Mercedes-AMG GLC43 is a 367hp, 520 Nm sleeper SUV



The guys at Affalterbach are at it again. After the SLC 43, the C 43, and the E 43, this time it’s the GLC’s turn to get the “43” treatment. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC is built upon the same format as the other AMG 43 models, which packs a 3.0-litre biturbo V6 under its bonnet.

So far only the E 43 gets the most amount of power from the same V6 mill (396 hp), while the rest of the AMG 43 range including this GLC 43 have to make do with just 367 hp and 520 Nm of torque. Still, it’s far from shabby; century sprint takes just 4.9 seconds, and the GLC 43 will charge on until it reaches the electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.2016-Mercedes-AMG-GLC-43-4MATIC-021

Power is sent to the rear-biased 4MATIC all-wheel drive system (31 percent front, 69 percent rear) via the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic gearbox with five Dynamic Select transmission modes, while Air Body Control air suspension with ADS Plus Adaptive Damping System is said to provide the GLC 43 with a more agile and neutral handling when the roads start to tangle.

It doesn’t look like much and we honestly think it could easily pass as a dolled-up GLC 250. The styling enhancements are mostly out of the AMG accessories catalogue, but the kit does look good nonetheless. As expected, the bumpers are more aggressive, and there’s that flashy diamond grille with chrome pins at the front.

Staggered 19-inch wheels wear rubbers measuring 235/55 R19 at the front and 255/50 R19 at the rear, and they hide a set of uprated brakes with 360 mm rotors at the front and 320 mm rotors at the rear.2016-Mercedes-AMG-GLC-43-4MATIC-025

Inside, it’s almost identical to the C 43 because they practically share the same interior. It gets a flat-bottom steering wheel, special AMG instrument cluster, and the seats are upholstered in black ARTICO man-made leather and DINAMICA microfibre combination with red highlights.

The GLC 43 4MATIC debuts at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, and order books will open in April for European markets.


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