2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class AMG GLC 43
What’s new
- Heated front seats and a household power outlet are now standard
- Off-Road Engineering package and tri-zone climate control now available
- Part of the first Mercedes-Benz GLC generation introduced for 2016
Pros & Cons
- Balance of comfort and performance makes it an appealing daily driver
- Elegant design inside and out gives it a true luxury appearance
- Plenty of room for adult-size passengers in back
- Solid fuel economy from the standard four-cylinder engine
- Technology interface isn't always easy to use
Which GLC-Class does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
8.4 / 10We expect a lot from the luxury crossover SUV class. These vehicles have to deliver on all the practical stuff that shoppers need, such as cargo capacity, passenger space and safety features. They also have to meet expectations for luxury, including high levels of comfort, a well-crafted interior, and plenty of high-tech features and performance. Pitted against all this, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC easily sets the standard.
Even the entry-level GLC 300 is appealing. It comes with a respectable number of standard features and a classy interior design. If you desire more power, Mercedes happily obliges with the 362-horsepower AMG GLC 43 or the ridiculously potent 469-hp AMG GLC 63. There's also a plug-in hybrid version, the GLE 350e. Of course, Mercedes offers an extensive choice of options and packages to further tailor your GLC to your particular needs and aesthetics.
In a class that includes all-stars such as the Audi Q5, Acura RDX, BMW X3, Jaguar F-Pace and Porsche Macan, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC stands tall. In most cases, you'll have to pay more for the experience. But if you're shopping in this segment, the GLC easily justifies its cost.
Notably, we picked the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class as one of Edmunds' Best Luxury SUVs for this year.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class models
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC is a small luxury crossover SUV with seating for five. It's offered in four trim levels that align with engine choice. Most buyers will select the four-cylinder GLC 300 since it's the most affordable and can be ordered with a wide range of luxury and safety enhancements. There's also the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid that pairs the four-cylinder with an electric motor. Performance enthusiasts will enjoy the AMG GLC 43's turbocharged V6, while the AMG GLC 63 turns up the wick even more with a turbocharged V8.
Note that though the GLC 300 comes with standard rear-wheel drive and offers all-wheel drive (called 4Matic) as an option, the rest of the lineup comes with all-wheel drive. The GLC 350e uses a seven-speed automatic transmission, and the other models use a nine-speed automatic.
The base GLC 300 comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (241 horsepower, 273 pound-feet of torque), 18-inch wheels, roof rails, adaptive suspension damping (not driver-selectable), a power liftgate, power-folding mirrors (with auto-dimming on the driver side) and automatic wipers. Inside, you'll find dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power-adjustable steering wheel, adjustable drive settings, a power-adjustable driver's seat, driver-seat memory settings, heated front seats, 40/20/40-split power-folding rear seats, a 115-volt household power outlet, simulated-leather upholstery (MB-Tex), and keyless ignition.
Tech features include a 7-inch infotainment display, Mbrace Connect (which includes smartphone app integration), two USB ports, and an eight-speaker sound system with HD radio and a media player interface. On the safety front, you also get forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and a driver attention monitor.
Select the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid, and an electric motor and battery pack will be paired to the four-cylinder for a combined 320 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. 4Matic AWD is standard. Electric-only range is estimated to be just 10 miles, however. After that, the 350e is rated at 25 mpg combined. A fuel miser, it's not. Otherwise, it's similarly equipped to the GLC 300.
The AMG GLC 43 is quite different from the above two trims. In addition to a potent turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (362 hp, 384 lb-ft), the GLC 43 is further equipped with 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned air suspension, upgraded brakes, a sport steering wheel, the contents of the GLC 300's Premium package (blind-spot monitoring, keyless ignition and entry, and satellite radio), simulated-suede seat inserts, and dash and door trim finished in MB-Tex.
The most exciting trim is the AMG GLC 63. Besides its turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (469 hp, 479 lb-ft), you also get further upgraded brakes, LED headlights, a mechanical limited-slip differential, variable torque distribution for the all-wheel-drive system, and a 14-speaker premium Burmester surround-sound system.
