Performance SUVs have replaced saloon cars as the products that those after practical performance cars look to in the premium market. Despite being a bit long in the tooth, the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 is still a tempting proposition, as are the Audi SQ5 and the Porsche Macan S, which can both be had for similar money. We will be comparing the AMG with these key rivals to determine which is best.
Related: Everything you need to know about the Mercedes-AMG C43
Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4Matic
Powertrain and performance
Powering the GLC43 is a 3.0-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 287kW and 520Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels, allowing for a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 10.6 L/100km.
Standard equipment
The GLC43 gets 19-inch alloy wheels, 7 airbags, outer rear ISOFIX child seat anchor points, climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, a colour screen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, multiple USB ports, front and rear electric windows, keyless entry/start, adaptive air suspension, cruise control, suede and artificial leather seats, cruise control, LED headlights, ambient lighting and silver roof rails.
Safety
The GLC was crash tested by the IIHS in the USA in 2022, achieving a 5-Star rating.
Practicality
The GLC is a very practical product, with a large boot and a 2 460kg braked towing capacity.
Price and value proposition
The AMG is the most expensive car among the three, but as with many premium German products, our trio's respective list prices can rise quickly when options are added.
The competition
Audi SQ5
The SQ5 has 260kW and 500Nm from a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, allowing for a 5.4 second 0-100km/h time and a claimed consumption figure of 9.2 L/100km
The Audi is similarly specified to the AMG, but gets 6 airbags, full leather seats and front and rear PDC, while on the safety front, the Q5 was also evaluated by the IIHS, where it too received a 5-Star rating, along with a Top Safety Pick+ from the programme.
The SQ5 is very similar to the AMG in terms of dimensions, offering the same size boot and a braked towing capacity of 2 400kg. From a value perspective, the Audi is the cheapest model here by over R100 000 when looking at the Mercedes, making it a comparatively good value.
Porsche Macan S
The Porsche offers 280kW and 520Nm of torque from its 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged petrol engine which is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox sending power to all four wheels, allowing for a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 4.8 seconds and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 9.9 L/100km.
In the specification department, the Macan is similar to its rivals, but loses out on air suspension, but has the most airbags, with 8, while front and rear PDC are standard too. The Porsche was crash-tested by Euro NCAP, where it achieved a 5-Star rating. Looking at the Porsche from a value perspective, it splits the Audi and AMG in terms of price, making it reasonably value-packed, however, it has the smallest boot among the three, but does offer a similar braked towing capacity of 2 400kg.
Facts and figures:
|
|
Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4Matic |
Audi SQ5 TFSI quattro |
Porsche Macan S |
|
Engine size (cyl/size) |
5-cyl, 2.5-litre turbo petrol |
4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbo petrol |
6-cyl, 3.0-litre turbo petrol |
|
Power/Torque |
287 kW/520 Nm |
260 kW/500 Nm |
280 kW/520 Nm |
|
CO2 emissions |
230 g/km |
211 g/km |
225 g/km |
|
Maintenance plan |
5 yr / 100 000km |
5 yr/ 100 000km |
3 yr/100 000km |
|
Airbag count |
7 |
6 |
8 |
|
0-100 km/h* |
4.9 sec |
5.4 sec |
4.8 sec |
|
Fuel tank capacity |
66 litres |
70 litres |
65 litres |
|
Ave Consumption * |
10.6 L/100 km |
9.2 L/100 km |
9.9 L/100 km |
|
Driven wheels |
All |
All |
All |
|
Boot volume |
550-litres |
550-litres |
458-litres |
|
Price |
R1 384 593 |
R1 278 500 |
R1 337 000 |
* Manufacturer's claimed figures.
Pricing was all-inclusive at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.
Verdict
Having looked at the figures, we would be confident recommending any of these models to prospective buyers, however, there can only be one winner, and that is the Audi on this occasion since it offers so much value and scores well in each department.
