Mercedes-Benz GLC Review

The Review

Test Drives SUVs Mercedes-Benz GLC GLC SUV (X253) - (2015) AMG GLC 43 (367 Hp) 4MATIC G-TRONIC

With a 360+hp 3.0 V6 engine, I was expecting a little more from this one

Summary

So, for a while, if you had asked me what I'm getting next, my answer would have been the same every time. GLC 63 AMG. There was really no other car, so was a little disappointed when I drove its smaller, less powerful cousin...

Practicality and Comfort

So my excitement about driving the nearest thing to the GLC 63, was tempered from the moment, I sat in the drivers seat for this test drive. hmmm... too high! I was expecting to sit a little lower in the drivers seat than what I could get. Didn't help that I spent the rest of the test drive adjusting the seat, finishing and handing the keys back before I ever got properly comfortable. Size wise, its pretty good overall. Decent size for adults and luggage, so can't really fault it from that perspective.

Performance and Handling

Now this is the area that I was most surprised. Yes it was not the GLC 63, but I was hoping for a nice crisp drive from the 3.0 V6 with turbos and whistles attached. Whilst I am sure the car is fast. No doubts about it. It never really felt like an engaging drive. The steering was slightly dull and the sound was drowned out quite a bit. I don't know whether the sound if pumped through the speakers or not, however, it never really set my ears tingling.

Looks and Style

There remains something about the 43, that I just don't like. I think its too slender from roof to kick boards. Doesn't quite have the chunky look that I like in an SUV. Certainly not in the way that the SQ5 does chunky. This one was black with black, which is a pretty safe combination. The interior is starting to look dated and given the next facelift is due soon, might be worth hanging on to your cash for a little while longer.

Would I recommend it? MAYBE

The GLC I am sure is a good car overall, but given the price of this car, I would suggest driving a few of the offerings from Mercedes' prime competitors.