Some features on the upper trims can be ordered on lower trims, though most extras are grouped into packages that are available across the GLC lineup. We would recommend that buyers strongly consider the Driver Assistance package, which adds adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and front and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking. It also adds the contents of the Premium package to the GLC 300. Not only are they worthwhile safety benefits, but they are better executed than most.
There's also the Advanced Parking Assist package. It includes a surround-view parking camera system, front and rear parking sensors, an automated parking system and a hands-free liftgate. For the ultimate night cruiser, check out the Exterior Lighting package, which adds adaptive LED headlights and automatic high-beam control. The Off-Road Engineering package (GLC 300 4Matic only) includes multiple off-road vehicle settings, hill descent control, an underbody guard, and a special off-roading setting for the headlights when the Exterior Lighting package is also selected.
For the techies out there, a Multimedia package is offered with a navigation system, touchpad controller and an 8.4-inch central display screen. There's also an option that bundles Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but note that it's incompatible with the Multimedia or Driver Assistance package.
Some features in the above packages can be ordered as stand-alone options. There are a number of separate items that buyers might also want to add. Styling upgrades include 21-inch wheels; the Night package, which brings glossy-black exterior elements; and the AMG Line, which is available for GLC 300 only and adds interior and exterior appearance modifications, a flat-bottom steering wheel and the GLC 43's upgraded brakes.
Luxury enhancements are also available, such as tri-zone climate control, a cabin fragrance and air purification system, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, rear side-window shades, various trim accents, and multiple premium leather upholsteries (paired with adjustable passenger thigh support and memory settings). A performance exhaust system is available exclusively for AMG models.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 9-speed automatic | AWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2016, the current GLC has received some revisions, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Our findings remain applicable to this year's GLC, however.
Scorecard
| Overall | 8.4 / 10 |
| Driving | 8.0 |
| Comfort | 8.5 |
| Interior | 8.5 |
| Utility | 8.5 |
Driving
8.0Acceleration
8.0Braking
8.0Steering
7.5Handling
8.0Drivability
9.0Comfort
8.5Seat comfort
8.5Ride comfort
9.0Noise & vibration
9.0Climate control
9.0Interior
8.5Ease of use
6.5Getting in/getting out
8.0Roominess
9.0Visibility
9.0Quality
9.5Utility
8.5Technology
Smartphone integration
Driver aids
Voice control
Sponsored cars related to the GLC-Class
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.
Trending topics in reviews
- interior
- ride quality
- driving experience
- appearance
- wheels & tires
- road noise
- value
- safety
- acceleration
- reliability & manufacturing quality
Most helpful consumer reviews
Make sure you are well aware of the tires that come on your new Mercedes! I bought the GLC43 AMG new 5 months ago. This was during the hot weather in my area so the summer tires that come on the car didn't show their ugly side until it started getting cooler outside. Now that it's winter here in South Carolina, when the I turn the wheel sharply, such as when parking or backing out of a parking space, a terrible loud clunk is heard. Also, if there is any difference in the pavement height, such as backing out of my driveway onto the street, the front tires seem to hop along. I took the car into the dealership and requested that the service manager take a look at it to determine the noise. It's so loud, anyone else in the parking lot will hear it also! The service manager said it was a "design flaw" and that all the AMGs do this and even said the AMG63s are even worse. He said that it should be corrected when I replace the tires...what no one told me when I bought the car was any tire that isn't a Continental, Pirelli, or some Dunlop SUMMER tires won't fit. Only between 9000 and 12000 miles is expected from this high performance tire so that means that I'll be spending around $1500 at least twice a year for tires! I contacted MB USA and was told to have the dealership send in an invoice for replacement tires and they'd see what they could do to get them changed out. It came with the Continental tires and after 6500 miles, their showing wear and since they're summer tires, they have no traction in wet weather. Typically, I can't drive over 50mph on the freeway in the rain due to fear of hitting SMALL patches of water and having the car swerve violently to the side from hydroplaning. When I talked to the service advisor at the dealership about the loud clunking noise, he said, "Yeah, we know about that. Most people just get used to it." Wait a minute...I spent over $70,000 to deal with an issue that is a possible design flaw/safety issue, and that's the best answer you can come up with?! MB USA Corporate told me as far as the noise is concerned, they're not aware of anything that is their fault (look at forums and you'll see this is a common complaint of thousands of people around the world with the AMGs) and I was told that, "I should have been made aware of the short life of the summer tires by the salesman." The lady who I talked with told me I saw the car before I bought it so I should have known about the continuous replacement of tires. I asked about the possibility of having the 21" wheels replaced with the standard 20" wheels and was told that it would cost around $8000 to do this and they wouldn't do that since it isn't a manufacturer's defect. I really think putting 21" wheels for aesthetic reasons on a car that is designed to have 20" wheels is a design flaw! Doing research on tire replacement before purchasing a car and the yearly cost involved isn't something that I expect to do. This is the third new Mercedes that I've purchased and I trusted the brand before now. I will definitely consider another brand before the next new car comes home with me and I suggest if you're considering the AMG, stay away! I test drove the GLC 300 before this one and should have stuck with a tried and true model.
