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By Jonathan Crouch

In second generation form, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 has changed its approach. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 42

Want a sporty mid-sized premium badged SUV with a bit more of a luxury focus? The second generation version of the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 aims to fit that remit and swaps its old V6 for mild hybrid power in this X254 form.

Backgroundword count: 119

In the real world, if you want a properly sporty Mercedes GLC, this AMG-tuned 43 model is your main option. The Mercedes-AMG brand does also offer an uber-powerful 63 model, but that demands a six-figure outlay, much of which is paying for a PHEV system you may not want and which makes little difference to efficiency. The GLC 43 shares its exalted stablemate's new four cylinder format but in contrast, uses much less sophisticated mild hybrid technology - in place of the first generation model's more sonorous V6. Essentially, it's an SUV version of the brand's C 43 saloon or estate model. A very different proposition from its predecessor. And also rather different from anything else in the segment.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 303

Our comments here will largely replicate the ones we made for the closely related C 43 model. If you happen to be familiar with the previous generation GLC 43, you could be forgiven for approaching this replacement 'X254'-series model with a twinge of disappointment. You might have expected that part of the point of replacing the old snarling V6 with a four cylinder unit would be to aid efficiency by reducing weight, but in fact the MK2 GLC design is actually a little heavier than its predecessor. Which is why, despite the fact that the 42hp power output this time is 40hp more than before, the rest to 62mph sprint time (around 5s) is much the same. Top speed is still limited to 155mph. It's also disappointing to note that torque has dropped by 20Nm to 500Nm. But things get better if you're prepared to stick with what AMG is trying to do here. Somehow, the engineers have managed to make this 'four' sound as good as the old 'six', though it unfortunately lacks the wild roar that characterises much the same M139 2.0-litre unit in the other model in which it's used, the A 45 S hot hatch. Unlike the 8-speed auto used in that car, the engine's paired with a 9-speed auto here and gets a mild hybrid electrified set-up working via a Garret 48V turbo using a compact motor that acts directly on its shaft, spinning at up to 175,000rpm. The mild hybrid system adds a 14hp boost at low speeds to counter turbo lag. Torque is transmitted to tarmac via 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. Standard-fit adaptive dampers firm up noticeably in the fiercest 'Sport' or 'Sport+' Dynamic Select drive modes. Which helps contain body roll on secondary road journeys where you'll notice the sharper steering and the beefier brakes.

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