Car & Driver review of the GLC 43 AMG
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From: San Rafael CA
2017 GLC 43 AMG, 2013 Boxster
Car & Driver review of the GLC 43 AMG
Car & Driver seems to agree with our choice of the GLC 43 AMG, for their Nov. issue did a comparison against the new Audi SQ and Porsche Macan S. Check it out.
All it took me to decide was a test drive when the 1st one rolled into the nearest dealer and my order was placed. Still smiling after 8 months of driving it.
All it took me to decide was a test drive when the 1st one rolled into the nearest dealer and my order was placed. Still smiling after 8 months of driving it.
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2018 GLC43 AMG, 2015 Chevy SS (Holden SSv)
reviews on GLC
I read many reviews and viewed many on Youtube on the GLC43 before purchase. Nearly all were good or better than good reviews. I think I ran accross one not so good review and that surprised me after I got my GLC. Some people just don't like a certain brand. or have favoritism for their "team" and don't want to admit another vehicle can be as good, or nearly as good as their team product....Porsche. I drove the Jag SUV and was not really that impressed with the interior or the transmission. It did not blow me away like the GLC did after driving it and sitting in the comfy confines within. It already had 2 lights blazing on the dash that indicated future quirks with the car. It did look a bit sexier than the GLC, but I did not pursue it due to the interior and the lights. I thought about the Maserati, but was concerned about the Italian build quality issues that are sure to arise and it was about 10-15k more expensive. The Macan is probably the stand out for the comparisons with this group and is the performance standard. My neighbor's wife has one and it just looks too small in the back seat to really qualify as a 5 passenger family SUV, so that was out. I looked at the Cayenne, but it is honestly so ugly and common in Orange County, I could not get past the looks. I also thought about a Jeep SRT and then the thought left me after I sat in the GLC! Overall, I consider this the best mid size Sport SUV on the market and fairly unique as well.
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'18 Black GLC63S
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2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Car & Driver seems to agree with our choice of the GLC 43 AMG, for their Nov. issue did a comparison against the new Audi SQ and Porsche Macan S. Check it out.
All it took me to decide was a test drive when the 1st one rolled into the nearest dealer and my order was placed. Still smiling after 8 months of driving it.
All it took me to decide was a test drive when the 1st one rolled into the nearest dealer and my order was placed. Still smiling after 8 months of driving it.
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From: Dorset, UK
GLC 450
Ned
Yours is the only report I have read that puts the sq5 ahead of the 43, as an all round package the 43 is better in my opinion, as for the macan, I couldn't drive a car around that looks like that.
Yours is the only report I have read that puts the sq5 ahead of the 43, as an all round package the 43 is better in my opinion, as for the macan, I couldn't drive a car around that looks like that.
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From: Wiltshire
Mercedes GLC43 AMG
I couldn’t disagree more with the Carand Driver review. The only meaningful real world way that the glc is better is in 0-60 acceleration. I recently test drove the glc43, the Macan s and the Audi sq5 Prestige. The ride of the Mercedes was easily the worst of the bunch, just plain uncomfortable on anything but pristine roads, made my teeth rattle on rough pavement. The air suspension in the Audi was leagues superior, not even close. The interior materials nicer in Audi, the MMI Nav system with Google maps far superior to still horrible Mercedes. The useful tech in Audi is great and the logic of the system quick to master. Voice activation with Google online search feature great. Ride and real world handling great. All three of the suv’s especially the Mercedes and Audi are miles better than their predecessors. I test drove and played around with each multiple times, in real world driving and functionality, the Audi is hard to beat. Car and Driver blew this one big time, not sure what they were thinking, I need to actually use my tech in the car, not be tortured by it and I don’t drive on the Bonnaville Salt Flats. The glc is ok, but the Audi is great. Sorry guys. Regards. Ned.
I pick my cars because of how they drive not because of the fact I can get Street View on the Navigation system or by spending time feeling the soft touch plastics, after all this is something to be enjoyed and it's not a washing machine that you buy because it's got an extra button over the competitor.
Enjoy your choice as I will mine.
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I guess that if you want a boring, soulless car then you've made the right decision. The Audi may have the better tech and a debatable better finish but as a drivers car it's miles behind, and that is coming from someone who's driven all the main contenders on non-perfect UK roads.
I pick my cars because of how they drive not because of the fact I can get Street View on the Navigation system or by spending time feeling the soft touch plastics, after all this is something to be enjoyed and it's not a washing machine that you buy because it's got an extra button over the competitor.
Enjoy your choice as I will mine.
I pick my cars because of how they drive not because of the fact I can get Street View on the Navigation system or by spending time feeling the soft touch plastics, after all this is something to be enjoyed and it's not a washing machine that you buy because it's got an extra button over the competitor.
Enjoy your choice as I will mine.
