POTENCY has long been the hallmark of anything that bears the AMG badge.
In Affalterbach, some 30 minutes northeast of Mercedes-Benz headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, AMG engineers have earned a reputation for taking the brand’s luxury cars and infusing them with some serious performance credentials.
Thus, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic+ coupe sports utility vehicle (SUV) is one such creation.
Priced from RM508,888 on-the-road without insurance, this variant has been transformed into a high-performance SUV with coupe-like styling and backed by AMG’s “one man, one engine” ethos.
Now, it rolls out of Pekan, Pahang as a locally-assembled (CKD) unit.
The review unit, finished in Graphite Grey, looks every bit the part of a performance machine, with the front fascia dominated by the Panamericana grille featuring vertical slats, flanked by large faux air intakes.
The lower apron adds a more aggressive visual edge compared to the standard GLC, signalling a sporty intent before the engine is even started.
Along the flanks, AMG Y-spoke 21-inch lightweight alloys with 265/40 (front) and 295/35 (rear) tyres fill the gaping arches.
Behind them sit AMG-specific brake callipers that hint at serious stopping power, while subtle touches such as gloss black mirror caps with integrated indicators and the inclusion of side steps combine its sporty stance with a hint of practicality.
The rear continues the AMG treatment as the coupe-inspired roofline leads to a sculpted tail section, where a boot lip spoiler sharpens the silhouette further, adding a muscular finish to the athletic design.
Finally, the quad exhaust outlets flank the diffuser tucked neatly below.Step inside, and the AMG transformation is just as apparent.
The sports seats are upholstered in a mix of Artico man-made leather and Microcut microfibre, stitched together in red for contrast.
The seating position is supportive without being harsh, striking a balance between long-distance comfort and lateral stability during spirited drives.
Taking pride of place is a flat-bottom AMG Performance steering wheel, wrapped in tactile leather and equipped with metallic paddle shifters, while dials provide ready access to adjust the suspension and drive modes.
This allows the steering to feel purposeful in the driver’s hands while reinforcing the sense of connection between this machine and the road.
Dominating the interior is the 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen with a fluidic response and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Both screens provide crisp graphics that include the AMG-specific performance graphics that include g-force meters, a lap timer and power delivery readouts.
Such displays bring an extra layer of engagement, especially for those who enjoy seeing the numbers behind the drive.
Attention to detail is evident throughout with AMG badging littering the interior, while a mix of carbon-fibre, metallic and microfibre accents helps to create a sporty atmosphere that feels both premium and performance-focused.
Beneath the sculpted front hood lies a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine paired to a 48V mild hybrid system that comes with AMG’s electric exhaust gas turbocharger trickled down from the brand’s Formula 1 endeavours.
This system ensures immediate throttle response by reducing turbo lag, making power delivery smooth yet raw.
Output here certainly impresses with 421hp and 500Nm of torque readily on tap.
The numbers get managed by a nine-speed AMG Speedshift transmission to all four wheels via the AMG Performance 4Matic+ system - allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100kph in just 4.8 seconds.
What stands out most is the consistency of power delivery, regardless of whether launching off the line or powering out of a tight bend.
This AMG-ed SUV responds with definite urgency, like a machine that thrives on being pushed, yet able to remain composed and predictable.
Here, the GLC 43 manages to hide its SUV weight with its adaptive AMG Ride Control suspension that provides compliance and firmness.
In Comfort mode, the SUV absorbs road imperfections well, making it suitable for everyday use.
Switch to Sport or Sport+ mode and the chassis noticeably stiffens to reduce roll while also sharpening steering response.
The rear-axle steering that adjusts up to 2.1 degrees allows for added manoeuvrability at lower speeds by turning the rear wheels opposite to the front ones.
At higher speeds, they turn in the same direction, enhancing stability during lane changes or high-speed cornering.
The result is an SUV that feels smaller and more agile than its size suggests.
Steering feedback is precise, with a satisfying weight that builds confidence, while the brakes provide a confidence-inspiring bite as well as consistency during abusive runs.
Through winding roads, the GLC 43 manages to mask much of its bulk, maintaining balance and poise that encourages enthusiastic driving.
Adding to the drama is the soundtrack, which allows the engine’s exhaust note to bring this SUV alive.
Activate Sport or Super Sport mode and the exhaust note provides a low burble at idle, while up-shifting close to or at red-line creates pops and crackles - a certainly visceral reminder that this is no ordinary GLC.
Despite its athletic credentials, the AMG GLC 43 remains a practical SUV.
The cabin comfortably seats five, with good amounts of shoulder, leg, and headroom despite having a shallow sloping roofline.
Also, the boot offers ample space for family duties, proving that performance and practicality can exist together.
Noise insulation is excellent, with the cabin remaining hushed at cruising speeds.
In Comfort mode, the suspension is pliant enough for long-distance journeys, making it as capable of handling school runs as it is weekend drives on winding roads.
This duality is one of the GLC 43’s strongest traits - equally adept at everyday errands as it is at delivering thrills on demand.
The GLC 43 demonstrates how performance and practicality can be harmonised in a single package.
While looking aggressive without being ostentatious, it can furnish drives with a thrilling pace, yet be able to retain the refinement expected of a Mercedes-Benz.
For buyers seeking more than just a family SUV, the GLC 43 presents a compelling proposition - excite through performance, entertain with sharp handling, and reassure with everyday usability.
This combination has been achieved rather convincingly, making it a capable performer and an everyday companion that owners will look forward to helming.
SPECIFICATIONS
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic+ Coupe
Engine: 1,991cc, inline-4 turbocharged with 48V mild hybrid
Maximum power: 421hp at 6,725rpm
Maximum torque: 500Nm at 5,000rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed AMG Speedshift automatic, all-wheel drive
Acceleration (0–100kph): 4.8 seconds
Top speed: 250kph (electronically limited)
Brakes: AMG high-performance braking system with AMG-specific callipers
Suspension: AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension with rear-axle steering
Wheels: 21-inch AMG Y-spoke lightweight alloys
Tyres: 265/40 (front), 295/35 (rear)
Boot: 545 litres
Features: Seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, Distronic adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring with collision prevention and front and rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, Pre-Safe Impulse Side, AMG Line bodykit, LED Digital Light projector headlamps with adaptive high beam, panoramic glass sunroof, side-steps, AMG Performance flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle-shifters, Artico/Microcut upholstery with red stitching, head-up display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 11.9-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen with Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360-degree camera system and 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system
Price: RM508,888 (OTR without insurance)
Warranty: Four years, unlimited mileage
