Should You Buy a MERCEDES GLC? (Test Drive & Review GLC43 AMG)

[@bicotmary7176]

Hi Matt. The off-centre positioning of the steering wheel on RHD Mercedes has to do with the pedal box design. Mercedes routes the clutch and brake lever arms to the right of the steering column on their RHD cars (whereas other brands tend to split them around the steering column for RHD). Given the location of the gas pedal, this design necessitates pushing the steering column a little to the left, and hence its off-centre location. This is generally true of all RHD Mercedes with a manual option. Although this GLC was not available with one, its design is based on the 205 which was. Now that Mercedes is ditching manuals across its passenger range, this problem should disappear in the future. Great video, Matt. I also the GLC is a good looking car, but would personally go for C class estate instead.

[@wings9925]

Interesting insight about the RHD version 👍🏻

[@StevoHDA]

..or the germans are just lazy and cheap. these issues have been occuring for the past 3 decades when converting to RHD, but not enough have complained about it to warrant a change

[@cybershot123]

Thanks for that info

[@paulmcgee1867]

Often a lazy design solution

[@b3asle551]

'the perfect family car for someone who hasn't given up on life' is a great way to describe this car!. My daily driver - love it and agree with just about everything you said.

[@majorscope]

Just got back from Scotland in my GLC 250 and have to say it is one of the best long distance cars i have ever owned. Superb in every way. Never noticed the steering wheel issue.

[@Jambafasmalone]

I leased a GLC 250 for 2 years in 2019 and it’s so good I’m keeping it for another 2 years. Ideal family car and, as you said, with 200 plus bhp and 9 speeds a really comfortable motorway cruiser. Highly recommend! Great video Matt.

[@bobby5634]

Must have money to waste leasing!

[@TrustMeIKnowEverything]

Glc250 lol. Brokie

[@TrustMeIKnowEverything]

​@bobby5634 you know nothing about money or depreciation if you think that.

[@sprit0ln]

Bought this model recently in the Dark Blue colour which I think is the best colour and not so common - in fact i havent seen another one yet. Car is a beast if you push it and quicker than the Cayenne and the Audi SQ5. Only complaint from me is the Comand Navigation system which I don't find easy to follow vs Google Maps/Waze etc. The Burmeister sound system is also amazing. Very happy with this car.

[@cosettapessa6417]

Does it still have this outdated screen above like this in the video?

[@jackcarlson6795]

A relative of mine owns a GLC250d which I drive quite a bit and even that is quite a dynamic car to drive. The different drive modes with the adaptive dampers really do turn it into a completely different car with a push of a button and the diesel is very economical but is still quite powerful for what it is.

[@simonchristie4117]

I love the E class and C class estates, elegant and subtle

[@Vontharau47]

The super wealthy with a tad of restraint in Germany all drive debadged black E-Class AMG Estates. Great cars.

[@electricbreeze]

@@Vontharau47Interesting. Do you think SUVs are seen as too extravagant and brash?

[@Vontharau47]

@@electricbreeze Here, everybody thinks an SUV is a gas guzzeling destroyer of worlds - even if it has the smalles engine and better fuel economy than every car of the 90s . And jeah - german folk are jealous a.f. so as soon as the neighbour or anybody else hase a bigger car, it gets talked down upon as brash/extravagant if not keyed by the jealousy of the looser.

[@madamegazelle3271]

I was looking to buy a 2019 GLC 350d back in 2020 but we decided that we didnt want it (as it was pretty bashed up when it was loaned to an employee). Now, we own a 2019 BMW X2 M35i, which we prefer as they are extremely rare to find the M model. Also, they are a much smaller size, which is what we needed but the speed is almost mind-blowing for, what looks like your average family crossover! It was slightly older, younger, less damage and had less mileage. I love it!

[@lesleyfernandez636]

The Mercedes off-set steering wheel has been a topic of discussion for quite a few years now.

[@HighPeakAutos]

I’ve never noticed on any other mercs

[@BullyBoxer]

@@HighPeakAutos w211 had it.

[@edwardmullan2724]

I never noticed until it was pointed out, now I can't not see it.