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
. They all come with runflats in the US. So my sq that does 0-60 in 5 seconds, has a great suspension, gorgeous interior and great technology is “soulless”. Whatever. Regards. Ned.
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From: Wiltshire
Mercedes GLC43 AMG
I get that you are happy with your purchase as I am mine, we are all different and like different things.
I like a drivers car which the SQ5 as capable as it is, is definitely not.
At the end of the day it would be a boring world if we all liked the same thing....
I like a drivers car which the SQ5 as capable as it is, is definitely not.
At the end of the day it would be a boring world if we all liked the same thing....
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From: Chicago
'18 Black GLC63S
i test drove the SQ5 and a GLC43 to decide whether to go with Audi or Mercedes. I really liked the GLC, so I ordered the GLC63. In terms of finish, both cars have a lot going for them. Personally, I liked the GLC interior a lot better. The Audi interior is nice, including the tech, but the Mercedes interior appealed more to my taste. As for the driving dynamics, I thought both drove well, but IMO, the Mercedes had more bite and felt more refined. Again, you cannot go wrong with either. My biggest disappointment with the Audi was the exhaust. For a sport performance SUV, I would have expected a better exhaust package. The fake pipes just ruin the car. Maybe they will develop an RSQ5 and fix this clear miss. I am still going with the GCL63 all day.
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From: Scotland
GLC AMG 43
AMG 43 Worth the Wait
Well here in Scotland the GLC AMG 43 is a fairly rare sight as diesels still are the favourite of corporate buyers. However, just to buck the trend and fly in the face of current road taxation the GLC 43 is a winner. It is not just about the car but also the dealer experience. After just 2 days of ownership I can see all the journalist's reviews coming to life. To have a Porsche Macan may be as good or better but the cost of all those essential extras makes it a non starter. In the UK, the GLC AMG 43 has all the facilities and what an engine and transmission..just amazing. From order to arrival in Scotland was ca 4 months.
Only discovery - the plastic-type rattle from the rear compartment on rough roads is generated from the plastic internal rear window surround chattering on the glass. Solved by a little piece of foam! So you can enjoy that torque in peace and quiet. Overall, a great car with personality in abundance.
Only discovery - the plastic-type rattle from the rear compartment on rough roads is generated from the plastic internal rear window surround chattering on the glass. Solved by a little piece of foam! So you can enjoy that torque in peace and quiet. Overall, a great car with personality in abundance.
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From: Northeast, USA
GLC43, GTI, X3, Mazda3
The 21’s in the US are non-runflats...precisely why I went with them, but they are summer tires. After my run flat experience in my BMW, I will never purchase a vehicle with them, they suck. I would argue that would have made a big difference in your test drive. That said, I looked at the 18 SQ5 and it just didn’t do it for me like the 17 and prior. Yes, the interior is much better and really nice, but there was something about the outside that I wasn’t happy with vs the prior gen, 43, or Macan. I’m glad you are happy with your purchase, that’s all that matters. Enjoy your SQ5, I can’t wait for my 43. 👍🏻
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
The 21’s in the US are non-runflats...precisely why I went with them, but they are summer tires. After my run flat experience in my BMW, I will never purchase a vehicle with them, they suck. I would argue that would have made a big difference in your test drive. That said, I looked at the 18 SQ5 and it just didn’t do it for me like the 17 and prior. Yes, the interior is much better and really nice, but there was something about the outside that I wasn’t happy with vs the prior gen, 43, or Macan. I’m glad you are happy with your purchase, that’s all that matters. Enjoy your SQ5, I can’t wait for my 43. 👍🏻
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
. Not in the slightest, I really like the Audi, it’s great. I’ve been a Mercedes customer for 30 years, I have a lot of respect for both brands. And yes these are my opinions based on my test driving of the three brands. Some of these things are subjective, some are measurable. The Mercedes is quicker, driving on rails kind of suv. The range on the suspension settings is all to the firm side, the Audi more comfortable yet still in control, it is what I like. The MMI system on the Audi is great, Mercedes Command disliked by many including many on Mercedes forums, their nav not great. Many agree that the interior materials on a Prestige level Audi higher in general than Mercedes, which is absolutely no slouch either, I love the glc and New e interiors. I’ve owned 5 Mercedes over the last 30 years, 2 Audis, can’t say I’m Audi biased. Just here discussing, providing information. Regards. Ned.
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'18 Black GLC63S
Ned - I respect your opinion but on a Merc forum, you are not going to get much sympathy, yet alone objectivity. The prevailing reviews of the SQ5 are that it’s a solid performer in the segment but is too conservative, too soft in its ride, and well behind in performance. I’ve said this before on the forum, but the fake exhaust is unconscionable.
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From: Dorset, UK
GLC 450
Ned - I respect your opinion but on a Merc forum, you are not going to get much sympathy, yet alone objectivity. The prevailing reviews of the SQ5 are that it’s a solid performer in the segment but is too conservative, too soft in its ride, and well behind in performance. I’ve said this before on the forum, but the fake exhaust is unconscionable.
