Car & Driver review of the GLC 43 AMG
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Joined: Feb 2016
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From: Portland, OR
C450, GLC43
. If I wasn’t here trolling, this forum would be a whole lot more boring, with nothing but glc43 owners in group think patting themselves on the back and hugging one and other. I wouldn’t say that the Audi isn’t sports focused, just a bit less so than the glc, one doesn’t require a stiff jarring suspension to be sports oriented, the sq has a better adjustable air suspension and more versatile and no run flats, and 0-60 in 5 seconds is plenty quick, handles well enough to be fun, has gorgeous 21 inch rims. Like I said, both cars are great, it depends which set of attributes are important to you. Most glc43 and sq5 buyers are looking for a step up in performance over the 4 cylinder turbos but still want all the latest in tech, a nice interior, and a quiet cabin, not a car to run at the track or to tear around mountain roads. You’re the exception. I’m here to be attacked so bring it on! I’m a uniting force for you guys. Regards. Ned
Ned,
If you think the ride of the GLC43 is too jarring you must have a glass ***. My c450 is a bit rougher than I'd like but the GLC43 is very smooth in both sport and comfort settings.
SQ5 is a nice ride. When we were shopping I had the search narrowed to the GLC43, the SQ5, and the F pace. Merc won out for us. Audi exterior styling is a bit too conservative for my tastes and deserved or not I do not trust Audi's drivetrain reliability.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
if nothing else, railing at me takes our minds off of politics for a few minutes, that has to be worth something. Regards. Ned.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Ned,
If you think the ride of the GLC43 is too jarring you must have a glass ***. My c450 is a bit rougher than I'd like but the GLC43 is very smooth in both sport and comfort settings.
SQ5 is a nice ride. When we were shopping I had the search narrowed to the GLC43, the SQ5, and the F pace. Merc won out for us. Audi exterior styling is a bit too conservative for my tastes and deserved or not I do not trust Audi's drivetrain reliability.
If you think the ride of the GLC43 is too jarring you must have a glass ***. My c450 is a bit rougher than I'd like but the GLC43 is very smooth in both sport and comfort settings.
SQ5 is a nice ride. When we were shopping I had the search narrowed to the GLC43, the SQ5, and the F pace. Merc won out for us. Audi exterior styling is a bit too conservative for my tastes and deserved or not I do not trust Audi's drivetrain reliability.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Don't be mad at us because you bought a "tarted up" Volkswagen Tiguan with fake exhausts and a 0-60 that my grandmother could almost match in her Camry XSE V6. It has a great ride and is hi-tech also, but only uses go flat tires. It sounds like you might have been better suited for a RAV-4. 
How's that for trolling...haha, j/k. I do like the fact you are kicking it up a notch in the forum. 
As I said, enjoy your SQ5, I may have gone with one if it had a little more sporting attitude, a la the 43, and a better exterior design (personal preference, I realize), but I do love Audi interiors. I'm also betting I would have gotten nowhere near the deal on the SQ5 that I did on the GLC43...just icing on the cake. Now the RS3...but alas, too cheap to pay the mark-ups. All the best!
How's that for trolling...haha, j/k. I do like the fact you are kicking it up a notch in the forum. As I said, enjoy your SQ5, I may have gone with one if it had a little more sporting attitude, a la the 43, and a better exterior design (personal preference, I realize), but I do love Audi interiors. I'm also betting I would have gotten nowhere near the deal on the SQ5 that I did on the GLC43...just icing on the cake. Now the RS3...but alas, too cheap to pay the mark-ups. All the best!
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 690
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From: GA
X3 M40i
. I love the suspension on the Audi, just the right balance, the Mercedes has erred on the side of firm for sure, but mind you it’s only an issue on rough surfaces or over bumps. My 2011 e550, which is absolutely great, exhibits similar behavior, fabulous most of the time but jarring in even small ruts. I believe Audi has a very good track record on engine/tranny, I personally don’t trust bmw so much. As for styling, the glc is an upgrade over the old glk body which was kindly, quirky, don’t consider the glc a particular looker either. Both great though, we should enjoy our great fortune. Regards. Ned.