[@stevenbennett3922]

@@HighPeakAutos E Class

[@Godot28]

You mean topic off discussion...?

[@stephensalt6787]

Never noticed the offset! Bought mine with 40k on it, now on 47k and I love it. Mines a diesel and does over 600 miles every tank full, we’ve just returned from a week in Bruge and the car eats miles as expected. This will be keeper for a few years.

[@sparkmeister4706]

Do you have the 170 or the higher output!

[@PB200559]

Just sold my GLC. Mine was a model variant you didn't mention and was excellent 3.0 V6 diesel AMG Premium Plus (350) - not all AMGs are petrols, and not all diesels are 4 cylinders. Good car and held it's value amazingly well.

[@Mike13684]

I have a 2022 GLC43. It's a beaut.

[@md-detailing]

The GLC43 sounds amazing and its perfect in every way possible! Great video as usual Mat! :D

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@Birmingham_racing]

I would only buy one with digital display or whatever you call it since that's what I like most about current mercs. As for engines I always prefer a 6 cylinder diesel with this type of car

[@dalehewison6319]

Hi Matt Great review as always. I have a 2020 facelifted GLC 300de, just the AMG Premium rather than the true AMG. The "de" is for the diesel electric hybrid combo, the electric good for 30 miles or so pure electric range (good if you do school runs and trips to Aldi and can charge it daily) but the 100hp electric motor added to the 200 hp diesel gives a 300hp machine. Set into Sport mode and it goes quicker than the last dinky pork pie at a Weight Watchers reunion meeting. Main downside of the "de" is the eating of some boot space for the batteries, but rarely a real problem. Can't say I've noticed the off-centre steering TBH.

[@matth8729]

A close friend of mine has this same car, the GLC 43. It's a good compromise of practicality, style and a bit of oomph with the 3.0 litre 43 AMG engine, which has all the power you need (particularly in a family SUV), sounds decent and without the running costs of a 63.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Exactly

[@coolchow]

But what is the maintenance like?

[@stefcep]

The offset steering wheel (and the accelerator to the left) is the same on my c class (which I think this car is based on) and ended up a deal breaker for me. The driver ergonomics on the BMW X3 are so much better, everything from the pedal travel and feel to their location on the floor to the steering wheel to the seats.

[@danecowan678]

Cool car! I liked the GLK too, i saw one in Spain a few years ago. Very smart. As for the steering wheel placement, I drive a Sprinter very often and the offset steering wheel annoys the hell out of me

[@richardholland1031]

Test drove used AMG 43 GLC. The acceleration in sport+ / sound brings huge smile to your face every time but car is sensible when needed and without the attention of a Porsches or Range Rover. I am now looking to purchase. Lots of advice on wheel sizes and it seems best option on AMG is to actually go for the 19" in terms of ride and tyres wear as it cna crab a little on the larger wheels. Cannot wait to find the right colour / trim combination.

[@JohnHoganN8]

I tested one of these when they first came out but it was a little dear for our budget. Lovely drive. Great video Matt thank you!

[@thomasdc2439]

I own this car, but mine has a "boring" diesel engine. To answer your question: if the steering wheel is on the correct side … ;) … you don't have any issues with its placement. But the acceleration pedal is a bit too far in the middle. It feels a bit awkward because your right leg is always in a strange position and pointing inwards (if you know what I mean). I'm somehow got used to it, because my C-class coupe has the same issue. Still … would be nicer if the ergonomic would be better. Other than that: sat nav is garbage, the interior feels a bit too cheap for the price tag, the cameras are not that great, the sensor of the tailgate (is that the correct word?) is basically non existent … so you can kill a child with that and it is very ad-blue thirsty.

[@djfld2394]

Burmeister stereo is available with the Premium Plus package and includes a larger screen and better navigation system, which is well worth looking for on the GLC45 as its a vast improvement over the standard Premium spec. Still not as good as Audi's MMI or BMW's Idrive. Car review aside, The Yorkshire countryside is lovely

[@Conservator.]

I think the Mercs interiors are beautiful.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Me too

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

They aren't great up close or to touch, the piano black trim gets scratched and looks bad.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

@@1977JohnBoy Can't polish a turd

[@Conservator.]

