Mercedes-AMG GLC43 unveiled with aggressive looks and beefed-up engine

The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 is a Mild GLC63 on the outside

The GLC43 bridges the gap between the regular GLC and the range-topping GLC63

As before, the GLC43 bridges the gap between the regular GLC and the range-topping GLC63. Of course, the GLC43 benefits from the mid-cycle updates that Mercedes-Benz introduced at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, including the reshaped taillights and the redesigned taillights. Both the standard and the coupe model, unveiled together, showcase these changes.

Up front, the GLC43 isn’t very different from the GLC63. The bumper lacks the cool trim seen on the range-topping model, but the vents are still bigger than on the regular GLC. The flatter headlamps flank the Panamericana-style grille with vertical fins in chrome. The fins on the air intakes are finished in matt-black to help the GLC43 stand out. Mercedes also added trim elements in Silver Shadow.

The profile is virtually identical to the rest of the lineup, unless you care for the minor changes made to the side skirts and the black window trim. Naturally, the GLC43 rides on its own unique wheel, in this case 19-inch, light-alloy rims. Around back, the GLC43 boasts the GLC’s redesigned LED taillights and bigger, round tailpipes in a twin arrangement on each side of the diffuser-like element. The latter is also sportier than the standard model.

The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 has a sporty interior

Buy the GLC43 and you'll drive it from a sports seat

Just like on the outside, the GLC43 bridges the gap between the GLC-Class and the GLC63 on the inside. It’s a tad sportier and it comes with extra standard features that are usually optional on non-AMG models. Buy the GLC43 and you’ll drive it from a sports seat. The front passenger will also sit in a similar unit with enhanced lateral support. The seats, as some parts of the door panels are wrapped in black leather and Dinamica microfiber and feature red stitching for a high contrast.

The trim elements are also of higher quality as standard, made from aluminum with longitudinal grain. The steering wheel comes wrapped in Dinamica microfiber for better grip and features a flat bottom, a design cue reserved for 63-badged AMG models until recently. Optionally, you can equip it with haptic buttons for more precise control of various functions.

The GLC43 is fitted with Mercedes' latest MBUX infotainment system

If you’re not happy with the black upholstery, you can choose from the optional two-tone leathers in Cranberry and black or Magma Grey and black.

When it comes to technology, the GLC43 is fitted with Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system. Just like in the regular GLC, it features voice control and artificial intelligence that recognizes and understands almost all sentences needed for vehicle operation. Access to the infotainment is granted through the big 10.25-inch touchscreen on the center stack. The all-digital instrument cluster is even bigger at 12.3 inches.

The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Packs More Punch

The V-6 now cranks out 385 horsepower, 23 horses more than the outgoing SUV

The Germans kept the 3.0-liter V-6 from the outgoing GLC43, but made several upgrades to improve output. The turbochargers are larger and mounted closer to the engine, while the software was adjusted to help the engine squeeze a bit more oomph. Specifically, the V-6 now cranks out 385 horsepower, 23 horses more than the outgoing SUV. Torque remains unchanged at 384 pound-feet.

This increase places the GLC43 above its main competitor, the BMW X3 M40i. Powered by a twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline six, this Bimmer comes with 355 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of tap. That’s an extra 30 horses and 15 pound-feet for the Mercedes-AMG GLC43.

While it’s a bit more powerful, the extra 23 horses don’t make the GLC43 quicker. The facelifted SUV needs 4.9 seconds to hit 62 mph, the same as the old model. It’s also on par with the BMW X3 M40i. Top speed remains the same at 155 mph.

The same figures apply for the GLC43 Coupe model, which goes against the BMW X4 M40i.

All that power travels to the wheels through an AMG Speedshift, nine-speed transmission and a 4Matic AWD system modified by the folks over at AMG. The GLC43 is also fitted with self-adjusting AMG Ride Control dampers and speed-sensitive power steering as standard. The former improves driving safety and ride comfort, while the latter enhance steering by increasing assistance and lower speeds.

Further Reading

2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Revealed with Tons of Go-Faster Tech

Read our full review on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

Read our full review on the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Unveiled

Read our full review on the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLC43.