2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 Review

[@DonStrimbu]

Update: this car is insane and a '24 Silver Cirrus Magno is now in my garage. Thx to M-B of Rocklin for a great experience. Coming out of the '21 GLC 43 w/the 3.0 Biturbo, I thought that this car would be lacking. It is NOT. The 2024 handles better, brakes better, and goes like a bat-out-of-hell - even while keeping it under 4K RPM for break-in (OK, I admit it, I did hit 5K once). The car is physically larger than the 2021, but feels markedly smaller, lighter, lower and much more like a car than a SUV. The steering is crazy accurate, especially with the rear-axle assist. The interior is well done (other than the issues noted here in the review). MBUX is maturing nicely w/better voice command and features. I enabled a T-Mobile digital hotspot, and can stream Tidal directly to the Burmeister system without using my phone. By the way, the new Burmeister system delivers incredible sound - it's worth the cost of the Pinnacle trim if you're weighing different MSRPs. The digital headlights and HUD are cool tech. Don't hate on the 4 cylinder, it's a wolf in sheep's clothing. In combo with the new wet clutch MCT, the soundtrack is more F1 than muscle car. Yeah, it sounds a bit anemic at idle versus the Biturbo V6, but step down even part-way on the right-hand pedal and you'll know that the '24 is a real AMG, regardless of cylinder count. Haters gonna hate, but if you haven't driven one, you won't have a valid opinion. I decided to buy it about one mile into the test drive - potential buyer, beware! I look forward to getting to 1,000 miles on the odometer so that I can drive this car properly. I fear for my license, actually. :)

[@corinpanainte6944]

Complete review. Thanks. It almost turned me off from getting one because everyone complaining about 4 cylinders, but apparently all them can even afford a used GLC 220d 😂😂😂

[@dash-ryan]

Good to know. Going to test drive one today. Let's see ...

[@dash-ryan]

So I did my test drive of the GLC43 today. It was a very cool car. But it wasn't insane. Everything lived up to my expectations except for the engine. Sadly it just didn't have enough emotion for me. The pops, bangs and burbles were very subdued. My friend who owns a previous gen GLC63 V8 came with me for the drive and afterward allowed me to drive his car. OMG, that V8 is another level!! Now I didn't expect the 43 to sound like that, but straight up, it wasn't even close. Even being a handcrafted AMG engine isn't enough to make me drop the money they're asking. If the 43 was cheaper, maybe, but there isn't enough there for AMG fans to justify the spend. If you don't need the SUV form factor or the room, then maybe the CLE53 is the better choice. I might test drive that next.

[@Im_Frustrated45]

does it stop funny? or when u stop, it cuts out then takes a second to restart. iv heard people say its very annoying especially at stop signs. i know the C43 has that issue.

[@DonStrimbu]

@@Im_Frustrated45 I always turned off the engine shutoff on the 2021, because it was a bit rough in action. The 2024 is a lot smoother. I still can't believe that it's good for the engine, but it's easy to turn off.

[@jutperry]

Really appreciate your candour in this review. It's important for automotive journalists to provide true vehicle reviews and not be a promoter or 'influencer' for brands.

[@telliesmith9825]

Finally somebody telling the truth about the Benz interiors these day's

[@richyyode]

I have the 2022 V6 Biturbo and i would not switch to this .

[@javiercarrera6]

Outstanding review. You've provided a well detailed and complete review of everything this vehicle offers. This is perfect for someone that's thinking of buying this vehicle. I watch car reviews all the time, and to me you are hands down the best!

[@dnice362]

Very underrated channel right now. Clifford and car gurus keep up the great reviews

[@titaniumspecial4207]

This guy always speaks my language, great review as always.

[@4기통_AMG오너]

Good review. I'm amg glc43 owner and generally satisfied.

[@ometofu]

Noisy compared to gle. Selling it soon

[@Ken-h7s]

@@ometofu My new one is very quiet actually except when you give it the gun, but the sound then is great!

[@Ken-h7s]

@@ometofu Depends if you want a proper driving machine or a tank. I've had both and they are totally different cars, the problem with the new AMG GLC 43 it's addictive! done 1500 miles in 9 days, what a machine!

[@ometofu]

@@Ken-h7s then you have not drove GLE. It is next level. The double glazed glass is exceptional like in S class. And when I need noise and power. The S+ don’t disappointed

[@marrraaaa]

@@ometofuit’s about taste. I’ve been in many GLEs but personally I don’t like them.

[@DonStrimbu]

Super nice analysis man, very well presented. Current '21 GLC43 owner, love the Biturbo V6 but a bit worried about the long-term reliability of that motor. Will this one be any better? I don't know, but I do plan to drive them side-by-side!

[@janhabermann996]

This one is developed and built by AMG, the V6 M276 was a tuned Mercedes engine with focus on price and smooth driving. The M139L is definetely more robust.

[@bougy]

well 200+ HP per liter can't be more reliable than 120 HP per liter, no way, even with a badge sticked on the engine with the name of a sub payed technician who sis put pistons in the engine by hand instead of a more precise robot ...

[@brucewingate9708]

great review - I like the candid approach vs sales job.

