Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG Vs Jaguar F-Pace S Review

JAGUAR IS GETTING A LOT OF ATTENTION WITH THEIR RECENT PUSH INTO THE COMPACT LUXURY SUV MARKET WITH THE 2017 JAGUAR F-PACE S. WE DECIDED A WORTHY REVIEW COMPARISON WAS THE 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC43 AMG. WHO WINS?

2017 JAGUAR F-PACE S VS 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC43…HERE ARE OUR THOUGHTS:

 

2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC43 AMG

 

Mercedes-Benz has been designing and building luxury Suv’s for the better part of twenty years and has a dedicated following around the world. Certainly, the GLC has added to that following, since it was first introduced in 2015 for the 2016 model year. This compact luxury SUV is ticking a lot of boxes. Much like other Mercedes-Benz AMG43 models in the range, the new GLC43 AMG SUV can best be summed up as the happy medium between the standard range and the to-be fire breather – the GLC63 AMG. The 2017 GLC43 AMG has taken it to another level.

 

STYLING

 

The CLC43 balances practicality and style impressively with slightly more masculine front and rear aprons, quad exhaust tailpipes, the diamond radiator grille and 21″ alloys to help let everyone know (subtly) that it might not be as innocent as the rest of its siblings.

 

SAFETY

 

This is a Mercedes-Benz after all and the German safety standards are everywhere with 360-degree camera, Adaptive Brakes, Attention Assist, Blind Spot Assist (passive), Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Pre-Safe Accident Anticipatory System, Driver Assist Plus – Distronic Plus Steering Assist & Stop&Go, Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian recognition. Pre-Safe Plus, BAS with Cross Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot with Active Lane Keeping…so much assistance.

 

PERFORMANCE

 

One word AMG…this 3.0litre V6 twin-turbocharged intercooled engine races to 100kph in 4.9 seconds, a blistering pace. The 4matic all-wheel drive system delivers 270kw and 520Nm of power with a rear wheel bias in the vicinity of 69 percent.

 

COMFORT AND QUALITY

 

We cannot go past the finish with the mix of leather, metals and high-quality plastics. This car is so confidently luxurious but in a modern understated way. Add the sporty AMG touches including front sports seats and the AMG Ride Control Sport suspension and the Airbody Control Suspension that lowers the vehicle by 4cm to make loading easier and you feel the comfort and quality all around you.

 

FEATURES

 

• Command Online, which provides logical navigation plus media interface
• Burmeister sound system
• Panoramic sliding sunroof
• 550L storage capacity (boot only) add the split fold rear seats for more
• 3-year unlimited km warranty
• 2.5 tonne (braked) towing capacity

FUEL ECONOMY

 

8.8L P/100KMS

 

2017 JAGUAR F-PACE S

 

 

Jaguar F-Pace S is one of the new kids on the block in the compact luxury SUV market and we are seeing numerous inquiries about this head turner from Jaguar combining sports car good looks in an SUV body whilst producing handling and steering more usually associated with a sedan.  Of course, Jaguar Land Rover do have a history of building excellent SUV vehicles so it is not a total surprise that the Jaguar F-Pace S has been receiving awards and accolades since it entered the market.

 

 

STYLING

 

Jaguar has created a very stylish good looking SUV, which references the tradition of jaguar and blends the toughness of a crossover that is mandatory in this class. For us, we would agree with many others that it is the rear view profile and taillights that set it apart and turns heads.

 

SAFETY

 

Modern luxury cars generally all achieve top safety ratings and the Jaguar is no exception. Stand out features in the F-pace S included are Autonomous Emergency braking, lane Departure Warning and all Surface Control.

 

PERFORMANCE

 

Behind the wheel, you won’t be disappointed with Jaguar’s variable-ration steering and all-wheel drive system that has this crossover performing more like its F-type sister than an SUV. overall the 3.0l V6 Supercharged engine produces 280kw and 450Nm helping it reach 100kph in a very respectable 5.5 seconds.

 

COMFORT AND QUALITY

 

The internal size is class leading with the best rear and front seat leg room. Boot capacity is also the largest. Quality materials are used throughout but feel a perhaps a little bland. Comfort and support in the sports seats are excellent and the 825-watt Meridian stereo is an unexpected surprise.

 

FEATURES

 

• Jaguars new InControl Pro navigation and infotainment interface
• 650L storage capacity 9boot only) largest in segment but reduced to 508L with full-size spare
• 3-year unlimited km warranty
• 2.4 tonne (braked) towing capacity

 

FUEL ECONOMY

 

8.9L p/100kms

 

CONCLUSION

 

Our conclusion. Overall for us, it is the Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG that wins the comparison test. It is better bang for your buck if you option up the Jaguar F-Pace S to match, blisteringly quick with styling that achieves muscle with sexiness. The jaguar is not far behind and would appeal to the compact luxury SUV market who are Jaguar brand devotees or who are looking for an SUV that is a little more niche, where performance is not the highest priority and passenger comfort and roominess have priority whilst still turning heads.