MERCEDES-AMG GLC 43 REVIEW & PRICES

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 is the milder and slightly quieter version of the big-hitting 63 S. Think of it as being like Michael Palin to the 63’s John Cleese; less bombastic, but probably easier to live with on a daily basis.

There are plenty of similar alternatives to consider, too, such as the BMW X3 M40i or bigger, pricier Audi SQ7.

Generally speaking, when there’s a medium-performance variant of a high-performance model, it often turns out to be the more sensible buy for those of us mere mortals who don’t want to do regular track days or storm up and down Alpine passes all day.

The AMG GLC 43 uses the same highly-tuned 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the 63 S, but whereas the more expensive, more powerful model is a full plug-in hybrid, benefitting from a 204hp electric motor, the 43 barely benefits from its mild electrical assistance.

In fact, the AMG GLC 43’s electric motor adds a mere 22hp to the total power output, leaving this version stuck on 435hp when its bolder brother is well north of 600hp. Still, a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds is hardly likely to have you feeling short-changed.

The AMG GLC 43 uses Mercedes’ ‘4MATIC’ four-wheel drive system, although it does send 69 per cent of the engine’s power to the back wheels for a more sporty and agile feeling. While the AMG GLC 43 does get tuned-up suspension, it doesn’t have the advanced AMG Agility Control suspension of the 63, and makes do with fewer selectable driving modes, too.

Once you’re sitting inside, there’s little to separate the two models. You get the same acreage of soft leather upholstery, and the same excellent touchscreen sitting in the middle of the dash. It’s also a much more practical car than the GLC 63 S — because that model has to lose boot space to make room for its plug-in hybrid battery, the GLC 43’s 620-litre boot is way bigger and more useful.

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