If you're looking for a compact luxury SUV that can do it all, you might want to check out the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG. It's not too big, not too small, not too mild, not too wild. It's just right.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG is the middle child of the GLC family, which also includes the base GLC300, the GLC350e plug-in hybrid, and the fire-breathing GLC63 AMG. The GLC43 AMG balances performance, comfort, efficiency, and practicality, making it appealing to a wide range of drivers.
But don't let its moderate demeanor fool you. The new Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG is still a beast under the hood, packing a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that pumps out 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. That's enough to launch this SUV from zero to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz.
The engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that can be controlled via paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The transmission also features five driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual, and Slippery. These modes adjust the throttle response, steering feel, suspension stiffness, exhaust sound, and transmission shift points to suit your mood and road conditions.
The power is sent to all four wheels via an AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel-drive system that can vary the torque distribution between the front and rear axles depending on the situation. The system also works with an AMG Dynamic Select system that can modify the stability control, traction control, and brake force distribution to enhance the handling and agility of the GLC43 AMG.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG rides on a sport-tuned air suspension that can raise or lower the ride height by up to 1.6 inches, depending on the speed and driving mode. The suspension also features adaptive dampers that can adjust their firmness in milliseconds to adapt to the road surface and driving style.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG also boasts a sporty exterior design that sets it apart from its siblings. It features a diamond grille with chrome pins and a large three-pointed star logo, flanked by LED headlights with daytime running lights. The front bumper has large air intakes and a silver splitter that enhance the cooling and aerodynamics of the SUV.
The side profile reveals 20-inch alloy wheels with black accents, red brake calipers, black mirror caps, side skirts, and window trim. The rear end sports a roof spoiler, a diffuser, and a quad exhaust system with chrome tips. The GLC43 AMG also comes in an exclusive matte gray paint called Graphite Gray Magno.
The interior of the Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG is equally sporty and luxurious. It features heated leather seats with red stitching, AMG logos, and a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel with metal shift paddles. The dashboard is dominated by a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, and more.
The infotainment system also displays various performance data such as boost pressure, engine temperature, lap times, g-forces, etc. The driver can also access a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that can be customized with different themes and information.
The GLC43 AMG also comes with a host of safety and driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, surround view camera, head-up display, and more.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG offers a generous amount of space for passengers and cargo. It can comfortably seat up to five people, with plenty of headroom and legroom in both rows. The cargo area can hold up to 19.4 cubic feet of stuff behind the rear seats and up to 56.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
The GLC43 AMG also has a decent fuel economy rating for its class and power. It can achieve an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. That's better than the GLC63 AMG, which gets 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, but worse than the GLC300, which gets 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG is expected to hit dealerships in early 2024, with a starting price of around $60,000. That's about $10,000 more than the GLC300 but $20,000 less than the GLC63 AMG.
The GLC43 AMG is a great choice for those who want a versatile and fun-to-drive SUV that can handle any situation. It's not too hot, not too cold, but just right. It's the Goldilocks SUV for performance lovers.
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