than luggage space for more performance.

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe first drive review: Performance and handling

Before we dive into the experience, let’s start with the numbers. The new GLC 43 coupe is very similar to its C 43 sedan sibling, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine instead of the outgoing model’s V6. The engine produces 420bhp and 500Nm of torque, with a temporary boost of 14bhp and 150Nm of torque under load through a 48V mild-hybrid system. Thanks to the electric turbocharger, turbo lag is significantly reduced, especially under hard acceleration. Despite its heavy weight, the GLC 43 Coupe accelerates impressively from a standstill. The electric turbine not only reduces lag but maintains consistent power delivery during roll-on acceleration and shifting. From the moment you step on the accelerator, there’s an almost addictive surge of power all the way to the 7,000rpm redline.

The GLC 43 Coupe offers a variety of driving modes, each of which effectively alters its driving characteristics. Sport, Sport+ and Race modes cater to on-road performance, improving power delivery and handling. Snow mode, on the other hand, softens engine response to enhance its off-road capabilities. Then there’s Comfort mode, which is your go-to mode for a more relaxed driving experience, although I did notice a slight increase in turbo lag on sudden acceleration in this mode – something you don’t find in the other Sport modes.

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Given its power and weight, you might think the GLC 43 would struggle with handling, and it does, but before you jump to conclusions against it, let me say that it actually delivers A different kind of fun. Unlike the more performance-focused C 43 sedan, the GLC 43 coupe offers a more intense experience when you’re behind the wheel. There’s enough body roll to remind you that you’re going fast, and it dances a bit when changing directions quickly. However, it handles all road conditions with ease, offering the freedom to push hard without having to worry about being too low to the ground. A fast SUV like the GLC 43 Coupe offers a unique sense of excitement, and the car itself is a strong example of that. The trade-off, though, is a smooth ride, especially in everyday conditions. You’ll need to overlook some of its compromises to use it to its full potential.

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe first drive review: Verdict

There’s no doubt that people have higher expectations for an SUV coupe than for a standard fast SUV. They must not only meet the practicality of a full-size SUV, but also offer enhanced performance and a more stylish design. In my opinion, the new 2024 GLC 43 coupe ticks all of these boxes pretty well. It’s a very handsome vehicle, with a familiar yet well-designed interior that offers plenty of performance to appeal to driving enthusiasts. At the same time, it provides ample space and comfort for home use. Considering its price and positioning, I would even say that this is the best SUV coupe sold in India so far.

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Designing a coupe SUV is one thing, making it look beautiful is another entirely

Unlike the C 43, the GLC 43 offers a more visceral experience while driving