Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe – low-slung sports SUV

Debuting at the 2016 Paris Motor Show is this, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic Coupé. Essentially a chopped-top version of the standard GLC 43, it carries over all of the latter’s performance goodies, finally giving the car the go to match the show – and take on the BMW X4 M40i.

Power comes from the same 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 that develops 367 hp between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm and 520 Nm from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. Drive is sent to all four wheels through a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission – with shortened shift times and a spark manipulation function to produce exhaust pops while shifting up – along with AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel drive with a 31:69 torque split front to rear.

As such, the GLC 43 Coupé sprints from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds – identical to the regular GLC 43 – before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 10.9 litres per 100 km in the city, 7.0 l/100 km on the highway and 8.4 l/100 km combined, while combined carbon dioxide emissions are claimed to be 192 grammes per kilometre.

Under the skin, there’s a sports suspension based on the Air Body Control air suspension, plus ADS Plus adaptive damping. At the front, the four-link suspension has been equipped with special steering knuckles and load bearing joints. Both front and multi-link rear axles have more negative camber for improved lateral dynamics, and have more rigid elastokinematics; the net result is improved agility and dynamics.

Meanwhile, the brakes have been uprated with 360 mm cross-drilled discs and four-piston callipers at the front and 320 mm cross-drilled discs with single-piston callipers at the rear. The steering has been tweaked as well, with a speed-sensitive, variable-ratio sports rack added.

Gearshift speed, suspension damping and steering power assistance are all controllable via a five-mode (Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual) Dynamic Select system. Sport and Sport Plus modes also provide a sharper throttle response and blip the throttle on downshifts; on the other end of the spectrum, the Eco mode has a coasting function that decouples the engine off-throttle at speeds between 60 and 160 km/h.

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé; Outdoor; 2016; Interieur: Leder Schwarz, AMG Zierelemente Carbon ;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 8,4 l/100 km, CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 192 g/km Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé; Outdoor; 2016; interior: leather black, AMG carbon-fibre trim parts; Fuel consumption, combined: 8.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions, combined: 192 g/km

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé; Outdoor; 2016; Exterieur: Obsidianschwarz; V6 Bituromotor, 270 kW (367 PS) 520 Nm ;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 8,4 l/100 km, CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 192 g/km Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé; Outdoor; 2016; exterior: obsidian black; V6 bituro engine, 270 kW (367 PS) 520 Nm ; Fuel consumption, combined: 8.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions, combined: 192 g/km

As with the standard GLC 43, the performance potential of this Coupé is communicated visually through a sportier AMG front apron with chrome fins and a chrome front splitter, as well as a diamond grille with chrome pins and gloss black louvres with chrome inserts and AMG badging. There are also gloss black wing mirrors, “Biturbo 4Matic” badging on the fenders and an AMG rear diffuser insert with integrated quad exhaust exits.

The standard wheels are 19-inch AMG five-twin-spoke items in a two-tone gloss black and high sheen finish, wrapped in staggered tyres measuring 235/55R19 at the front and 255/50R19 at the rear. You can also specify 21-inch two-tone items as an option, along with a Night package.

Inside, you’ll find a flat-bottomed steering wheel, along with sports seats, Artico faux leather and Dynamica microfibre upholstery with red stitching and red seat belts. A unique AMG instrument cluster with chequered-look dials and a Race Timer function is also fitted.

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