The BMW X4 M40i already has a rival; say hello to the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43

The week is turning out to be something of a “AMG showcase“. It’s Thursday and this is already the third model to be presented.

Following the arrival of the E 43 AMG and the refreshed CLA 45 AMG, today it’s the turn of the GLC 43 AMG, a small SUV packed with energy, with more than 350 CV.

The GLC is the second smallest SUV in the Mercedes family, with only the GLA, based on the A-Class platform, being more compact. Without a doubt, the GLC can be considered a genuine Mercedes, with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, V6 engines and the robustness typical of a model from the star brand.

Until now, the most powerful version of the GLC was the GLC 250, powered by a 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 211 CV, although the GLC 350e, a plug-in hybrid variant with a total output slightly above 300 CV, is expected to arrive shortly. In any case, that figure is still lower than that of this GLC 43 AMG.

And the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 showcases all the capabilities of this chassis in combination with a powerful engine, specifically the same 3.0 V6 twin-turbo already fitted to models such as the E 43 AMG or the C 43 AMG. On this occasion, it has been carefully tuned to deliver an output of 362 CV, well short of the 400 CV this same engine produces in the E 43 AMG.

It is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds

The 362 CV are nevertheless enough to achieve a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in under 5 seconds (4.9 to be exact), reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The transmission is a 9-speed automatic, and it also features a permanent all-wheel drive system.
This AMG-badged variant features firmer suspension, oversized brakes and a specific exhaust system, improving the vehicle’s dynamics.

Aesthetically, the GLC 43 AMG has also received changes compared with its siblings in the range. Both bumpers are more pronounced, complemented by 20″ alloy wheels with a specific design and four exhaust outlets perfectly integrated into the rear.

Inside, the changes focus on the seats, which are more enveloping and can be optionally fitted with bucket seats, and on the trim, which is sportier thanks to details such as the Alcantara upholstery on the doors and steering wheel, red stitching on both the dashboard and the seats, and red seatbelts, a signature of the AMG versions.

Source: Mercedes-AMG