@CircaI was thinking of the air vents for example.

[@rexmundi273]

I have a GLC 350e, amazing car. German build quality.

[@robertdemeny251]

One of my parking spaces in our parking cellar has a merc entusiast on both sides. To the left a 4 door merc with all the whistles and bells. To the right a V8 biturbo AMG cabriolet. I never have to fear doors slamming in to my Lexus. Now the cab has gone to a nice safe place to hybernate. That left a empty space. Then he bought a 2002 Jaguar Vanden Plas. What a car. I often wonder if he print his own money 🤔

[@DMatalas]

The best car we ever owned 2018 AMG 43. Around Town in sport plus feels nearly like a super car 0-60 under 5 secs. YET 27 mpg @75 mph fully suffed for long road trip. My wife and I can sleep in the back for a quick camping trip. 😎 Push the air suspension rise button and it’s has looks😳 like a Subaru outback KILLER 😳 Zero probems with this car in last 3 years now.

[@70053morayfirth]

I had one of these (not the not hot AMG model!) until recently and it was good in every respect - oddly I never noticed the offset steering wheel. The 220d was very economical. It was a bit lacking in character but otherwise hard to fault, and totally trouble free. Much nicer than my friend's US-flashy Lexus RX.

[@baronvonjo1929]

US flashy? What does that mean?

[@MrBledi25]

This is perfect for me as I usually lean on my left towards the armrest, the more centre the steering wheel better control, you know exactly where your wheels are hitting the surface. Mclaren F1 had its steering wheel bang on in the middle

[@bayandamsweli2005]

Always an enjoyable review. A 7 seater GLC is probably a V class in my opinion. Speaking of which, could you do a V class soon? They are very popular down in Sunny South Africa even though they're a bit pricey. Not sure if its the same story in the UK.

[@oliverstemp9132]

They are just VIP taxis in the UK. Very few private owners buy them. The VW Caravelle/Transporters and Ford Tourneos are more popular with private buyers

[@bayandamsweli2005]

@@oliverstemp9132 that’s interesting. The Tourneos are only used by Ford Dealerships here. Nobody has one in their driveway. Not even rental companies have them. However Caravelles are also popular here as well.

[@oldboygeorge7688]

No V class is only for business use, private ownership is next to 0.

[@apexg6571]

Amazing car that will hold its value much better than other suvs

[@gordonsimpson3235]

Always liked the square jawed look of the GLK, like a baby GL/GLS. The GL/S was always too big for the UK sadly, and has a dreadful reputation for issues second hand. GLK would have sold well in the UK. Early GLC's, I am sure you already know, had vibration issue when on full lock. M-B got around this by retro-fitting all season tyres on customers vehicles, but it is only masking an issue. In theory, for most people, this is all the vehicle you need. Its actually bigger than the original W163 ML.

[@davidperry3531]

The scrubbing of tyres on the RHD GLC is a well documented problem which Mercedes have virtually denied is an issue, saying they all do it - not good enough! The GLK could never be made in RHD as the design meant it was not possible.

[@jackgarside8550]

Loved the video looking into a glc for the next car and the glb would love to see a video on the glb mat

[@andrewmorton3177]

I’ve never really understood where the idea comes from that this period of Mercedes interior is a nice place to be. I’ve been in a couple recently & it always pops into my head that it looks like they’ve taken inspiration from a mk1 Peugeot 308 & as an afterthought stuck a cheap looking tablet on top! 🤷‍♂️ Not for me but it does sound tremendous though & another excellent review 👍🏻

[@nomdeplume798]

I rented an E400d which was some kind hybrid. It was all very nice, but, despite the opening panoramic roof I just felt it was a hell of a lot of black. It had the Burmeister stereo and the headlights that seemed to dance across the road when you turned them on. But, somehow it just left me cold. The satnav could be behind the wheel if you wanted...... It felt like the inside of an architect's apartment, the kind of man who would wear a black polo neck and a black leather jacket.

[@wings9925]

Sounds like it was a poorly specified example of a nice car. Like you I prefer some colour contrast. Light colour leather with black dash and door tops always appeals.

[@jamessheehy4895]

How is your channel now doing numbers like jay emm? Fairplay man you’ve kept it current and real for everyone from day one and continue!

