There are many reasons why Sport Utility Vehicles are more popular than cars, including their larger interiors, increased visibility because of greater ride heights, additional cargo space, better ground clearance, and available if not standard all-wheel-drive systems.
But enthusiasts know there is one large drawback – SUVs are simply not as much fun to drive as cars, especially sport cars, because of their lower centers of gravity. Some manufacturers have responded with performance-oriented SUVs that include sleeker styling, more powerful engines, and sport-tuned suspensions. One of the best is the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43 Coupe, which is based on the company’s more traditional luxury midsize GLC SUV, but with fastback styling replacing the conventional boxy rear end.
I’ve tested several fastback SUVs over the years, including an earlier GLC Coupe. The styling always looks a little awkward to me when they first arrive, more squat than sporty. My 2024 tester also came in a matte-black Graphite Gray Mango paint job that made it look surprisingly utilitarian. But it only took was a few minutes behind the wheel to forget all of that.
This year’s slightly redesigned model comes standard with a turbocharged and hybrid boosted 2.0-liter engine that blasts out an impressive 416-horsepower. It is mated to a dual clutch AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed automatic transmission connected to the company’s excellent 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The combination produces brisk acceleration (a claimed 4.7 seconds to 60 miles per hour) and incredible traction, even in wet weather. It is a premium SUV that genuinely drives like a sports car, beginning at $70,600.
My tester came with $10,080 worth of options, pushing the price to $81,830, counting destination and delivery charges. Perhaps surprisingly, except for the AMG Y-spoke wheels, all of the options were paint, interior trim, and infotainment upgrades, meaning the base AMG GLC43 Coupe comes with all the performance goodies.
An even more powerful version is available, however. The 2024 AMG63 S E Performance Coupe produces a ridiculous 671 horsepower. Mercedes claims it can reach 60 in just 3.4 seconds. Thankfully, it also comes with larger brakes – along with a much higher, estimated $88,000 starting price.
Naturally, all versions of the GLC Coupe come with a luxury interior featuring the highest quality material and a large, 11.9-inch display angled up from the center console to the dash. The design prevents the screen from overpowering the interior like some vertical ones do in other vehicles.
In terms of practicality, the GLC Coupe offers a lot of leg room in the rear seats, although headroom and cargo space are compromised a bit by the fastback design. But anyone considering it should know that.
Like genuine sports cars, there are trade-offs with the 2024 Mercedes AMG GLC43 Coupe. Even in the Comfort mode, the suspension is very firm, making daily driving over the poorly maintained streets in my part of town a little, well, uncomfortable. The engine/transmission combination is also a little over-eager, even in the Comfort mode. The result is an occasionally twitchy drive benefits from careful attention.
The AMG GLC43 Coupe excels in those rare opportunities for flat out performance, however. The Sport+ setting opens up a whole other world of performance. I won’t say how fast I went in a very short distance on an empty flat stretch of road for fear of losing my license, but the glued-to-the-road suspension made it feel like just one-third of a very expensive speeding ticket.
SUVs are likely to dominate the automotive market for years to come. Enthusiasts are now offered at least a few that match, if not exceed, the performance of genuine sports cars. The 2024 Mercedes AMG GLC43 Coupe is one of the best luxury versions, with all the performance upgrades offered in the base version.
2024 Mercedes AMG GLC43 Coupe
Base price: $70,600
Price as tested: $81,830
Type: Midsize luxury performance SUV
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4 (416 hp, 369 lbs-ft)
Transmission: AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed automatic
Drive modes: Slippery, Individual, Comfort, Sport, Sport+
EPA estimated mileage: 18.24
Overall length: 190 inches
Curb weight: 4461
Final assembly: Montgomery, Alabama
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