► Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic Coupe revealed
► Features twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 and all-wheel drive
► 362bhp, 384lb ft, 0-62mph in 4.9sec
Mercedes is taking another shot at depleting its stock of ‘43’ badges and powertrains with this, its new GLC 43 4Matic Coupe.
It is, predictably, not entirely unlike the GLC 43 4Matic, with which it shares 68.75% of its name – and much more.
So, it packs a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. A whole host of other Mercedes-AMG upgrades are also applied, all with the aim of sharpening and sweetening the GLC’s responses.
Is it as fast as an AMG needs to be?
Unquestionably. Sure, this might be another sub-V8 ‘entry-level’ version, designed to widen Mercedes-AMG’s customer base and provide yet another niche into which the company can funnel customers – but there’s nothing half-cocked about the execution. Here are the key facts and figures:
Engine 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6
Power 362bhp between 5500-6000rpm
Torque 384lb ft between 2500-4500rpm
Transmission 9-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Kerb weight 1855kg
Acceleration (0-62mph) 4.9sec
Top speed 155mph (limited)
CO2 emissions 192g/km
Consumption 33.6mpg
Anything else that’s worth knowing?
The GLC 43 4Matic Coupe gets suspension tweaks, adaptive damping and air suspension as standard, bolstering its dynamic capabilities over the regular LC.
Like others GLCs in the range, the 43’s torque distribution is 31:69, easing the front tyres’ workload and letting them get on with the job of keeping the Mercedes pointing the right way – and delivering that gratifying rear-driven feel that many endlessly seek.
Keener drivers will also be glad to hear that the transmission, in manual mode, will not automatically shift up when you clip the limiter.
What’s changed elsewhere?
Lending it some additional visual kudos are gloss black and chrome exterior details, an AMG-specific grille and 19-inch alloys. Inside you’ll find sports seats, attention-grabbing red seatbelts, an AMG instrument cluster and a lap timer – for those ‘recording lap times on closed-off tracks’. We can’t imagine many GLC 43swill be heading to track days any time soon.
The GLC Coupe’s predictably less practical than the regular GLC, however. That swooping roofline results in a smaller boot, which offers 491 litres of storage space compared to the GLC’s 550 litres.
Will it be completely useless in the rough?
Mercedes’ air suspension system grants the GLC 43 an ‘off-road’ mode that lifts the car, providing additional ground clearance. It’ll also ford up to 300mm of standing water and has approach and departure angles of 19.8 degrees and 20.8 degrees respectively – on a par with many a rival.
Sure, its road-biased tyres will lead to it grinding to a halt at the first sniff of mud, like many competitors, but it should tackle the odd rough path with aplomb.
What other ‘43’ variants are there?
There’s quite a few, so far. As follows:
The saloon Mercedes-AMG C 43 4Matic
The estate Mercedes-AMG C 43 4Matic Estate
The coupe Mercedes-AMG C 43 4Matic Coupe
The drop-top Mercedes-AMG C 43 4Matic Cabriolet
The luxury express Mercedes-AMG E 43 4Matic
The more practical luxury express Mercedes-AMG E43 4Matic Estate
The sports car Mercedes-AMG SLC 43
The SUV Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic
The coupe-SUV Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic
The slightly bigger SUV Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 4Matic
The same, but in coupe form Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 4Matic Coupe
We think that’s all of them, but by the time you read this there will likely be a few more.
When can I see the latest addition?
The GLC 43 4Matic Coupe will be on display at the Paris motor show, which opens to the public on 1 October. Sales will start shortly afterwards, on 6 October. There’s no formal word on pricing yet but, based on the price difference between the GLC SUV and its AMG variant, expect the Coupe to cost around £50k.
Read more 2016 Paris motor show news