[@jamessheehy4895]

Christmas tree or grandfather clock cracked me up! Laughed out loud nuff said… as they used to say! Would love to see an rs3 review if you get one!!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! Just consistency I guess. Same as anything. Quite telling that the first thing that entered my head was ‘grandfather clock’ 😂

[@frfr335]

That looks and sounds great, its size doesn't seem too over-inflated either, which I like.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Yes exactly

[@ryanray6215]

I just rented for a 3 days this car and drove over 1 000 km in Canada . I'm 5'11 but when I drove this , I felt like I'm 5'6 . The dashboard is way too high , obstracting the front view . To rest your left arm on a driver's door is way off . Either is too high or the lower rest is way too low . Actually it is very noisy on a freeways , forget about whispering , tire noise and you feel the vibration of the road surface in a bad way . Brakes are kind of rough and hard to make a smooth stops . All dashboards switches and touch screen are too complicated and busy . Only one perfect thing I found about this car was a stereo system , just fantastic . I own for many years e-class 350 , it is day and night difference . I was so happy to return this GLC to a rental company .

[@darrenquarterman2611]

The paint quality can be seen when you show the amg badge just after 6 minutes

[@CarsofGlasgow]

In lower spec and in white they look a bit like a jacked up C class estate but in amg line and a dark colour it looks chefs kiss

[@snowman2970]

I drove a GLE 350 and when it came time to change I bought the GLC. Not a bad car but I regretted not going for another GLE, it’s simply more comfortable and better equipped.

[@paulmcgee1867]

Great car always loved it’s looks

[@mikeowen1819]

You said that it didn't feel "shouty" in the chocolate-box village, but that illegally spaced number plate means it's not got a sophisticated look for that specific car... but I agree it's a pretty model otherwise.

[@Freeedy]

Absolutely right, in my LHD the steering wheel is perfectly positioned

[@FlynnBellamyCars]

Amazing video! Im a huge fan of the GLC43 and you!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for watching

[@philliphaylor1590]

I love your different take on accents Matt 😂 !!

[@scalecrawlnl]

Thank you, a professional and fun review! The Friday night video, always cool. Cheers :)

[@Nickname_Cobra]

Nice Video Matt! Any chance you could review a Newer XC90 or new Skoda Octavias?

[@timhancock6626]

You are in my neck of the woods. Welcome 😁👍

[@richarddyasonihc]

Great review again Matt, sometimes I wishI wasn’t so set in my predilections! Your ability to compare & contrast is far superior to mine, even though I am a septuagenarian, & have had many cars over the years, I think my SAAB 5000CD would be among my favourites 2.3l turbo had in in 1991, nearly everything you would expect in an up market 4 door car today. I have never had a Merc, but have had all the other German cars. My problem , is simply that I always eventually go back to JLR cars. And no, I don’t think driving through a village in a Range Rover woul be precocious - I too, love living in rural England, and most of us would always have more respect for a person passing through in a British designed car, ostentatious or not! It matters little that people here are quite happy t buy any foreign brand, but my car draws the most interest.

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

I would choose the GLB instead, but I've driven the ML class both mk1 and mk2 (very common in the mainland), and those a great small SUVs from Mercedes, I'd probably choose one of those than these new small Mercedes SUVs

[@HighPeakAutos]

Fair enough but I think the GLB looks a bit odd. I love the GLE though

[@apexg6571]

Glc is better

[@simon1066]

Great real world review👏. It’s a nice looking car inside and out. I can imagine driving it to Austria with 2 pairs of skis on the roof. Fit right in.

[@stratulatus]

Because you mentioned the K at the end of the badge model, now i realize that stands for klein which is small in german. TY

[@GIBSON74G]

Crossed with a clog, HA! Great videos Matt on this and High Peak Property, keep up the great work 👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks

[@mrcmaths4613]

Back in form Matt. Great video!

