THE LATEST GENERATION OF the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC line-up offers a more enticing choice than ever: the family-friendly appeal of the GLC 43 4MATIC SUV or the striking design of the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé. Both are underpinned by a new powerplant that is smaller and more efficient, yet also more powerful than the unit it replaces.
The enduring appeal of the popular GLC 43 line-up only widens with the arrival of the latest generation, featuring Formula 1-bred technology and a comprehensive array of standard equipment and features.
Whether customers opt for the practical SUV or the dramatic appeal of the Coupé, a suite of performance-focused features is standard including rear axle steering; AMG Performance 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque distribution; and an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission with wet start-off clutch. Both models roll on AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with Adaptive Damping.
“The Mercedes-AMG GLC range is an absolute success with our customers,” says Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “The all-wheel-drive system, the active rear-axle steering, and the quick-shifting transmission enhance the emotionally appealing hallmark AMG driving experience.”
F1-inspired performance meets exemplary efficiency
An electric exhaust gas turbocharger system that was originally developed for Formula 1 racing cars is teamed with a highly efficient 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine to generate exciting levels of performance; yet also enabling the latest GLC 43 duo to achieve exemplary efficiency.
In keeping with time-honoured Mercedes-AMG tradition, the power unit was developed entirely at the company’s Affalterbach site and installed there in accordance with the “One Man, One Engine” principle.
This longitudinally-mounted unit is the only production engine in the world to date that is turbocharged with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger, a system directly derived from technology used by the world championship-winning Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.
A cutting-edge turbo boost
This is achieved via an electric motor around four centimetres thin, which is powered by a 48-volt on-board electrical system. Integrated directly on the turbocharger shaft, this electronically controlled motor operates at speeds of up to 175,000 rpm, directly driving the shaft to significantly improve responsiveness directly from idle speed and across the entire rev range.
This electrification of the turbocharger also allows higher torque at low revs, further increasing agility and optimising acceleration from a standstill.
The result is a rated output on either GLC 43 model of 310kW at 6750rpm and maximum torque of 500Nm available at 5000rpm, producing rapid acceleration: zero to 100km/h in as little as 4.8 seconds.
The system can also briefly provide an additional boost of 10kW by the belt-driven starter generator (BSG) which acts as a mild hybrid, also providing functions such as gliding and recuperation for maximum efficiency. The innovative 48-volt technology also increases comfort, as the transitions between the start/stop function and the gliding mode function are almost imperceptible.
A comprehensive suite of performance assistance
Getting power to the road optimally is the job of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission, in which a wet start-off clutch replaces the torque converter. This reduces weight and optimises response to accelerator pedal input, especially during spurts and load changes. The ECO start/stop function is automatically activated in the Comfort drive program, while a fuel-optimising Glide function can be activated in Individual mode.
The AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive system features a permanent front-rear power distribution of 31 to 69 percent. The rear-biased configuration provides for enhanced dynamic handling, including higher lateral acceleration and improved traction when accelerating.
A choice of five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs enables a wide range of vehicle characteristics, from comfortable to dynamic. The distinct driving modes offer an individual driving experience, precisely tailored to different driving conditions. The integrated AMG DYNAMICS system enhances the stabilising functions of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with interventions to add agility to the steering characteristics and additional ESP functions. The extent and efficiency of these interventions depend on the program selected.
On both the GLC 43 SUV and Coupé, standard AMG RIDE CONTROL steel spring suspension combines sporty driving dynamics with long-distance comfort. The front axle has specially developed steering knuckles and suspension joints on the spring control arm, while the rear axle features elasto-kinematics designed for driving dynamics. The inclusive Adaptive Damping System continuously adapts the damping at each individual wheel to the current demand, based on the preselected suspension level, driving style, and condition of the road surface.
Three-stage AMG speed-sensitive steering on either model features a variable steering geometry ratio that adapts to the selected drive program. At high speeds, the steering power assistance decreases; at low speeds it is steadily increased.
Active rear-axle steering as standard
Active rear-axle steering, fitted as standard to both the GLC 43 SUV and Coupé models, operates with a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees. At speeds of up to 100km/h, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels to create a virtual shortening of the wheelbase, resulting in significantly more agile turn-in, less steering effort and improved manoeuvrability, especially in turning or parking operations.
Above 100km/h, the rear wheels turn in parallel to the front wheels up to a maximum of 0.7 degrees. This has a positive effect on driving stability when changing direction, promoting a more direct reaction of the vehicle to steering commands.
A standard AMG sports brake system guarantees outstanding deceleration and optimum control via 4-piston fixed callipers fitted to the front axle and 1-piston floating callipers to the rear. An AMG exhaust system and the standard AMG Performance Sound package combine to create a fittingly sporty soundtrack.
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC SUV
The GLC 43 SUV model builds on a generous standard equipment specification already established on the much-loved Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV.
This includes an AMG Performance multifunction sports steering wheel in Nappa leather, heated front seats with memory function, a head-up display, panoramic sunroof, smartphone integration plus wireless device charging, the acclaimed MBUX infotainment system, and a suite of standard safety systems including Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC cruise control and Active Lane Keeping Assist.
Over and above this, the GLC 43 SUV adds sporty Mercedes-AMG interior enhancements, full leather upholstery, an augmented reality display for navigation, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, the DIGITAL LIGHT package including Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, Driving Assistance Package Plus, a distinctive AMG exterior styling package, Night Package enhancements with a generous application of black highlights, 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, and the URBAN GUARD Vehicle Protection Plus package.
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé
With its eye-catching silhouette, the GLC 43 Coupé offers a dramatic point of difference to the GLC 43 SUV from the very first glance. Adding to the visual drama, the SUV’s polished aluminium roof rails are removed.
Pricing
The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC SUV is priced at $136,400 (plus on road costs), alongside the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé at $146,900 (plus on road costs).