Also, as other's have mentioned, the power of the GLC43 is unmatched saved for the Macan Turbo and we have yet to see the new X3 M40i comparison. IMHO, the one thing that turns me off with audi is the modding scene. The way Audiusa drops the hammer on individuals that modify their vehicles and flags them is a turnoff for me. One of my friends got the new S5 and got a Statis tune for it. All he did was go for his first service and his Service Guy mentioned that they flagged his S5 for his tune. That's pretty ridiculous. There was no reason for them to check for his tune. He's actually pretty pissed that he's about to put the car back stock, take a hit and go to either a c43 or 440i.
I am quite happy with my GLC43 and tune. My service guy is aware of my tune and resonator delete, as we were all gathered around my truck in the service lane discussing the mods and what I am planning on doing next.
Last edited by DameMD; Oct 16, 2017 at 12:05 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Not sure why you keep talking about suspension/ride quality. We are driving baby AMG's geared towards Sporty Driving characteristics versus comfort. Obviously all of us driving our GLC43 could have afforded the Audi but to me, it's just that something is missing for me in that truck (SQ5). Yes the updated interior is nice but we also are aware that the refreshed GLC43 will have the new digital dash and bigger Command/Infotainment screen too, in the not so distant future. I am also driving on 21 inch wheels in the inner city of D.C. I can tell you that my truck rides and handles light years better than my 2013 c350 sedan which rode harsh, though not a good comparison to the SQ5.
Also, as other's have mentioned, the power of the GLC43 is unmatched saved for the Macan Turbo and we have yet to see the new X3 M40i comparison. IMHO, the one thing that turns me off with audi is the modding scene. The way Audiusa drops the hammer on individuals that modify their vehicles and flags them is a turnoff for me. One of my friends got the new S5 and got a Statis tune for it. All he did was go for his first service and his Service Guy mentioned that they flagged his S5 for his tune. That's pretty ridiculous. There was no reason for them to check for his tune. He's actually pretty pissed that he's about to put the car back stock, take a hit and go to either a c43 or 440i.
I am quite happy with my GLC43 and tune. My service guy is aware of my tune and resonator delete, as we were all gathered around my truck in the service lane discussing the mods and what I am planning on doing next.
Also, as other's have mentioned, the power of the GLC43 is unmatched saved for the Macan Turbo and we have yet to see the new X3 M40i comparison. IMHO, the one thing that turns me off with audi is the modding scene. The way Audiusa drops the hammer on individuals that modify their vehicles and flags them is a turnoff for me. One of my friends got the new S5 and got a Statis tune for it. All he did was go for his first service and his Service Guy mentioned that they flagged his S5 for his tune. That's pretty ridiculous. There was no reason for them to check for his tune. He's actually pretty pissed that he's about to put the car back stock, take a hit and go to either a c43 or 440i.
I am quite happy with my GLC43 and tune. My service guy is aware of my tune and resonator delete, as we were all gathered around my truck in the service lane discussing the mods and what I am planning on doing next.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 703
Likes: 136
From: Northeast, USA
GLC43, GTI, X3, Mazda3
. Just back and forth banter. I appreciate that the glc43 has the amg badge but the sq5 has the s badge which is the Audi version of amg light. They are compatible vehicles in the package that they are attempting to offer, a higher performance version of their mid size, best selling suvs. They are both fun to drive. I harp on the suspension because most people who buy these are older gen x’ers or baby boomers, many of these buyers want comfort along with performance. I drove both vehicles many times and even in comfort the glc in hard over rough surfaces, part of that could be run flats but that’s the way they come, it is what it is. The Audi is materially more comfortable over rough surfaces and I will invariably drive over such surfaces almost every time I’m out, hence I went with the Audi. It has a great, versitile suspension, I happen to think it is much better for my needs and most likely the needs of most buyers in the class. And just because it is more comfortable in comfort mode doesn’t make it un-sporty, let alone how it drives in dynamic mode. The marketing of the amg badge powerful is, and can be hard to resist for many but I broke free of “the force”. Regards. Ned.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Well, if you are bored some weekend, go drive the GLC43 with the 21's and summer tires (non RFT's) and post back. I would love to hear you thoughts about that. I honestly think that would have a made a world of difference in the ride quality...in all modes. RFT's are still so harsh, especially in cold weather and crap roads, that I'm amazed they don't bother you more in your SQ5. No disagreement on the RSQ5, that would be another nice addition to this space.
