Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 - Latest turbo V6 to join AMG range

Mid-size sports SUV to make its debut at the New York auto show - utilises 362bhp biturbo V6

Mercedes-AMG has announced details of its latest AMG-lite model, the GLC 43. Set to make its debut at the 2016 New York auto show, the GLC will be a rival for cars like Audi’s SQ5 and the Porsche Macan Turbo.

Like other recent 43-badged models, the GLC 43 uses a 3-litre, V6 biturbo petrol engine and drives all four wheels through Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive system, with 69 per cent of the torque directed to the rear axle. Unlike other recent 43s this should be the GLC’s range topper, with no V8 model planned.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In this application the V6 develops 362bhp and 384lb ft, the latter in a spread between 2500-4500rpm – enough to launch the mid-size SUV to 62mph in 4.9sec, with an electronically-limited 155mph top speed.

It’s also the latest recipient of the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission, which uses four planetary gearsets to create its nine ratios from a more compact form than the old 7-speed unit. AMG has cut shift times further from standard and there’s an auto-blip function on downshifts.

Air Body Control air suspension also features, once again tuned by AMG’s engineers to suit the 43’s sportier nature – the adaptive damping offers Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus modes, while the front and rear axles are more rigid and extra negative camber at the front enhances cornering grip.

AMG Dynamic Select allows further fine-tuning of the car’s functions, with Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual modes to the transmission, engine response, suspension and steering. The latter is speed-sensitive with Comfort and Sport settings.

Behind the standard 19-inch AMG alloy wheels (with 235/55 tyres at the front and 255/50s at the rear) lie 360mm front discs with four-piston callipers, and 320mm discs at the rear.

Other AMG touches are largely visual, though with no V8 model to protect, AMG’s modifications are slightly more apparent here then they were on the AMG E 43. A pin-style grille once again makes an appearance, with larger front air intakes and a prominent skid plate below the bumper. At the rear are four tailpipes with a silver chrome trim surrounding them.

Inside, driver and passenger get sports seats in artificial leather and microfibre, chequered-flag style dials, a sports steering wheel and red contrast stitching.

No UK pricing has yet been revealed, but we’re sure to find out more when the car makes its debut at the New York auto show next week. Deliveries begin in June.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The 625bhp Range Rover Sport SV is now £35k cheaper than it was before
Range Rover Sport SV
News

The 625bhp Range Rover Sport SV is now £35k cheaper than it was before

While it was previously available only in special edition form, the V8-powered Range Rover Sport SV is finally on the market in ‘standard’ trim, bring…
1 Jul 2025
Best performance SUVs 2025 – family-friendly supercars on stilts
Best SUVs 2025
Best cars

Best performance SUVs 2025 – family-friendly supercars on stilts

The best hot SUVs offer entertaining dynamic characters all of their own – even if we'd rather drive an equivalent fast estate...
23 Jun 2025
New Land Rover Defender 110 Trophy isn’t quite a half-price Octa
Defender Trophy Edition front
News

New Land Rover Defender 110 Trophy isn’t quite a half-price Octa

This rough and ready Defender calls back to this utilitarian icon’s rich off-road history
19 Jun 2025
Bentley Bentayga Speed 2025 review – should the Aston Martin DBX need to worry?
Bentley Bentayga Speed – front
Reviews

Bentley Bentayga Speed 2025 review – should the Aston Martin DBX need to worry?

The Bentley Bentayga Speed no longer uses a W12 engine, in its place a retuned twin-turbo V8 and some clever dynamic hardware and software. Is it a ma…
16 Jun 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI
Cheap sports cars
Best cars

Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI

With the sun shining and fuel prices palatable, now is the time to indulge your used sports car desires
1 Jul 2025
Can Lotus survive its latest crisis?
Lotus factory
Opinion

Can Lotus survive its latest crisis?

Lotus’s latest troubles are grabbing headlines, but the writing’s been on the wall for some time.
28 Jun 2025
New 2026 Ferrari Amalfi revealed – physical buttons return in the 631bhp Roma replacement
Ferrari Amalfi front
News

New 2026 Ferrari Amalfi revealed – physical buttons return in the 631bhp Roma replacement

The Ferrari Amalfi picks up where the Roma left off, as a more capable, debugged super GT that’s finally brought back buttons
1 Jul 2025