The Mercedes-Benz GLC lineup will soon be joined by a performance model badged the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC. The performance model of the mid-sized SUV will get the steady 3.0-liter V6 biturbo boosted to output 367 hp (270 kW).
The in Affalterbach based performance division of Mercedes-Benz is set to keep its momentum of the record year 2015 by introducing many more AMG’s in 2016. Mercedes-AMG already has the world’s most extensive lineup of performance models, tallying a total of 48 at the time of the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.
The 3.0-liter V6 biturbo that we know from the C 450 AMG and many other performance models alike, is paired with the 9G-TRONIC transmission that has been configured with slower shift times. Producing 520 Nm of torque, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 is capable of reaching a 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds from a standstill. Its top speed is naturally limited at 250 km/h.
Further dynamic performance is achieved through its 4MATIC AWD system that is slightly biased to the rear axle and the AIR BODY CONTROL suspension with adaptive dampers. The Adaptive Damping system ADS PLUS can be adjusted in the three stages “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport Plus”. The car’s driving settings can be manually changed using the well-known AMG-Dynamic select button in the mid-console.
From a visual perspective the GLC get’s the standard AMG trim, incorporating the diamond radiator grille at the front and the four distinctive tailpipes at the rear. On the side its the 19-inch AMG light-alloy five-spoke wheels that draw attention, finished in high-gloss black. On the inside the car get’s an AMG instrument cluster, a sports steering wheel with the identifiable red stitching and sport seats that are further finished with red contrasting topstitching.
On the positioning of the GLC 43 AMG Head of Mercedes-AMG Tobias Moers commented: “With the new GLC 43 4MATIC we are offering an AMG model in the mid-size SUV segment for the first time. The new SUV from Affalterbach marks the pinnacle of the GLC product range and in the AMG portfolio it closes the gap between the GLA and GLE.” The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 is set to make its debut in New York at the end of this month. Sales release is expected to commence in early April while the market launch is scheduled for June 2016.