My 2019 Mercedes AMG GLC43 is just what I needed after driving my Mercedes E300 sedan. I was able to obtain a perfect size SUV for my daily commute but added an element of driving enjoyment with the power and engineering that the AMG package delivers. The exterior is enhanced with many trim features and the 21 inch wheels add to that AMG image. The interior is loaded with many 1st Class features and delivers that AMG experience. Every aspect of this vehicle is top notch and will give you the feel that you are in a special ride.
Features & Specs
| AMG GLC 43 4dr SUV AWD 3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $57,000 |
| MPG | 19 city / 25 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 362 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite GLC-Class safety features:
- Parktronic with Active Park Assist
- Guides the GLC into an available parking spot with minimal driver assistance.
- Pre-Safe Brake with Pedestrian Detection
- Alerts the driver if a front collision is imminent; can apply the brakes automatically to lessen the impact. Can also identify pedestrians.
- Attention Assist
- Measures driver engagement with the vehicle to determine if the driver needs to rest. Alerts the driver via the information display.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs. the competition
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs. BMW X3
The X3 is the closest rival to the GLC and has many of the same benefits. Both the BMW and the Benz provide plenty of passenger space and a long list of customization options. The X3 has the edge for its larger cargo space and more features for the money, while the Mercedes will likely seem like the more elegant, luxurious choice.
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs. Audi Q5
The Q5 lineup isn't nearly as diverse as the GLC, but the one engine choice is more than capable and all-wheel drive is standard. There is a sportier alternative in the SQ5, though. The GLC is biased more toward a traditional interpretation of luxury while the Q5 has a more modern look and feel. The Audi doesn't have the largest cargo space in the class but still can hold quite a bit more than the Benz.
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs. Jaguar F-Pace
The Jaguar F-Pace is a bit of an outlier in this class because it's slightly larger and pricier. Like the GLC, it has engine choices from mild to wild, but Jaguar also offers a fuel-efficient diesel alternative. Despite its slightly larger footprint, the F-Pace performs like a much smaller vehicle. Other benefits include sleek styling and a much larger cargo space.
FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class a good car?
What's new in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class:
- Heated front seats and a household power outlet are now standard
- Off-Road Engineering package and tri-zone climate control now available
- Part of the first Mercedes-Benz GLC generation introduced for 2016
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class reliable?
Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
The least-expensive 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class AMG GLC 43 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $57,000.
Other versions include:
- AMG GLC 43 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $57,000
What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
More about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class AMG GLC 43 Overview
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class AMG GLC 43 is offered in the following styles: AMG GLC 43 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A).
What do people think of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class AMG GLC 43?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class AMG GLC 43 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2019 GLC-Class AMG GLC 43 3.9 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2019 GLC-Class AMG GLC 43.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class AMG GLC 43 and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2019 GLC-Class AMG GLC 43 featuring deep dives into trim levels including AMG GLC 43, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Read our full review of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class AMG GLC 43 here.Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class AMG GLC 43?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class AMG GLC 43s are available in my area?
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class AMG GLC 43 Listings and Inventory
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class AMG GLC 43 and all available trim types: AMG GLC 43. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class AMG GLC 43 include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class AMG GLC 43?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Mercedes-Benz lease specials