Used 2017 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is a liftback version of the excellent GLC SUV, a vehicle we like so much we awarded it our 2017 Best Buy award for luxury SUVs. The Coupe isn’t really a coupe, but rather this 4-door sports a coupe-like roofline. The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe is a performance-oriented model featuring a more powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, adjustable suspension, sharper handling and massive brakes. It also splits the difference price-wise between the GLC 300 Coupe and the even more extreme AMG GLC63 Coupe with its V8 engine. But there’s more to the AMG GLC43 Coupe than just a gap-filler; it’s a fun and surprisingly satisfying vehicle, easily a match for its primary rival, the BMW X4.

The SUV has taken over virtually every single market niche, including performance coupes. Of course, the term "performance coupe" is being redefined as we speak, since the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe is actually a 4-door liftback. It looks sleek, but few would initially think such a tall vehicle would be fun to drive. They’d be wrong. The GLC Coupe is lighter than you’d expect, and with the 362-horsepower V6 engine and taut suspension, it’s a surprisingly good handler. The responsive engine, sharp brakes, good steering and excellent 9-speed automatic transmission are already good, and in Comfort mode the GLC43 Coupe is indeed comfortable. But switch it to Sport, or especially Sport+, and all of those vehicular senses are heightened, and the Coupe acts more like a sporty coupe. The recently introduced AMG GLC63 model with its more powerful V8 engine is undoubtedly faster, but we think this one strikes an excellent balance.

The current generation of Mercedes-Benz interior design started with the newest S-Class, and the sleek curves, smooth lines, and real wood and metal trim make the GLC43 feel a cut above, even considering its asking price. It’s roomy too, and although the roofline takes a notable swipe out of rear headroom, it’s still good enough for tall passengers to sit fairly comfortably. The biggest difference between the Coupe and the standard GLC is in the cargo area. Not only is there less cargo space, but the sloping hatch also reduces rear visibility considerably.

Exterior style is going to be the primary reason people buy the GLC Coupe instead of the standard GLC, and unlike the similar but larger GLE Coupe, this smaller vehicle wears its hatchback proportions well, without looking bulky. That said, it’s still an acquired taste, and the idea of a "coupe" profile on an SUV is something many are still getting used to. Profile aside, there’s a lot more to like. The front end is unmistakably Mercedes-Benz thanks to the huge 3-point star in the grille, and the taillights look more like something from the C-Class coupe.

TWIN-TURBO V6 ENGINE
It may not have the hand-built panache of the V8 in other AMG models, but this V6 is no slouch, especially when paired with the 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive in the GLC43 Coupe. It’s even tolerably fuel efficient.

AMG DYNAMIC SELECT
This simple control adjusts the steering sharpness, suspension stiffness, and engine and transmission responsiveness all with a simple click. The results are immediately noticeable, with clear distinctions between the different modes, from the super-sporty Sport+ to the perfectly livable Comfort and Eco.

On every 2017 AMG GLC43 Coupe, you start the excellent drivetrain with the push of a button. The adjustable suspension uses an AMG-enhanced version of the Mercedes-Benz Air Body Control springs. Other standard equipment includes a power liftgate and power-folding side mirrors, heated front seats that adjust 14 different ways, and dual-zone climate control. Also standard is a 7-inch color display, Bluetooth and dual USB ports for the audio system. Safety features include collision prevention, attention assist, a rearview camera, and even crosswind assist. Leather upholstery is an option however, with the standard MB-Tex upholstery covering the seats and doors.

There are two grades of leather, standard and premium Nappa. Most desirable options are bundled into packages, with the easiest pick being the Premium 3, which basically adds everything for an extra $5,150: blind-spot and lane-keeping assist, a cabin fragrance system, active cruise control, adjustable LED interior lighting, and COMAND hard-drive-based navigation with a big 8.4-inch screen. There’s also a Burmester surround-sound system that every audiophile should embrace, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and more. One of our favorites: a grille that adds a backlight to the Mercedes logo in the center.

The only engine available in the GLC is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that routes its 362 horsepower to all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission. While the GLC43 is an AMG model, this V6 does not share the hand-built pedigree of the sub-brand’s V8 engines. Nonetheless it’s a pretty great engine and its low, flat torque peak makes the 4,100-pound GLC Coupe feel lively. Even fuel economy is pretty good, with up to 24 mpg on the highway, and a start/stop mechanism that shuts off the engine at stoplights.

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6
362 horsepower @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
384 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.