[@dustinm8800]

Mercedes interior quality isn't what it used to be

[@makesense2931]

What’s lacking?

[@Ken-h7s]

The AMG one I have is better than the Cayenne I nearly bought

[@Iceman-bu1eg]

None of them are anymore …

[@trainkreator848]

@@Rickster1965When I was a Kid my father had a 1988 E 300 and the interior was also pretty solid.

[@ymlccc]

don't care about 43 with 4 pots alien tech, AMG needs to put that sweet twin-turbo V8 back in 63 and call it a day.

[@theniceones1613]

63 is an outdated unreliable money pit

[@ohaleceiffel]

Great review thank you. I just purchased one, awaiting arrival in California. Coming from a Porsche Macan S which I loved and drove 100K miles without a fault. I have to agree with your criticism. I was underwhelmed by the torque, especially at speed where lag seemed most apparent. AIRMATIC air suspension would have been nice as the ride was harsher than I hoped in comfort mode. The transmission feels more like a sequential manual but I actually like the grabby feel of the clutch (or its equivalent). Still all the positives you mentioned where there and I’m eager to experience Benz ownership 🤞.

[@timeslowingdown]

Interesting because I also just got one of these recently, and I had been renting a Macan S for 2 weeks before it arrived after my last lease ended. So I was able to compare them back to back. Everything on this car feels a bit sharper and sportier than the Macan S... so you feel more of the road, it's a bit faster and more responsive, stiffer, less body roll, and I feel like there's more grip due to the size of the tires. The increased vibrations from the road and increased noise in the cabin is a bit of a downside though. Interior build quality was also a bit better in the Macan. I'm happy with this though and I appreciate that it feels faster because the Macan S performance was a bit underwhelming to me, although it wasn't bad. Hope you enjoy yours.

[@TCK71]

Great review.

[@joshuamcdonnell122]

I'm holding on to my V6.

[@bougy]

me too, no way to buy a 4 pot AMG

[@GTR-GOD]

how tall are you ?

[@Marcelotop]

The older version looks better and has a better engine (V6). They went down in price now that this new design came out, so great time to buy them. Just got my 2020 and i am loving it.

[@kevinwall795]

Great conclusion.

[@jre617]

Great RWD proportions, Not many styling complaints except those obnoxious, fake intake nostrils. So, never any glare on the visorless IP and info screens? Too many options grouped in the $4300 Pinnacle package. Nav system should be standard, and I'd pay for a stand-alone audio upgrade (like you can with the BMW X3), but not so sure as part of this stupidly expensive package.

[@Makta972]

That lag when you're shifting is just disgusting 😮

[@Ken-h7s]

Testing one at the moment in England, no lag whatsoever on it! a slight push on the gas pedal and it drops a gear and zooms away!

[@Ken-h7s]

There is no lag in sports or sports mode plus, mine ws a bit Jerky but AMG guys s at Mercedes Mikton Keynes England ajusted the transmission to suit the pwer delivery system more, now brilliant.

[@MrTaoZh]

Just a very great review for myself, having my glc300 amg style package version for almost 8 months, I really like the car, but really trying to thinking about the 43 version. Just because when i drive on freeway, sometimes wish to quick pass or change lanes, the 300 doesn’t always giving the boost as my foot down and expecting, a little slow. But I like the ground clearance as the 300 version, no worries driving around in socal. You know how the road around the LA better than SF, but still rough😂 not sure if I could wait for 8month to get my GLC, will I get the 43 or my current one, which is almost 65k with all options on my 300, just extra 5k, I could have more than 100hp. And a true AMG. Wish some day you guys could help to have a compare review on the 300 vs 43, and i really wish to know how much ground clearance difference on the 43 lower than the 300. And btw it’s great to know the 43 with rear wheel steering, that was what i was looking when i order my 300. Unfortunately it doesn’t offer 😂 thanks for the review!❤

[@Ken-h7s]

Get the AMG GLC 43, it is a fantastic car, my new one with Rear Wheel steering has a 12m turning circle

[@ometofu]

This is a good video. After 6 months. I am about to sell it and get GLE

[@jre617]

Good review, thanks. I'm considering this. The four sounds better than I thought. But mpg is disappointing. Might as well have stayed with the six. Mercedes needs to understand that nicely weighted cast metal switches and knobs or more luxurious than a laptop screen. Also, in true C/D fashion, Atiyeh doesn't bother to find out or explain the ratios at which torque is distributed front to rear. What's the default? What are the limits front to rear? Admittedly less important for street-only.

[@Ken-h7s]

Had my AMG GLC 43 nine days. easily gets 28/30 mpg, a fantastic car!

[@jre617]

@@Ken-h7s Any complaints at all? What about screen interface?

[@TheRandomDude-qy1ev]

The hollow sound, And the plastic isn't really a bad thing. It doesn't change my mind about the car. I'm not knocking on my dash, and I'm not trying to disect my seat. It's gorgeous interior, and packed with features. And fast. That's good for me.