[@allangreenley9901]

Great car salesman can definitely talk the talk in a charming way .. Would buy a car off u no problem

[@Tube-Shots]

another great review of a really decent motor

[@deathbystereo-]

This has spun me right out. I’ve literally just searched “Mercedes GLC high peak” and you uploaded 9 mins ago 😂 very spooky. Maybe it’s mean to be 😂

[@HighPeakAutos]

😂 oh really

[@deathbystereo-]

@@HighPeakAutos yea kid you not. My caddy goes back to vw March as lease is up but I want something more luxurious and don’t need a van. I’ve binged watched about 20 of your videos over the last couple of weeks. Can’t bloody decide

[@HighPeakAutos]

@@deathbystereo- haha thanks. It’s tricky deciding isn’t it.

[@jackhone8702]

this made me remember I need that 3.0 v6 bi turbo at some point in my life

[@leeholden8658]

On specialists, our 2003 Honda CRV has had any work done by a time served Honda specialist at PCH in Stockport. Great set of lads

[@HighPeakAutos]

That’s who I use too

[@wings9925]

Nice review. Mind you, I wouldn't really call the 43 a full-house AMG. Its quick yes, but doesn't have a hand-built AMG engine; it's a tweaked regular MB 6 cylinder. And who spec'd a GLC AMG43 without the Premium Plus pack?! They were nuts. Without it you miss some big features.

[@deadlydizzle3942]

I had a 2019 GLE43 coupe up until July this year as a daily with this same engine and was given a 63s model for three days while it was in service. The 43 model is not a full fat AMG and you realise this as soon as you get in the V8 but for what it is and the difference in cost, it's a very good car which dominates 95% of the vehicles around due to the sheer power, sound and presence. The 43 engine sounds great in sports plus with the pops and bangs, and has enough pull to challenge most sports cars within a 50hp radius

[@focusedford2302]

I work for merc I can confirm we have lots of recalls, air bags, EGR, steering and probably other things are recalls I've seen

[@Billythebubble]

Driven a few GLC’s in my time that’s to Mercedes great customer care especially when my C350 spent weeks in main dealer being repaired under warranty. Quite a thirsty SUV compared to standard C Class probably being higher and 4 wheel drive doesn’t help. Space is great, easy to park and fully loaded spec is awesome.

[@hermanmunster3358]

Nice, I like! I also like the GLA. I remember sitting in a GLA at Mercedes world a few years ago, and thinking, "I'd love one of these" It just felt right. Sadly, my budget still wouldn't allow.

[@stewartbrown6869]

One of the better ones video great info . I like them now

[@andy-tu2rx]

Not difficult to lose a kia sportaaaaaaaaaaage as they pronounce it,them cars just scream I couldn't afford a bnw x3 or similar. I have dusted many a sportaaaaaaaage from the light's and I'm on foot Great video as usual matt

[@user-bm8oq2qu3n]

They're abit too "I have an LED backlit kitchen" for me, but I do secretly like them, if I'm honest. Great mpg on the diesel too!

[@HighPeakAutos]

😂😂😂

[@HighPeakAutos]

I’m using that one

[@sparkmeister4706]

I've been looking for one recently. I found the 170bhp diesel to be underpowered so looking for something slightly better. The fact they don't have some of the toys that you would expect for this price bracket like Android auto. Or active cruise control. Is another letdown. But it is a nice cabin to be inside. The central console seams to feel wide and takes some space from the left leg. Just me ???

[@mq9298]

Rocking the roll neck there, Matt

[@barryhughes1612]

I am a Mercedes owner and fan so I am biased, the GLC is a fabulous car and it could be my next one..............maybe?

[@Wellibob68]

I feel Matt already has a place in this car to put his posh memory foam Slippers in. Nice car, and in Red I think I'd be tempted. Red cars go faster. Fact. 👍😉

[@timgibbs4762]

I test drove a GLC 43 a few years ago and with big wheels and low profile tyres it rode like a truck over bumps and expansion joints. The engine did sound great. Opted for a Audi SQ5 (also a 3L turbo) and could not be happier. The Audi rides better and has a far better interior than the MBZ. The technology in the Audi is also far superior.

[@johnharris7412]

Hi Matt, I'm lucky to have a GLB from new, 18 months so far of faultless driving, I used to love LR but I think I'll never go back, sad to say, great video, I'd like a proper AMG next time!

