2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG® GLC 43 vs. Porsche Macan vs Audi SQ5
Compact performance luxury SUVs offer the agility and power of a sports sedan combined with the versatility and interior comfort of an SUV. This unique blend of attributes has made this segment grow rapidly in popularity in recent years. With such an array of choices available to prospective buyers, making the right choice can seem like a daunting task at first. Fortunately, Mercedes-Benz of Easton is here to help make your decision much easier. We’ve assembled this competitive comparison in which the impressive Mercedes-Benz AMG® GLC 43 faces off against two of its biggest rivals – the Porsche Macan S and the Audi SQ5. Which of this performance SUVs will earn the victory? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
Mercedes-Benz AMG® GLC 43 SUV vs Porsche Macan S
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG® GLC 43 SUV | VS | 2019 Porsche Macan S |
| $57,000 ✓ | MSRP | $58,600 |
| 362 HP / 384 TQ ✓ | Horsepower / Torque | 348 HP / 352 TQ |
| 9 ✓ | Transmission Speeds | 8 |
| 20 inches ✓ | Wheel Size | 19 inches |
| Standard ✓ | Roof Rails | Optional |
| Driver & Passenger ✓ | Heated Front Seats | Optional |
| Driver & Passenger ✓ | Front Seat Lumbar Support | Optional |
| Power ✓ | Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel Adjustments | Manual |
| Standard ✓ | AC Power Outlet | Not Available |
| Standard ✓ | Intelligent Brake Assist | Not Available |
| Standard ✓ | Blind Spot Monitoring | Optional |
| 56.5 cubic feet ✓ | Cargo Capacity | 52.9 cubic feet |
The first challenger to go up against the Mercedes-Benz AMG® GLC 43 SUV is the Porsche Macan S. In this matchup, the AMG® GLC 43 begins with a sizeable $1,600 price advantage over the Macan S. Thinking this savings means that you’ll be missing out on premium features and equipment? Think again.
In terms of performance, the AMG® GLC 43 tops the Macan S in both horsepower and torque ratings. Its more sophisticated 9-speed automatic transmission offers increased response and engagement during spirited driving maneuvers. Larger 20-inch AMG® alloy wheels help give the GLC 43 an imposing stance on the road. Standard roof rails give you superior cargo-carrying capabilities as well.
Interior comfort and convenience amenities are two other categories in which Mercedes-Benz tops Porsche. The front seats of the AMG® GLC 43 offer heating functions along with lumbar support for both the driver and passenger. Each of these great amenities will cost your extra on the Macan S. To help you find your ideal driving position, you can use the standard power tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustments. Macan S drivers will have to fumble around with archaic manual adjustments.
The AMG® GLC 43 continues to shine in terms of technology as well. A standard AC power outlet helps keep all your electronic devices charged up for the journey. Standard intelligent brake assist technology along with standard blind spot monitoring each give you greater confidence behind the wheel. Again, these great technologies are expensive options on the Porsche Macan S. Lastly, you’ll have plenty of room for that extra suitcase thanks to the superior cargo capacity of the AMG® GLC 43.
Mercedes-Benz AMG® GLC 43 vs Audi SQ5
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG® GLC 43 SUV | VS | 2019 Audi SQ5 |
| $57,000 | MSRP | $52,400 |
| 362 HP / 384 TQ ✓ | Horsepower / Torque | 349 HP / 369 TQ |
| 25 ✓ | City MPG | 24 |
| 9 ✓ | Transmission Speeds | 8 |
| Standard ✓ | Blind Spot Monitoring | Optional |
| Standard ✓ | AC Power Outlet | Not Available |
| Driver & Passenger ✓ | Seat Memory Function | Optional |
| Power ✓ | Tilt / Telescoping Steering Wheel Adjustments | Manual |
| 41.9 / 38.5 inches ✓ | Front / Rear Headroom | 40.2 / 37.7 inches |
| 56.5 cubic feet ✓ | Cargo Capacity | 53.1 cubic feet |
The next competitor to face off against the Mercedes-Benz AMG® GLC 43 SUV is the Audi SQ5. Although the Audi SQ5 has a slightly lower starting price, you’ll quickly understand that you’ll be at a disadvantage by choosing Audi over Mercedes-Benz.
As we’ve seen previously, drivers who are searching for exhilarating performance should choose the AMG® GLC 43. You’ll experience thrilling power with greater horsepower and torque ratings as compared to the SQ5. Contributing to the superior city MPG fuel economy rating of the AMG® GLC 43 is its advanced 9-speed automatic transmission.
Standard blind spot monitoring takes the guesswork out of changing lanes on the highway. An AC power outlet comes in handy for keeping your electronic devices charged on an extended road trip. Great for families with multiple drivers, the AMG® GLC 43 comes equipped with seat memory functions for both the driver and passenger. Similarly, a power tilt and telescoping steering column makes it easy to find the perfect driving position. Each of these excellent features will cost you extra or are entirely unavailable on the Porsche Macan.
Greater front and rear headroom found inside the AMG® GLC 43 ensures that both rows of occupants will have plenty of space to get comfortable. When packing for your next weekend getaway, drivers will certainly prefer the Mercedes-Benz instead of the Porsche thanks to 3.4 additional cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Winner – Mercedes-Benz AMG® GLC 43
From performance and versatility to value and premium standard features, the clear winner of this comparison is the Mercedes-Benz AMG® GLC 43. The competition from Porsche and Audi simply cannot compete with the excellence found at Mercedes-Benz. Ready to experience the AMG® GLC 43 for yourself? Our team of professionals at Mercedes-Benz of Easton are standing by to introduce you to the GLC along with the rest of the AMG® model lineup.
