If you want a hot highrider that’s still relatively compact, AMG has you covered.
AMG just can’t keep their paws off any of Mercedes-Benz’s cars, “there’s just got to be a hot version of all of them” is probably their philosophy translated from German.
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC, to give its full title, is obviously a go-faster version of the Mercedes-Benz GLC soft-roader (that was introduced last year) which will see a public in-person unveiling at the New York Auto show next week.
With the AMG exterior makeover, the GLC 43 is more aggressive looking with a lowered stance, 19-inch AMG wheels, wide arches, a roof spoiler, sublte rear diffuser, and chromed accents with ruggedised inserts along the lower portion of the car’s front, rear, and sides. The ‘diamond’ grille also makes an appearance here, shared with the smaller A-Series.
Mercedes-AMG has gone with their 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 petrol engine for the GLC 43, very similar to the one found on the recently previewed E 43 relative. Rated at 270kW and 521Nm of torque that’s sent to the road via a rear-biased all-wheel drive system (4MATIC is Merc-speak) and a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters – a setup exactly like the E 43 sedan’s.
With that extra oomph, the GLC 43 can dispatch 100km/h from standstil after just 4.9 seconds and onto an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Of course, the addition of more speed has to be countered with suspension upgrades to make it accessible and brakes with more capable stopping power.
The GLC 43 has that covered with 360mm front and 320mm rear perforated brake discs, standard-fit adaptive sports suspension that lets the driver select from multiple presets to dial in the appropriate amount of comfort or sportiness, working in tandem with AMG Dynamic Select which alters parameters such as throttle sentitivity, steering sharpness, engine alertness and gearshift ferocity.
Inside, the AMG experience continues with a sports seats lined with synthetic suede and microfibre blend upholstery (which decreases occupant movement during cornering) that’s paired with red topstitching. There’s also an AMG instrucment cluster with a “chequered flag” design - we’re not too sure about that.
For its unveil at the New York Motor Show, it will share floor space with the Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC and the updated CLA. Mercedes-Benz say that it should reach customers as early as June 2016, although pricing has not yet been determined.
