AFFALTERBACH, Germany – Mercedes-AMG adds a fresh challenge in the sporty premium SUV market with the launch of its GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe.
Designed to take on rivals such as the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport head-on, the latest offering from Mercedes-Benz’s performance division will be unveiled at next month’s Paris Motor Show.
Its sports credentials include a 367-hp 3.0L V-6 twin-turbo engine with peak torque of 383 lb.-ft. (520 Nm) hitched to a 9-speed automatic transmission with shortened shift times, while the AMG Performance all-wheel-drive system is configured with a rear bias to enhance the sports-car feel.
Chassis dynamics have been souped up with the use of independent sports suspension based on a multichamber air-suspension system with adaptive damping adjustment. The system is able to increase ground clearance at the touch of a button for off-road use, and pneumatic all-round self-leveling maintains body control in the rough.
Performance is on par with its main rivals, as the 3,924-lb. (1,780-kg) fullsize SUV can accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.9 seconds on the way to an electronically governed 155 mph (20 km/h). Its green credentials are based on fuel consumption of 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km).
The sports coupe styling gobbles up a lot of interior space with trunk capacity limited to a snug 17.2 cu.-ft. (491 L), rising to 49 cu.-ft. (1,400 L) with rear seats folded.
Interior highlights include longitudinal-grain aluminum trim, a multifunction sports steering wheel in black leather with red contrasting topstitching and a sports-style flattened bottom section.
Upholstery comprises a mix of black Artico man-made leather and Dinamica microfiber matching the door center panels. There are two large round dash dials and a center color multifunction display with a 5.5-in. (14-cm) screen. Customers with a passion for motor sports – in this case, SUV drivers – get a race time for recording lap times on closed circuits.
“The new GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe is characterized by a high level of agility and sporty driving dynamics,” says Tobias Moers, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes‑AMG. “With its expressive design and high everyday practicality the Coupe is able to appeal to new target audiences.”