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Super Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 703
Likes: 136
From: Northeast, USA
GLC43, GTI, X3, Mazda3
I would love to have driven the glc43 with regular tires but I never came across one and wasn’t willing to make the leap of faith that the experience would be much different not on run flats. The Audi does not have run flats and I was actually shocked just how good the ride was with the 21 inch rims. When the new glc first came out I assumed I would eventually get one, loved the new interior, assumed the new Command would be better and knew the turbo six would eventually be offered. All things being somewhat equal, if I don’t like the suspension, that’s a deal killer for me. And unfortunately I have read many less than enthusiastic comments on Command, Mercedes just keeps missing there. The Audi uses Google maps and the online search function for destinations works just like Google on my phone, fast and responsive. The engine/tranny on the glc was clearly great, better than the sq5, which may exhibit a slight amount of turbo lag on occasion, but not anywhere enough to kill the fun and that may disappear once I have more experience with the car, I’ve only had it for 5 days. Both are great vehicles, if outright performance is your top priority, the glc makes sense, but for me, the sq5 has enough performance and the suspension and better user friendly technology won out. Thanks. Regards. Ned.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 57
Likes: 30
From: Wyoming
2014 E63S Wagon 2017 BMW X5 3.5i 2012 BMW X5 3.0D and 2000 Porsche 911
What wonderful days we are living that we have so many awesome choices that everyone can find their version of "perfection."
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 39
Likes: 14
2018 GLC43 AMG, 2015 Chevy SS (Holden SSv)
Ned,
Obviously your issue are the roads in Jersey! If you lived on the correct coast and were not so old and fragile, you would have bought the GLC43
I still enjoy going to the track for track days, and the GLC or Macan are the two choices.
Obviously your issue are the roads in Jersey! If you lived on the correct coast and were not so old and fragile, you would have bought the GLC43
I still enjoy going to the track for track days, and the GLC or Macan are the two choices.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
. Couldn’t agree more, past the days where the smaller suv meant “much less good” or afterthought product. These are great practical vehicles. I actually liked the Porsche design but not good value versus Mercedes or Audi. Regards. Ned.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Actually the sq5 lives in South Florida, enough bad roads everywhere it seems to me. Regards. Ned.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 703
Likes: 136
From: Northeast, USA
GLC43, GTI, X3, Mazda3
Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 199
Likes: 31
.
I may have missed it but in case the link to the online review hasn't been posted...
https://www.caranddriver.com/compari...omparison-test
https://www.caranddriver.com/compari...omparison-test
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 690
Likes: 84
From: GA
X3 M40i
I may have missed it but in case the link to the online review hasn't been posted...
https://www.caranddriver.com/compari...omparison-test
https://www.caranddriver.com/compari...omparison-test
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Good find!!! As stated before, not sure how car and driver are getting these good times. 0-60 for the SUV now 4.3? Wow, no wonder when I got the JB1 tune on full retard this truck is a monster. This also shows what others were saying about the SQ5 vs GLC43. You want comfort, creature features and no fun, get the Audi. You want a brute with some decent tech features, get the GLC. When the GLC get its refreshed interior with the digital dash and bigger infotainment screen like the GLC F-Cell then, the reviews regarding Tech features should be better.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Well, after your comments, I went and test drove an 18 SQ5 this weekend to compare to the GLC43. Overall, a very nice and likeable sport-ute, but not enough to pull me away from the 43. It drives well, but feels somewhat big and heavy to me even though it also feels fast. I didn't get a chance to really push it, but it handled the curves fine with good throttle response in Dynamic mode, and to what I think is your point, a more comfort-sport attitude vs sport-comfort...if that makes sense. The interior tech/materials/layout up front was awesome and I would love to have the Google tech/virtual cockpit aspect in the 43...bummer. It had the diamond stitched leather and although it didn't look bad, I prefer and would option perforated leather, if I purchased the vehicle. No other real complaints per se and I think the C&D review was fairly accurate overall in their analysis of the 3 sport CUV's. I personally don't like first model year vehicles, which is a strike, but the SQ5 also would probably be a little less expensive than the 43 depending on discount...which probably wouldn't be that much considering a brand new SQ5 model. Either way, I understand many of your comments and why you purchased the SQ5 even though I prefer the 43. Enjoy!