[@davidmarshall5596]

Love the connection to the quality street chocolate 🍫 😋

[@willienelsongonzalez4609]

Christ! The sound of that engine! Wow!

[@santana9537]

Glc250d is lovely. Rather the x3 m40d/m40i over the glc43

[@MrRawUK]

Lovely motor. Never thought about one of these before. Great looking car. Not cheap though!

[@oliverstemp9132]

There’s not quite enough room in a GLC for tall people. But the Range Rover Evoque does have enough room, so I’d pick that. If you are short, the GLC feels like a great car.

[@jmw0368]

But who on earth would buy a RRE?….being the most troublesome of cars!

[@oliverstemp9132]

@@jmw0368 a taller person that wants a posh SUV

[@NGMonocrom]

The 2022 version, Mercedes made the grill boring-looking. MSRP in the U.S. is a tick under $60,000. This is definitely something to buy on the Used Market after 3 years or so. I love sports sedans, but I'd genuinely be tempted to buy this. BTW, spot-on impersonation of an American Valley girl voice you've got there Matt. 😉

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha thanks. I did spend a bit of time living in the valley

[@davidminns9799]

Have always liked the look of these! Excellent informative review 👍 with a hint of sarcasm😀

[@antonb5984]

Finally Matt, I’ve been waiting for you to review luxury small SUVS 😂

[@rafflesnh]

Interesting explanation for the 'K' suffix, which I didn't know. I guess that K stands for Klein, which is German for small?

[@davidperry3531]

No, it stands for Kompressor

[@nordic1121]

Good review Matt I liked the witty content, I don’t like people carrier’s I just couldn’t live with a car that used to be a van.

[@bdeithrick]

Wow a fast glanderwagon. How nice, wonderful garage bills to follow

[@colinwhite5355]

You may remember when you bought your first record/cassette/cd? When you had one in your collection, you were thrilled and played it repeatedly. The more you acquired, each one became, proportionally less important/special. Are dash panels the same? Too much could spell overload and, maybe, breeds contempt. Is less better? Think Cortina 1600E or Mk2 Jaguar. Think I may have given my age away but could the principle apply?

[@angrynortherner3805]

Nearly bought one but can’t deal with the stuck on iPad screen.

[@steliofrasco3455]

Just awesome sound and power , love the rear styling

[@HighPeakAutos]

Me too

[@tonynicholson2789]

Lovely car I drive the GLE that was the ML, absolutely love it! Mercedes class!!!

[@ianmead7712]

Hi I don’t get any SUV to be fair they don’t drive well and usually not much space inside compared to an estate or a saloon which will drive loads better and hold the road better so it must be for the seating high position for short people who can’t see over the bonnet in my opinion 😀 so they would rather drive a box on wheels with the same aero dynamics as a SUV 😂

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

I like the glc. However Range Rover still makes the best looking suvs. No doubt about it

[@HighPeakAutos]

I agree

[@drewb8r]

'automotive equivalent of a wallpaper chimney breast' worth the like button for that line alone

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@jamessheehy4895]

Think the 63 amg of this is an awesome car, especially the original matte paint yellow accents model! Must be like a Golf with an Aston martin vantage engine no?

[@cybershot123]

Well done Matt nice car plus a good video in sleepy village

[@michaelstaunton1632]

Really enjoying the content of the channel well done 👍👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@54mgtf22]

Love your work 👍

[@iliesrazvan828]

you definitely should. if you are into banking. or maybe real estate. or something like Top Boy kind of a business.

[@Guapito1973]

The infotainment on my wife’s GLC 250d is an absolute pain in the butt. We had the software upgraded recently by a Mercedes Specialist in Hampshire but it still is very laggy, sometime no sound comes out and it doesn’t always pick up my phone by bluetooth. I’m not sure what to do about it. Otherwise the car is brilliant.

[@simonspencer3108]

You are sooo good at selling cars… every ne of these I watch I go straight onto the manufacturers webs site looking for a lightly used bargain… lol

[@farmingbrit4611]

My neck of the woods,

[@kerryhughesgillard9906]

Got to say mercedes know how to make a nice interior it looks quality and just a nice place to eat up the miles

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Mercedes-Benz has made to many models based on the A-class platform.