[@YankeeMav]

so weird how there's skimping on the window tint

[@Carfan678]

Its some weird legal thing the vehicle has to be a certain height off the ground for it to have tints the AMG is lower then the standard glc300 and thus no tint

[@YankeeMav]

@@Carfan678 noted

[@oldgoat2004]

With BMW just announced the 2025 X3 M50i going with inline 6 turbo, the GLC43 is going to be left in the dust. With MB using all their resources on making EVs that no one wants, they forgot how to make good combustion engine cars. I hope BMW and Audi don’t follow suit.

[@PhilT993]

I believe that Mercedes has backed way off from their recent 2030 EV goals.

[@Carfan678]

BMW offers just as many EVS as Mercedes plus BMW's are hard to look at these days that x3 is disgusting and the interior looks insanely cheap, cheaper than this. I mean BMW couldn't even extend the ambient lighting to the backseat it screams cost cutting

[@dnice362]

For sure.

[@Makta972]

That new X3 is just ugly tho...

[@Ken-h7s]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Rattlesomecages]

THE PREVIOUS AMG GLC LOOKED WAY BETTER THIS ONE LOOKS LIKE A FORD EXPLORER SLIGHTLY ROUNDED OFF

[@alkupik]

4 wheel steering, how quick do you want turn this suv? Being a car enthusiast sucks nowadays, hybrids and rear wheel steers

[@Johnny-zo9mm]

Sound great, but pump in fake engine/exhaust sound which is a bummer. A lot of cars are doing it these days, which tells me performance oriented people still want the grunt, pops and bangs of the I6/V6, if not better the V8 turbos! Wake up Mercedes, the old school guys still have the money to pay for gas and performance!

[@laurisa0318]

2.0, 4 banger? Can’t see this ending well?

[@dash-ryan]

I'm not sure how this engine is more complex than the 6-cylinder. The V6 was a bi-turbo, while this I4 is a single turbo, albeit electrified. Sure there is a a bunch of mild hybrid gubbins, but every hybrid car has this stuff. It's just as complex as a Lexus NX350h hybrid. Even with Toyota reliability, I wouldn't buy any hybrid vehicle without extra warranty. So engine complexity is always going to be thing with hybrids and shouldn't really be part of the equation in the review, unless you agree it applies to all hybrids in general.

[@theglowcloud2215]

Is this a joke? AMG badge with Buick interior quality.

[@chocolatier9597]

I like the older design more

[@thulanimsane8358]

❤ the look & the sound

[@TYAC_red]

I just test drove a '24 C300 today. If this drives as naturally and with a bit of temper as that, this gives the impression of Lancia Delta rally cars.

[@mohammedalgheryafi7784]

A great car that I can only dream of. Thanks for a great review.

[@Ken-h7s]

I have a new premuim Plus with deivers assistanc e pack (a must) Fantastic car!

[@mohammedalgheryafi7784]

@@Ken-h7s I wish you happy long years of ownership. 🌹

[@claycc79]

Why have a review in the mud!

[@paulm6481]

Four banger turbo for it. I rather get a Honda Pilot or Dodge Durango V8.

[@alessandrocinque5264]

It would be better to buy the GLC 63S AMG from 2021. I tried the GLC 43 AMG from 2024, but I hate the tablet and the all-technical view. The 2021 model strikes the perfect balance between technology and the driving experience. That iPad in the middle makes it feel like a Tesla. I bought the glc 63 s amg v8 for the same price as the new glc 43 amg.

[@ryans7097]

Appreciate an honest review. Definitely looks nice on the outside but eh for the inside and engine reliability. Test drove the new c class like a year ago and found it annoying just to change the volume so I was out on the car from there. Mercedes has gone way too far with the increase of price compared to the actual quality these days. As you said too much focus on tech, many of which is completely unneeded (hello selfie cam on some models) just to drive up the price.

[@marklivos]

BMW is winning in every aspect & lexus is more comfortable

[@Ken-h7s]

🤣🤣🤣

[@luciussander8217]

Merc same as Audi, reducing quality but still asking premium prices.

[@Itzallgoood]

I know that the tech is better. I still prefer the V8. Oh well nothing lasts forever. Cars are slowly losing their soul.

[@ometofu]

Driving assist is not there. Even u pay for it and it is not as good as Nissan

[@TheJoStephan]

Hard plastics and creaks n rattles from every corner of the interior… and nevermind that 2.0 litre that has to be pushed by an electric system to achieve slightly better fuel economy… a pointless goal, when all we want is real cars!

[@exploringwithdanielrivas2802]

Ok but for someone who is trying to get their first amg glc 43. This car is a dream car and I want it before it keeps “downgrading” with more plastic

[@TiffanyBlackwell-y3y]

Swift Creek

[@KelsenTracy-j2n]

Elouise Mission

[@konkombotis5549]

Fake engine sound feed through the front cabin speakers. All 43s are not worthy of the AMG badge. For the driveaway price, there are better and cheaper small-medium SUVs out there, shop around enough said.

[@Ken-h7s]

totally wrong!

[@Mikezagato15]

MB dump these stupid 2.0. Inline 6 guys plz. KIA trumps MB on interiors

[@pauljulian3937]

Obviously it has more junks now with increased price i mean that’s obvious.