7 hours ago
2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe Review: Where luxury meets everyday thrill
The SUV has become the preferred mode of transportation for many, thanks to its elevated driving position, generous space, and the enticing variety of options on offer — from traditional boxy off-roaders to economical city crossovers and sleek, speedy coupe SUVs. One such example is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, which we recently drove to the limit. Here's our take on the highs, lows, and everything in between of this baby AMG!
DESIGN & AESTHETICS
The GLC has always been a fine-looking compact SUV, with an aesthetic that may not leave one in rapture but is agreeable to most eyes. This 2nd gen sports a more car-like face with a broader chrome-slatted AMG-specific grille and slimmer LED lights with an incredible 650-metre high beam. The wider wheel arches house the beautiful rally car-style 21-inch multi-spoke black alloy wheels, while the revised rear end features a light bar spanning the width, similar to the new Q5. There's also a lip spoiler and round quad exhaust tips to get motorheads enthused. Despite the abundance of details, it has a cohesive design that exudes the luxury and raciness associated with the coveted AMG badge that many may want parked in their driveway.
The side step looks great but is unnecessary, given how relatively low this SUV is. However, the large projected 3-pointed star emblems via the puddle lamps are a nice touch.
The interior is a beautiful space to reside in, no matter how long the journey. It's part cockpit, part luxury sedan, and clearly the product of a genuinely creative designer. The highlight is the beautiful, atypical 5-spoke steering wheel with soft leather wrappings and touch controls that actually work. The high-quality plastics, combined with generous servings of carbon fibre and oblong-shaped vents — which are beautifully lit by 64-colour ambient lighting — add richness to the cabin. For the tech-savvy and always-connected folks, there's a 12.3-inch animated, colourful, customisable digital instrument cluster and a large 11.9-inch portrait-style infotainment screen, positioned like a slanting iPad on the waterfall centre console. But at this price, they could have offered the Superscreen and soft-closing doors. The leather-and-Alcantara upholstered sport seats up front are truly comfy, while providing the necessary lateral support, and the rear cabin has space for three average adults too.
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
The words A M G evoke memories of thunderous V8s, but the GLC 43 AMG marks a clear divergence. It neither has a V8 nor the predecessor's twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 but a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder motor that costs north of Dh400k. This news isn't for the faint-hearted. But wait, there is good news! It has a 48V mild hybrid system that powers an electric exhaust-gas turbocharger, helping it produce an outrageous 421 PS and 500 Nm — arguably the most for a production 4-cylinder. It's also paired with a front motor adding 14 PS and 150 Nm. Importantly, it also carries AMG's 'One Man, One Engine' signature plaque.
And it drives with real zest. The motor burbles on start-up and as you floor the throttle, it amplifies to a raspy exhaust note, launching you to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds (with Race Start). You can also row your own gears via the 9-speed transmission paddle shifters. And with a playful chassis, it moves like a hot hatch in traffic and around curves. Credit goes to rear-axle steering, all-wheel drive system, and the grip from wide 265-section front and 295-section rear tyres. It does offer an Off-Road mode, but the low-profile tyres and minimal suspension travel mean that it's not an invitation to venture off-road. Furthermore, the suspension delivers a firm ride, but it's never crashy. However, the steering could be a touch lighter in Comfort mode, and the brake pedal, which works the large cross-drilled discs, is very touchy. Indicated fuel consumption was a respectable 12 L/100 km, and since this is a mild hybrid, there's no EV mode.
FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY
The boot is a good size, with netted and elastic pockets to keep objects in place. Under the floor is a space-saving spare and extra room for knick-knacks. And keeping occupants happy is a powerful 4-zone climate control system with very adjustable air vents.
I love the 3D Burmester Surround Sound — the metallic speakers add a premium vibe, and the audio quality is superb. Phone pairing via Bluetooth is quick, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay working seamlessly. Wireless charging is also included, though hidden in the lower centre console where the USB-C ports are. Also, the infotainment screen isn't the quickest, but the user-friendly and colourful design make up for it. Other highlights include a fingerprint scanner that stores your favourite settings, a voice control system activated by 'Hey Mercedes' for infotainment functions, and an accompanying app that lets you start/stop the vehicle, locate it when parked, etc. For safety, you also get Active Parking Assist, a high-resolution 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, and a lane-centering feature — all very useful in everyday driving.
VERDICT
For the love of luxury, exclusivity, and speed, Mercedes has crafted a chic compact SUV for the corporate aristocrats. It looks at home at high-profile events and has an interior that makes one feel comfortable, connected, and special. It also has a playful chassis and a raspy exhaust that thrills every time you dip the throttle. However, it stings that a fully kitted-out version nears Dh500k—without the full-fat AMG attributes and a few expected luxuries.