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
it’s a discussion forum where people come for information about the glc as well as thoughts about competing products, some people are open for civil discussion, some like to get defensive. Many people who have not made decisions can benefit from the competing opinions of members who have driven the competing products, I know I appreciate that aspect of these forums, I benefitted from that discussion, I wish there was more honest dialogue at times. I am enjoying the sq and obviously many are enjoying their glc, I’m happy for all. Regards. Ned.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Wiltshire
Mercedes GLC43 AMG
Ned, with the greatest respect but are you on the payroll at Audi, genuine question?
Anyone on this forum who has driven both cars like myself, has a completely different opinion to you and doesn't understand your reasoning no matter how well intentioned it might be!!
I still think that you've got buyers remorse and that in reality you are regretting buying a dynamically inferior car in the SQ5 - I have yet to read any reviews either here or elsewhere that says the SQ5 is the better car, we can't all be wrong...........
Anyone on this forum who has driven both cars like myself, has a completely different opinion to you and doesn't understand your reasoning no matter how well intentioned it might be!!
I still think that you've got buyers remorse and that in reality you are regretting buying a dynamically inferior car in the SQ5 - I have yet to read any reviews either here or elsewhere that says the SQ5 is the better car, we can't all be wrong...........
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Ned, with the greatest respect but are you on the payroll at Audi, genuine question?
Anyone on this forum who has driven both cars like myself, has a completely different opinion to you and doesn't understand your reasoning no matter how well intentioned it might be!!
I still think that you've got buyers remorse and that in reality you are regretting buying a dynamically inferior car in the SQ5 - I have yet to read any reviews either here or elsewhere that says the SQ5 is the better car, we can't all be wrong...........
Anyone on this forum who has driven both cars like myself, has a completely different opinion to you and doesn't understand your reasoning no matter how well intentioned it might be!!
I still think that you've got buyers remorse and that in reality you are regretting buying a dynamically inferior car in the SQ5 - I have yet to read any reviews either here or elsewhere that says the SQ5 is the better car, we can't all be wrong...........
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Wiltshire
Mercedes GLC43 AMG
Ned, again with the greatest respect you are coming across as "trolling" now!!
For balance my last car was a 2015 VW Touareg which is known as a comfortable, long distance cruiser and I can honestly say that I find that the air suspension in Comfort mode on the GLC is just as comfortable as the Touareg was, and the seats are far more supportive too.
I sincerely hope that you find employment soon if that is what you want, maybe then you will have something else to focus on rather than trying to justify to yourself on here just why you bought the wrong car :-)
For balance my last car was a 2015 VW Touareg which is known as a comfortable, long distance cruiser and I can honestly say that I find that the air suspension in Comfort mode on the GLC is just as comfortable as the Touareg was, and the seats are far more supportive too.
I sincerely hope that you find employment soon if that is what you want, maybe then you will have something else to focus on rather than trying to justify to yourself on here just why you bought the wrong car :-)
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Ned, with the greatest respect but are you on the payroll at Audi, genuine question?
Anyone on this forum who has driven both cars like myself, has a completely different opinion to you and doesn't understand your reasoning no matter how well intentioned it might be!!
I still think that you've got buyers remorse and that in reality you are regretting buying a dynamically inferior car in the SQ5 - I have yet to read any reviews either here or elsewhere that says the SQ5 is the better car, we can't all be wrong...........
Anyone on this forum who has driven both cars like myself, has a completely different opinion to you and doesn't understand your reasoning no matter how well intentioned it might be!!
I still think that you've got buyers remorse and that in reality you are regretting buying a dynamically inferior car in the SQ5 - I have yet to read any reviews either here or elsewhere that says the SQ5 is the better car, we can't all be wrong...........
Ned, again with the greatest respect you are coming across as "trolling" now!!
For balance my last car was a 2015 VW Touareg which is known as a comfortable, long distance cruiser and I can honestly say that I find that the air suspension in Comfort mode on the GLC is just as comfortable as the Touareg was, and the seats are far more supportive too.
I sincerely hope that you find employment soon if that is what you want, maybe then you will have something else to focus on rather than trying to justify to yourself on here just why you bought the wrong car :-)
For balance my last car was a 2015 VW Touareg which is known as a comfortable, long distance cruiser and I can honestly say that I find that the air suspension in Comfort mode on the GLC is just as comfortable as the Touareg was, and the seats are far more supportive too.
I sincerely hope that you find employment soon if that is what you want, maybe then you will have something else to focus on rather than trying to justify to yourself on here just why you bought the wrong car :-)
