Sometimes, being indecisive is a good thing. For example, when the offer of a new Mercedes-AMG GLC to review came with an SUV or Coupe option, my huge pause as I lamented over style vs practicality, form over function… meant that their Media Relations & Brand Engagement person stopped waiting and gave me BOTH.
To me, ’see or be seen’ sums up the two 43 GLC’s in a nutshell. They both come with a 2L AMG heart that produces 310kW of power, both have AMG ride-control suspension, both have 4Matic AWD and rear-axle-steer, both come with the AMG vertical-slat grille, and both offer 5-seats and 4-doors (or 5 if you count the tailgate). However, not only is the Coupe 43mm longer, but it’s 32mm lower too, which looks sleeker on the eye, but makes it harder to see out of the rear window.
Don’t panic, this isn’t going to just be a list of spec sheet differences, as with their premium looks and racing pedigree’s both took pride of place on my driveway, however, despite their evident similarities, they actually offered two distinctively different drives.
The SUV was the first new AMG GLC to join my family and in all fairness, that’s exactly the mindframe that it put me in. Sure the AMG badge and 500Nm under foot, has you and the family shifting from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds, but it’s also a hybrid and (so efficient) and slightly tamer than a 63 and oddly, I drove it in a more sedate manner – well, when carting others around anyway.
As it turned out, my time with the SUV coincided with us having house guests, (it’s actually quite rare) and the extra head height in the rear came in handy. I know we’re only talking mms here, but for my taller friends, apparently it makes a difference.
The cabin impressed all that stepped inside, with leather seats and a sporty, yet refined finishing. Piano blacks, merging well with chrome accents and red contrast stitching, and a Panoramic sliding sunroof that floods the cabin with sunlight. The screens, infotainment and instrument, are separated (as first seen in the new C-Class) and offer endless amounts of data and information, the head up display is bright and clear and the Burmester stereo is loud and proud.
From a driver’s point of view, the Alcantara steering wheel added an extra sense of performance, with dials below the twin spokes to adjust driving modes, ride firmness and exhaust note, however, with the SUV fully laden, I actually drove somewhat sensibly, spending more time in comfort than I would normally (I knew I had the Coupe next).
The GLC SUV’s 620-litre boot drops to 545 litres in the Coupe version, so there was certainly more room for our shopping excursions, but 545 litres is still a lot, so I wouldn’t let this be the deal breaker between models. And while on the subject of shopping, the lesser view through the rear glass in the Coupe shouldn’t swing the vote in the malls either, as the parking assist, 360-degree camera views and ‘transparent bonnet’ feature ensures both GLC’s stay safe in tight spaces.
With friends gone I took possession of the GLC 43 Coupe and just quietly, the devil joined me for the ride.
The Coupe’s sportier silhouette came with a more racier spirit, well it did in my case. Even when parked it looks like it’s on the move and when it moves, it really moves. Yes the powertrains are the same and so too are the list of treats, but despite being 22kg heavier, it felt faster and more agile – even when both had just me inside.
I know I keep harping on about it, but the rear view window visibility is less, quite narrow in fact, but I have to ask, do you really care what’s behind you? And as a bonus, they get to see the more shapely rear and tailgate spoiler – they should be thanking you. The seats were just as supportive as the SUV, however, the steering wheel was minus the Alcantara, which oddly I missed.
With more ‘me time’ to be had, I spent a fair amount of time in the Coupe in Sport+, and with its unyielding poise and rasps as it travelled up and down the 9G-Tronic box, it was quite the thrill to drive. No it’s not a V8 and therefore not as throaty, but licence losing territory comes into play way too soon and I enjoyed the on-ramp sprint against the M3 wagon.
The new AMG 43 GLC is a fun ride without losing sight of its practicality. It plays well with people and yet is more than happy to go toe to toe with other like-minded sportscars. SUV or Coupe I hear you ask, well, either would do me just fine, but just quietly, my heart beats just a little more for the Coupe – I’d rather be seen than see.
