Which Mercedes-AMG GLC is better: V6 or V8?
In line with their current approach of offering two AMG-branded versions of most of their products, the Mercedes-AMG GLC can be had with a choice between two engines. The differences between the two AMG GLCs run deeper than mere power outputs, however, so let’s take a closer look to decide which one is better.
Sitting neatly in the middle of Mercedes-AMG’s range of high-performance SUVs, the GLC is a product that covers a fairly wide spread of the marketplace. Its appeal is further broadened by the availability of two body styles for each powertrain option, taking the total AMG GLC range up to four derivatives.
Even though the “coupé” versions look rather different to (and are almost R 200 000 more expensive than) the traditional SUV body style of the normal GLC, they’re the same beasts under the skin. For this reason, we’ll concentrate on the non-coupé versions of the Mercedes-AMG GLC for the purposes of this comparison.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic (from R 1 225 640*)
This is the “entry-level” AMG GLC, which means that it has two fewer cylinders than the high-power variant. As a result, it is nowhere near as extreme as the V8 version, but it’s also a lot less expensive in compensation.
Its output- and performance figures are respectable, nonetheless. Under the bonnet lies a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 287 kW and 520 Nm to a 9-speed automatic gearbox, reaching the tarmac after passing through a full-time AWD system for unbreakable traction.
Suitably brisk performance is easy to access, with the electronic control systems and sticky tyres helping the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic to dash from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, on the way to a governed top speed of 250 km/h. Strong performance does come with a penalty at the service station, of course, so the AMG GLC 43 is claimed to drink premium unleaded to the tune of 10.6 ℓ/100 km.
It should be noted that this engine is a descendant of an ageing lineage, and the AMG GLC 43 is one of the last cars to employ a powertrain from this era. For this reason, its outputs are rather lower (and its thirst somewhat higher) than the new-generation inline-6 petrol engine employed elsewhere in the Mercedes-Benz/AMG range.
Related: Shop for new and used Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic cars for sale here.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4Matic+ (from R 1 938 480*)
As the hot-shoe in the range, the high-trim AMG GLC uses the most-potent engine at AMG’s disposal. However, while this engine can deliver up to 470 kW without major alterations (in the E 63 S and GT 63 S 4-door), it’s tuned rather more conservatively for this application. It does receive an uprated AWD system and a quicker-shifting automatic gearbox, though, so the supporting hardware is as high-tech as it can currently be.
In the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4Matic+, the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 produces 375 kW and 700 Nm, dropping the 0 – 100 km/h sprint time to a claimed 3.8 seconds and upping the governed top speed to 280 km/h. These figures are more than class-competitive, so there’s no real need for more power at this stage. It’s a thirsty beast, though, with a claimed average consumption of 12.4 ℓ/100 km, while mixed-cycle driving can easily push that figure into (and even beyond) the high-teen range when driven with verve.
Related: Shop for new and used Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S cars for sale here.
Which one is better?
Considering that the highest-performance Mercedes-AMG GLC carries a price premium of more than R 710 000 (in base trim), it’s not unreasonable to expect the 63 S 4Matic+ to be massively better than its second-tier sibling. And, for those who want the absolute best (and can afford that steep pricetag), opting for the V8 GLC will undoubtedly be worth the extra outlay. In fact, its exclusivity alone would almost make it worth the price, let alone the big injection of V8 character.
But, for real-world use, the GLC 43 is actually more than quick enough. It loses out on some cosmetic improvements and isn’t as thrilling to pilot, but its far more-palatable pricetag makes this trade-off quite a lot easier to overlook.
The AMG GLC 43 is also notable for showcasing the ultimate evolution of the Mercedes V6 petrol engine, which has turned into a most agreeable power plant at the end of its lifecycle. If you don’t need to have the last word in power underfoot, and don’t care about the bragging rights that come with the “last number” 63 S, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic will meet all your needs.
*Prices used in this article were accurate at the time of writing, and excludes options but includes carbon tax and VAT, but may change without prior notice.