Seems to me that Ned is trying to convince himself that he has made the right decision, I would suggest moving on to the Audi forums where he may find someone to agree with him.
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Ned - I respect your opinion but on a Merc forum, you are not going to get much sympathy, yet alone objectivity. The prevailing reviews of the SQ5 are that it’s a solid performer in the segment but is too conservative, too soft in its ride, and well behind in performance. I’ve said this before on the forum, but the fake exhaust is unconscionable.
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2018 GLC43 AMG, 2015 Chevy SS (Holden SSv)
Ned,
It sounds a bit like trolling to mej when you want to "joust" with people on forums....if you like your Audi, great! Check out the Audi forums and you can relish in your decision among other Audiphiles. This is an AMG forum that focuses on a sports car and performance car focused on owners of the GLC43. You don't own one it appears. If you wanted performance, you would have to endure a rougher ride....that is basic physics. I personally love the ride and just drove 1300 miles in 2 days in my GLC43. I enjoyed every mile of my trip ripping through the spine of California on all secondary roads. I also plan on taking the car on the track and fully expect it do hang very well based on my first drive of the car. Of course this car is not as comfortable as the Audi...duh....the Audi is not a sport focused SUV like this car. I would say your "bone jarring" comments are not accurate since I drove that car for 12 hours in one day and it was perfectly comfortable. I also have the run flats and it was not a problem. You most likely don't drive cars in a sporty fashion or go to the track....so enjoy your comfy Audi and the Audi forums!
It sounds a bit like trolling to mej when you want to "joust" with people on forums....if you like your Audi, great! Check out the Audi forums and you can relish in your decision among other Audiphiles. This is an AMG forum that focuses on a sports car and performance car focused on owners of the GLC43. You don't own one it appears. If you wanted performance, you would have to endure a rougher ride....that is basic physics. I personally love the ride and just drove 1300 miles in 2 days in my GLC43. I enjoyed every mile of my trip ripping through the spine of California on all secondary roads. I also plan on taking the car on the track and fully expect it do hang very well based on my first drive of the car. Of course this car is not as comfortable as the Audi...duh....the Audi is not a sport focused SUV like this car. I would say your "bone jarring" comments are not accurate since I drove that car for 12 hours in one day and it was perfectly comfortable. I also have the run flats and it was not a problem. You most likely don't drive cars in a sporty fashion or go to the track....so enjoy your comfy Audi and the Audi forums!
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Ned,
It sounds a bit like trolling to mej when you want to "joust" with people on forums....if you like your Audi, great! Check out the Audi forums and you can relish in your decision among other Audiphiles. This is an AMG forum that focuses on a sports car and performance car focused on owners of the GLC43. You don't own one it appears. If you wanted performance, you would have to endure a rougher ride....that is basic physics. I personally love the ride and just drove 1300 miles in 2 days in my GLC43. I enjoyed every mile of my trip ripping through the spine of California on all secondary roads. I also plan on taking the car on the track and fully expect it do hang very well based on my first drive of the car. Of course this car is not as comfortable as the Audi...duh....the Audi is not a sport focused SUV like this car. I would say your "bone jarring" comments are not accurate since I drove that car for 12 hours in one day and it was perfectly comfortable. I also have the run flats and it was not a problem. You most likely don't drive cars in a sporty fashion or go to the track....so enjoy your comfy Audi and the Audi forums!
It sounds a bit like trolling to mej when you want to "joust" with people on forums....if you like your Audi, great! Check out the Audi forums and you can relish in your decision among other Audiphiles. This is an AMG forum that focuses on a sports car and performance car focused on owners of the GLC43. You don't own one it appears. If you wanted performance, you would have to endure a rougher ride....that is basic physics. I personally love the ride and just drove 1300 miles in 2 days in my GLC43. I enjoyed every mile of my trip ripping through the spine of California on all secondary roads. I also plan on taking the car on the track and fully expect it do hang very well based on my first drive of the car. Of course this car is not as comfortable as the Audi...duh....the Audi is not a sport focused SUV like this car. I would say your "bone jarring" comments are not accurate since I drove that car for 12 hours in one day and it was perfectly comfortable. I also have the run flats and it was not a problem. You most likely don't drive cars in a sporty fashion or go to the track....so enjoy your comfy Audi and the Audi forums!
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2018 GLC43 AMG, 2015 Chevy SS (Holden SSv)
Well, a troll indeed! I suppose you are just doing a service for this forum.....good for you Ned. You are really helping us out, God bless you and enjoy stirring the pot 
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 703
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From: Northeast, USA
GLC43, GTI, X3, Mazda3
. 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
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!
Last edited by Chrisk03; Oct 15, 2017 at 11:18 PM.
