Mercedes GLC 43 AMG - it can do a lot, it requires a lot

A powerful coupe or maybe a compact SUV? One thing is for sure: this car is not so easy to classify. However, paradoxically, there are many extreme emotions associated with it, as well as new questions. Is such a car needed on the market? Does it have to be this big if there isn't much room inside? Can it be "manual"? These doubts are answered by the magic three letters - AMG. 

Design can impress

Undoubtedly, the sporty Mercedes SUV is just as presentable as its counterparts from the AMG lineup. While in theory it may seem like a puffed-up racer, one glance is all it takes to know that everything is in place. And it's not at all easy not to seem ridiculous, sticking typical sports accents on a really big body. In this case, it worked. The GLC 43 AMG doesn't scream left and right at the same time that it will beat any competitor at the traffic lights, but it's hard not to notice the few flavors that make the car unique in terms of styling. The result is an interesting combination of a sporty silhouette, an aggressive body style with muted chrome elements (moldings above the rear lights, a radiator grille), as well as plastic side trims and bumpers that refer to the off-road aspirations of the model.

Jumping behind the thick steering wheel with AMG lettering, upholstered in two types of leather, you can feel the uniqueness of this car. Seems like it can only get better. Take a look at the upholstery of the seats, doors, dashboard - brown leather is impressive. However, this is where the uniqueness ends. The entire center panel should give the impression of one elegant and sporty surface. However, it is enough to open a powerful compartment in search of a place for keys, a phone or a coffee mug, and all the magic will evaporate. Similarly, looking into the glove compartment in the armrest. It seems that in places that are not visible at first glance, slightly cheaper plastic was used. A problem for some drivers can also be the poor location of the screen informing about the current position of the gear lever. Visibility interferes with the massive rim of the steering wheel. Luckily, the rest of the clock, as well as the slightly protruding center screen, is legible and usable only - this is due to the "trackpad" that requires patience.

Acceleration is hard to underestimate

If the GLC 43 AMG does not seem like an extreme car at first glance, and a very similar visual effect can be obtained by retrofitting the “civilian” version of the GLC with an AMG styling package, then why pay extra (we will return to the price list)? In the throes, it's easy to forget that AMG is all about performance. And this Mercedes has them. It also has something that still gives you goosebumps to this day - a V6 engine. This is a classic 3-liter gasoline unit with 367 hp. While it may be impressive, the 4,9-2 time of around XNUMX seconds is by far the most exciting. The subjective feeling of “picking up” this car from a place is enhanced by the realization that the whole of it, together with the driver on board, weighs almost XNUMX tons. The aforementioned performance to design ratio can be an added benefit. So much does not reveal from the outside what this machine is capable of and, of course, at what speed.

The gearbox (unfortunately) takes some getting used to.

And it probably won't be the most pleasant process. Although one would expect a real masterpiece, the gearbox in the tested Mercedes is too sluggish. This, of course, is especially noticeable when trying to drive dynamically, to which the above figures are clearly pushing. The 9-speed automatic transmission doesn't seem to keep up with the driver's wishes. You can save money with the ability to shift gears with the handy paddle shifters. With a quieter ride, the gearbox becomes easier to handle. The key is skillful throttle control. However, returning to the three letters: AMG, which oblige to something - the first attempt to move dynamically can end with an image flap for the driver.

You don't have to think about hanging

This, in turn, is a field where you can feel like in a Mercedes. The suspension works comfortably, in almost any mode there are no clearly noticeable differences. Although they could appear. The ultra-comfort mode, with its very soft suspension characteristics, can be a bit lacking, as is the Super Sport mode, with stiffness and firm handling. Permanent drive on both axles and high ground clearance encourage you to quickly overcome any pits and bumps, but this causes a slightly louder suspension. On the other hand, it seems solid. It's hard to pick on. This is right.

Steering is easy to like

The steering system deserves the highest marks right after the performance. It really works flawlessly and does not require much getting used to. Despite the car's large size, it's really accurate, with an appropriate dose of sporty performance. In each driving mode, the most important aspect is observed - the driver has a feeling of control over the car, the corresponding feedback is transmitted directly from under the wheels to the steering wheel.

The price list won't comfort you

The driver receives much less pleasant signals directly from the price list of the Mercedes GLC 43 AMG coupe. The version without additional equipment costs almost PLN 310, which is almost PLN 100 more than the basic version of this model. This is also the price not so much for the appearance of the aforementioned AMG sign on the trunk lid or steering wheel. This is primarily the price of driving pleasure, which is difficult to express in two letters. This car can do a lot, but at the same time it requires getting used to, turning a blind eye to shortcomings and having a wealthy wallet. The reward may be the sound of the classic V starting up.