2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe

Tying up the compact performance series for Mercedes-AMG, the new AMG GLC Coupe lineup features two models - the GLC 43 Coupe with a 416-horsepower kick and the GLC 63 S E Performance Coupe, which we look at separately. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe has a new look, a comprehensively updated interior, and significant improvements in performance. It's no longer so easy to peg the AMG GLC 43 Coupe against competitors, either, since it's now much more powerful than the BMW X4 M40i and closing in on the outputs of the Porsche Macan GTS - which comes at a much, much higher price. Is the new AMG GLC 43 Coupe SUV more appealing than before, despite its divisive looks and compromised practicality? We think it's worth a proper look.

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There's no set release date for the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe, although we know it will arrive in the USA in 2024 before its more potent sibling, the 2025 GLC 63 Coupe.

As with its arrival in the USA, there's nothing concrete in terms of what the price of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe will be. Considering the substantial enhancements to the interior and the bump in performance specs, it'll likely be a good few thousand dollars more than the outgoing model, which has an MSRP of $68,200 for 2023. We expect it to cost in the low to mid-$70k range.

Rivals to the AMG GLC43 Coupe lineup come in the form of the BMW X4 in M40i guise and Porsche Macan S. The X4 has 382 hp in M40i spec and will cost $66,400. Despite having less power, it's actually slightly quicker. The Porsche Macan S is another comparable compact SUV. It makes 375 hp and starts from $72,300. Like the BMW, the Porsche has a six-cylinder engine. The Macan GTS costs $86,800, has 434 hp, and will hit 60 in 4.3 seconds.

The changes to the exterior of the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe aren't drastic, but the overall impression is of a more modern design that works well. Upfront, the main differences are that the headlights are sleeker and now join to the Panamericana grille at the top corner. The aggressive intakes in the lower fascia are still present, and vertical fins identify this as an AMG variant.

The wheel arches house wheels in 19-, 20-, or 21-inch sizes, and the trim is finished in the same paint as the rest of the bodywork. Speaking of paint, we're not 100% sure what exterior colors to expect for the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe, but the usual suspects would likely be present in the form of Cirrus Silver, Obsidian Black, and Lunar Blue, with Manufkatur options like Cardinal Red and Diamond White probably carrying over, too.

At the rear, there's more differentiation between the new Merc-AMG GLC 43 Coupe SUV and the preceding generation, with sleeker taillight clusters that are connected across the trunk width by a dark strip. The rear spoiler is still in place, but the lower rear fascia has been restyled entirely, leaving the number plate positioned lower than before above the faux diffuser. Dual round tailpipes are present at each corner.

Further customization is available through the AMG Night Package, Night Package Plus, Exterior Carbon Fiber Package, and the AMG Performance Studio Package, which is specific to the GLC 43 Coupe. This adds a high-gloss black front splitter with flics along the sides and a proper diffuser board at the back end.

Interestingly, the dimensions for the 2024 AMG GLC 43 Coupe show that it's grown in size, with the wheelbase measuring 113.7 inches and a total length of 188.7 - almost two inches more. It's also wider at 75.6 inches, excluding the mirrors, and it stands 0.7 inches taller at 63.1 inches.

Curb weight for the AMG GLC 43 Coupe hasn't been disclosed yet, but it's likely that it'll be a tad heftier than the outgoing model's 4,233 lbs, thanks to the additional equipment.

The biggest updates to the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe SUV are to the engine. Where there once was a 3.0-liter bi-turbo V6 with 385 hp, the new version gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which is hand-built at Affalterbach as the world's first (and only) series-production engine to feature an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. With technology derived from what's used by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, the powertrain in the AMG GLC 43 Coupe now makes 416 hp at 6,750 rpm and 369 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm - up by 31 hp but down on torque by 15 lb-ft.

Additionally, the AMG GLC 43 Coupe gets a belt-driven starter generator that adds a boost of 13 hp at lower engine speeds. All of this works together to help the coupe-styled SUV go from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds. With the change in outputs, the performance specs of the new AMG GLC 43 Coupe have stayed the same - at least in terms of the sprint to 60 mph. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, but when you need to slow down, the GLC 43 Coupe is brought to a halt by 4-piston front calipers and 1-piston floating rear calipers.

Transferring the power to the 4Matic all-wheel drive system is an AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission with a wet start-off clutch. The AMG Performance 4Matic AWD system has a permanent power distribution between the front and rear axles of 31 to 69 percent, with the rear bias in favor of more engaging driving, improved acceleration, and enhanced traction.

There are five drive modes in the GLC 43 courtesy of AMG Dynamic Select, which allow the driver to cater the overall experience to the driving conditions as well as the pilot's preference. And for the drivers who like to live on the wild side, ESP can be switched between off for track use while Sport actually allows higher drift angles.

When driving the AMG GLC Coupe like a sane person, the standard AMG Ride Control steel spring suspension and adaptive damping ensure occupant comfort. Rear axle steering is also included on the AMG GLC 43 Coupe, and its responses can be adjusted by means of the AMG Dynamic Select drive programs.

The automaker hasn't divulged gas mileage figures for the AMG GLC 43 Coupe yet, but we are told that the second-gen starter generator (RSG) provides mild hybrid assistance as well as aiding gliding and recuperation for improved efficiency. The 2023 model's EPA ratings of 17/24/20 mpg city/highway/combined will hopefully be improved on for the new version, which is a few cylinders down on the outgoing model.

A 16.4-gallon fuel tank is standard on the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe - smaller than the 17.4-gallon unit on the older model.

There are many noteworthy changes inside the AMG GLC 43 Coupe, most of which are easily observable at just a glance. While much of the overall feeling will depend on how you kit out the interior of the AMG GLC 43 (we're not fans of the way wood trims tend to age a cabin), the improvements have lifted the cabin to a much more contemporary and tech-forward space.

Most notable is the large new infotainment screen, measuring 11.9 inches, which is tilted toward the driver. It's powered by the latest-gen MBUX system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the necessary Bluetooth and HD Radio streaming services. Like in the regular GLC-Class, drivers of the AMG GLC 43 Coupe now get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with AMG-specific graphics; a head-up display and AMG Track Pace data logger are optional extras.

The seats in the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe are AMG-specific and wrapped in MB-Tex/microfiber as standard. Buyers can also opt for AMG Performance Seats if they want more bolstering for spirited driving. The standard seats can be had in optional leather or Nappa leather for a fee, which will match the standard Nappa leather-wrapped AMG Performance steering wheel. These sporty Coupe SUVs also get AMG sports pedals and floor mats as standard, along with illuminated door sills.

Thanks to the coupe-like styling, the AMG GLC 43 Coupe has never been the final word in practicality, and for 2024, cargo space comes in at 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats. This is an improvement on the outgoing model's 17.6 cubes, likely because of the slightly larger proportions for the new generation. Folding those seats down opens up 52.6 cubes, which is quite good for the segment. The new cabin layout also comes with handy nooks and crannies for small items.