2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43

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Rating7.5

Ranked #7 in 

Compact SUV
Write Review
$54,900 - $59,500
Starting Price 
M. Hannigan's image
M. Hannigan 

Content Writer,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Spacious Interiors

Dated Design

No major changes

Rapid acceleration

Decent fuel efficiency for a V6 SUV

Specs & Features

$59,500

price

385 hp @ 5500 rpm

horsepower

384 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

torque

9-Speed Automatic w/od

transmission

3.0L 6cyl AWD 9A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Back to make a statement, the Mercedes GLC is here with the AMG variant of its midsized luxury SUV lineup. With the performance configuration, the German brings along power with a style statement in amalgamation with a host of opulent features and advanced technology. Powered by a 3.0 V6 Biturbo engine coupled with a 9-automatic transmission, the powertrain churns out 385 horses and 384 pound feet of torque and is propelled by all the wheels of the SUV through the marque's 4Matic system.

Buying Advice

Although it comes in only one trim, you get various optional features and packages to upgrade and customize your GLC 43 SUV. So all we recommend you is to have a look at them and customize your SUV as per your taste.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Starting at $57,000, the Mercedes AMG GLC 43 comes kitted with luxurious and posh features while housing an extensive list of safety tech.Going up against the likes of Audi SQ5 and the BMW X3 M40i, the SUV sees a tough rivalry with these SUVs. Can it stand tall? Read on the review to find out.

Features
7.0/10

Offered in a single configuration, the 2020 Mercedes Benz AMG GLC 43 comes priced at $57,000 and equips itself with a 3.0 liter twin-turbo V6 and the AMG 4Matic driving system. Although all the AMG provides us in the GLC 43, this trim is filled up with quite some abundant features along with the performance features induced by the AMG.

Trims

AMG GLC 43 4matic

MSRP

$57,000

Key Features

AMG DYNAMIC SELECT

 

AMG Sport Suspension based on AIRMATIC

 

20-inch AMG multispoke wheels, silver

 

3-spoke multifunction steering wheel

 

Electromechanical power steering

 

ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist

 

Adaptive braking technology

 

Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel

 

Topstitched MB-Tex upper dash and door trim

We Recommend

Although it comes in only one trim, you get various optional features and packages to upgrade and customize your GLC 43 SUV. So all we recommend you is to have a look at them and customize your SUV as per your taste.

Fuel Economy
6.0/10

The Mercedes GLC 43 has decent fuel efficiency given its powertrain delivering 21 MPG with a mileage of 19 MPG in the city and 25 on the highway.

Model

Mercedes AMG GLC 43 SUV

Audi SQ5 Premium

BMW X3 M40i

Porsche Cayenne

Maserati Levante

Jaguar F-Pace S

Range Rover Velar S

MPG (city)

19

19

20

25*

16.2*

18

TBD

MPG (highway)

25

24

27

35*

24*

23

TBD

MPG (combined)

21

21

23

30*

20.2*

20

TBD

The 2020 Mercedes GLC 43 is not the best SUV when it comes to fuel economy but remains similar to the BMW X3 and the Audi SQ5 that are quite some performers and also maintain a decent economy.

Interior
8.0/10

Mercedes' typically firm seats result in supreme long-distance comfort. Three consecutive days with five-hour-plus drives yielded nary an ache or pain. Optional front-seat thigh adjustment increases comfort further. The seat bolsters keep you in place when cornering.” -edmunds

Looking at the GLC 43 from outside might seem quite compact, however it is quite spacious, comfortable and luxurious on the inside. Adorned with luxury and AMG sporty features, the trim and dash around the cabin has an opulent feel to it. It has a head room of 41.9 inches (front) and 38.5 inches (rear), a shoulder room of 57.3 inches (front) and 56.5 inches (back) and a spacious legroom of 41.9 inches (front) and 37.3 inches (back). This is an SUV that you don’t have to hesitate to take someone on a long drive.

Model

Mercedes AMG GLC 43 SUV

Audi Q5 2.0L Premium AWD

BMW X3 M40i

Porsche Cayenne

Maserati Levante

Jaguar F-Pace S

Range Rover Velar S

Passenger capacity

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

41.9/57.3/40.8

41.7/57.7/41.0

40.0/57.6/40.3

TBD

TBD

37.8/57.7/40.3

38.1/NA/40.3

Second

(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

38.5/56.5/37.3

39.3/56.5/37.8

38.5/56.0/36.4

TBD

TBD

37.5/55.8/37.2

38/NA/37.2

Infotainment System

In the middle of the cabin sits a Standard Mercedes infotainment system. This system comes with a touchpad controller, a 7 inch screen, etc. There are also many other features that come in addition to this infotainment system. They are:

  • Central controller and 7-inch color display
  • FrontBass system
  • Bluetooth audio streaming
  • Prewiring for GARMIN MAP PILOT
  • Dual USB audio ports
  • HD Radio receiver
  • SiriusXM Radio with 6-month All Access trial

Interior Features

Some interior features include in the GLC 43 are as follows -

  • Power front sport seats with memory
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • 3 years of Mercedes me Connect Services
  • Mercedes me connect Assist Services
  • Remote Start via Mercedes Me Mobile App
  • Heated front seats
  • 40/20/40-split rear seats with power folding
  • Power-folding side mirrors
  • MB-Tex/DINAMICA upholstery
  • KEYLESS-START
  • KEYLESS-GO
  • Power liftgate
  • Automatic lowering for easier cargo loading
  • Household-type 115V power outlet
  • Illuminated entry system
  • Refined cargo compartment

Cargo Volume

In the trunk, the 2020 Mercedes Benz AMG GLC 43 is commodious and helps you to easily load it up with as many utilities as you want. It has an impressive cargo cabin of 56.5 cu.ft for this purpose behind its second row.

Model

Mercedes AMG GLC 43 SUV

Audi SQ5 3.0L Premium

BMW X3 M40i

Porsche Cayenne

Maserati Levante

Jaguar F-Pace S

Range Rover Velar S

Cargo Volume (ft.3)

56.5

25.1

28.7

27.1

19.4

33.5

34.4

Exterior
8.0/10

The 2020 Benz GLC crossover nails a rigorous set of safety hurdles for a perfect score here.” -thecarconnection

In its exterior, the heavy duty Silver Arrow does not get any major changes this year. The AMG GLC 43 still carries the looks of its predecessors. This 4987 lbs heavy SUV is 189.6 inches in length, 76.2 inches in width and 69.5 inches in height. The GLC looks like that SUV which is quite compact but stands tall when parked besides its competitors. It has a sporty aesthetic with curves and a defining exterior that define well its character.

Model

Mercedes AMG GLC 43 SUV

Audi SQ5 Premium

BMW X3 M40i

Porsche Cayenne

Maserati Levante

Jaguar F-Pace S

Range Rover Velar S

Curb weight (lbs.)

4149

4321

4277

4,377

4,649

4,090

4,471

Length(in)

183.5

183.6

186.1

193.7

197

186.3

189

Width(in)

74.4

74.5

74.7

86.4

85

81.5

85.4

Height(in)

64.1

65.3

66.0

66.8

66.1

65

65.5

Ground clearance (in)

6.7

8.2

8.0

8.2

TBD

8.4

8.3

Wheelbase (in)

113.1

111.2

112.8

114

118.3

113.1

113.1

Track width (in) F/R

64.5/65.2

63.9/63.6

63.0/63.6

66.2/65.9

63.9/66

64.6/65.1

64.6/65.2

Exterior Features

The GLC 43 comes with some of the following exterior features -

  • Aggressively elegant design
  • The class standard in cabin style
  • Spaciousness and solidity
  • Performance-focused cockpit
  • Anodized roof rails
  • AMG body styling
  • Chrome diamond-block grille
  • Gloss Black exterior accents
  • 20-inch AMG multispoke wheels, silver

Safety
9.9/10

With the NHTSA and IIHS yet to rate the GLC 43, it can be said that it is pretty safe after looking at the list of Safety features it provides you. Some of them are -

  • Active Brake Assist
  • Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call
  • ATTENTION ASSIST
  • Crosswind Assist
  • LED Daytime Running Lamps and taillamps
  • Blind Spot Assist
  • Rearview camera
  • PRE-SAFE
  • Seat belt technology
  • 7 air bags
  • Adaptive braking technology
  • Antilock Braking System (ABS)
  • Brake Assist (BAS®)
  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
  • 4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS)
  • Trailer Stability Assist
  • Aluminum and high-strength steel body structure
  • Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  • SmartKey with KEYLESS-START
  • Antitheft alarm system with remote panic feature
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Electric parking brake

Competition
9.0/10

Mercedes AMG GLC 43 vs Audi SQ5

Aside from the fact that the Mercedes has a stronger powertrain and hence performs quicker, the SQ5 clearly is an overall better package. It has similar fuel efficiency but adds better value to its features and list of advanced tech. Value for money? We think the Silver Arrow all but fails to tackle the 4-rings. The SQ5 should be your preferred SUV and is a steel as it is also cheaper.

