The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe has been revealed as the AMG branch of the German brand furthers its extensive product portfolio in the guise of a sporty coupe with the advantages of an SUV. A slick design style which promises the Mercedes driving experience we are accustom to is teamed with a high driving position, a flexible interior and off-road capabilities to give the driver the best of all worlds.
The 367bhp 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine is a regular feature in AMG performance models and has been tasked with powering this new 1,780kg AMG GLC 43. There is plenty of get-up-and-go thanks to 520Nm of torque resulting in a 0-62mph time of just 4.9 seconds and an electronically capped top speed of 155mph.
Said engine will be paired with Mercedes’ 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, reconfigured by the AMG developers for a ‘more dynamic driving experience’ as well as benefiting from reduced shift times. The transmission can also be put in “Sport”, “Sport Plus” and “Manual” settings for different driving feel; in any setting the gear can be manually changed using the wheel mounted paddle shifts.
Whilst being larger than your everyday coupe, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe boasts sports suspension based on air body control for a more potent feel. Without going into the elastokinematics and so on, the sports suspension essentially features a three chamber air system which can alter the damping level for optimised agility and ride comfort together in tandem. The suspension also reacts to what driving mode is selected. In “Comfort”, ‘Sport” and “Sport Plus” the dampers get stiffer respectively for a more engaging drive. Altogether there are five modes to choose from through the dynamic select feature: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual.
Despite its sporty physique, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe remains practical inside. Luggage capacity is between 491 to 1400 litres of space, which the company claim is a segment leader. Space for occupants remains identical to the standard GLC 43 4MATIC. Said occupants will be treated to typical levels of Mercedes interior quality whilst the driver and front passenger gain benefit from a pair of sports seats. Dials in a chequered flag style add to it’s more sporty demeanour. This is furthered by a race timer to record lap times in your GLC if you so wish (each to their own).
A host of gadgets are available as standard and accessed through a 7-inch display such as Frontbass, Bluetooth and audio streaming. Infotainment options include Garmin Map Pilot with Live Traffic and COMAND Online, with a visually enhanced 8.4-inch monitor to replace the standard unit.
The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe will make it’s world debut on 28 September 2016 at the Paris Motor Show.