Mercedes AMG GLC 43 vs BMW X3 M40i

Comparing the GLC 43 with the BMW X3 M40i, the choice is a thin line to walk on because they go hand-in-hand on most parameters. The Beemer is quicker, delivers athletic and robust handling, has greater fuel economy, and provides easy to use infotainment system with gesture controls. It’s also cheaper than the Mercedes and since both these SUV’s are similar, it totally depends on what brand you’d prefer.

Final Verdict
7.9/10

The 2020 Mercedes Benz GLC 43 might not have any major update since its previous iteration yet it manages to its stand amongst the top liners of this midsize SUV segment while giving them a tough competition. While it certainly is time for an overhaul, the Silver Arrow heavy duty in itself is a great car; it’s just the fact that its rivals have a better package.

Trims

    Base
    $54,900 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl AWD 9A
    • Horsepower: 385 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 384 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 4.51 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 21 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$54,900- $59,500

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.53

Horsepower

503 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque

516 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$66,800- $126,500

Gasoline

7.79

335 hp @ 5300 rpm

332 lb.-ft. @ 1340 rpm

5

Read Review

$41,950- $55,900

Gasoline

7.75

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

5

Read Review

$45,200- $80,600

Gasoline

6.77

247 hp @ 5500 rpm

269 lb.-ft. @ 1300 rpm

5

Read Review

$43,300- $55,800

Gasoline

7.05

248 hp @ 5000 rpm

273 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$52,900- $62,150

Gasoline

8.24

349 hp @ 5400 rpm

369 lb.-ft. @ 1370 rpm

5

Read Review

$90,900- $209,500

Gasoline

7.73

355 hp @ 5500 rpm

365 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$63,000

Gasoline

6.98

385 hp @ 5500 rpm

384 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

5

Read Review

$73,750

Gasoline

6.81

469 hp @ 5500 rpm

479 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm

5

Read Review

$76,500- $84,100

Gasoline

7.89

469 hp @ 5500 rpm

479 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm

5

Read Review

2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    4.51 sec13.8 sec-
    4.11 sec--
    4.13 sec-114 mph
    4.53 sec12.1 sec-
    2020 Audi SQ5

    Ranked #5

    5.1 sec13.8 sec155 mph
    5.7 sec14.2 sec140 mph

    2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      18 mpg24 mpg21 mpg17.4 gal.313.2/417.6 mi.
      2020 BMW X3

      Ranked #1

      25 mpg29 mpg27 mpg17.2 gal.430/498.8 mi.
      22 mpg27 mpg24 mpg21.7 gal.477.4/585.9 mi.
      2020 Audi Q5

      Ranked #2

      22 mpg28 mpg24 mpg18.5 gal.407/518 mi.
      18 mpg24 mpg21 mpg17.4 gal.313.2/417.6 mi.
      19 mpg23 mpg21 mpg19.8 gal.376.2/455.4 mi.

      2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        183.5 in.76 in.64 in.6.7 in.113.1 in.
        196.9 in.78.1 in.73.6 in.8.7 in.115 in.
        193.7 in.78.1 in.66.8 in.7.4 in.114 in.

        2020 BMW X4 M

        Ranked #3

        187.5 in.75.9 in.63.7 in.8 in.112.8 in.
        186.9 in.76 in.62.4 in.6.4 in.113.1 in.
        186.3 in.76.2 in.65 in.8.4 in.113.1 in.

        2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          17.6 cu.ft.-56.5 cu.ft.
          33.5 cu.ft.145.7 cu.ft.95.4 cu.ft.
          2020 Audi SQ5

          Ranked #2

          25.1 cu.ft.63 cu.ft.53.1 cu.ft.
          27.1 cu.ft.99.9 cu.ft.60.3 cu.ft.
          17.6 cu.ft.-49.4 cu.ft.
          2020 Audi Q5

          Ranked #6

          25.1 cu.ft.98 cu.ft.53.1 cu.ft.

          2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            56.5 cu.ft.17.6 cu.ft.56.5 cu.ft.-
            5.3 cu.ft.31.8 cu.ft.68.6 cu.ft.-
            14.8 cu.ft.17.6 cu.ft.52.9 cu.ft.-
            2020 Audi SQ5

            Ranked #4

            57.5 cu.ft.25.1 cu.ft.53.1 cu.ft.76 ft.
            36.1 cu.ft.17.6 cu.ft.36.1 cu.ft.-
            55.4 cu.ft.27.1 cu.ft.60.3 cu.ft.-

            2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              3500 lbs.1232 lbs.4191 lbs.
              7716 lbs.1732 lbs.4974 lbs.
              7700 lbs.1657 lbs.4582 lbs.
              5291 lbs.1550 lbs.3870 lbs.
              4409 lbs.1435 lbs.4099 lbs.
              2020 Audi SQ5

              Ranked #5

              4400 lbs.1036 lbs.4321 lbs.

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