Following the record sales in 2015 Mercedes-AMG remains on a path of growth: the product range will be extended at high speed in 2016 too. “With the new GLC 43 4MATIC we are offering an AMG model in the mid-size SUV segment for the first time. The new SUV from Affalterbach marks the pinnacle of the GLC product range and in the AMG portfolio it closes the gap between the GLA and GLE”, says Tobias Moers, CEO at Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine is used in numerous AMG performance models and is the only six-cylinder variant available in the GLC. It delivers 270 kW (367 hp) maximum output plus a maximum torque of 520 newton metres. The GLC 43 4MATIC sprints from rest to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and its speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h. The newly developed front axle, the taut elastokinematics and the highly precise AMG speed-sensitive sports steering make a substantial contribution to the agile driving experience.

* Electronically limited; ** Including driver (68 kg), luggage (7 kg) and fuel tank 90% full

The AMG 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine is characterised by a powerful output together with low consumption and emissions. Installed close to the engine, the two turbochargers are especially spontaneous in their response. The high power output of 270 kW (367 hp) is attributable to, among other things, the higher 1.1 bar charge-air pressure. Together with the 520 Nm torque from 2500-4500 rpm the engine unleashes high levels dynamism and responsiveness. The NANOSLIDE^® coating on the cylinder liners was also enhanced in the Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 V6 hybrid turbo engines. Especially tough and, therefore, wear-resistant, this coating also reduces friction, thereby contributing to higher efficiency. The same applies to the spray-guided multiple injection with up to 200 bar fuel pressure. The AMG powerplant can be identified by the red aluminium insert on the engine cover.

The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is especially matched to the demands of the GLC 43 4MATIC. Thanks to the model-specific software application, the AMG developers managed to reduce the shift times of the 9-speed transmission. The multiple downshift allows even faster short bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in the “Sport” and “Sport Plus” transmission modes makes for an even more emotive driving experience. Defined ignition adjustments also provide faster gearshifts than in the “Eco” and “Comfort” modes. “Manual” mode can be selected using a separate button in the centre console. The gear changes are based on the selected transmission mode, and the driver can change gear using the paddles on the steering wheel. Moreover, the transmission stays in the selected gear and does not automatically shift up when the engine speed reaches the limit.

For more agility, more neutral cornering characteristics and higher traction even in intensive use the Affalterbach developers have designed an autonomous sports suspension on the basis of the AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension. Also specifically adapted, the Adaptive Damping system ADS PLUS can be adjusted in the three stages “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport Plus”. It thus increases the kingpin inclination between high comfort on long journeys and sporty driving dynamics.

The four-link front axle is fitted with special steering knuckles and load-bearing joints; all components have been optimised in terms of rigidity. A more negative camber on the front axle and on the multi-link rear axle enhances lateral dynamics. The elastokinematics of both axles have been designed to be more rigid in general. The sum of these measures improve agility, and boost the dynamics.

The standard-fit all-wheel drive AMG performance 4MATIC is characterised by the rear-biased torque distribution of 31 percent at the front axle to 69 percent at the rear axle. This configuration ensures more driving dynamics and higher lateral acceleration on the road plus improved traction during acceleration.

With the five DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual, the driver can tailor the characteristics of the GLC 43 4MATIC to individual preferences at the tap of a finger. The available range extends from efficient and comfortable to extremely sporty. This modifies key parameters, such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering. Independently of the DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, the driver has the option of pressing the “M” button to switch directly to manual mode, in which gearshifts are executed exclusively using the shift paddles on the steering wheel.

The DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs “Sport” and “Sport Plus” are even more strongly configured for driving dynamics on the GLC 43 4MATIC than on the series-production models. This is thanks to the more agile, more direct accelerator characteristic and the more emotive gear shifting with shortened shift times, double-declutching function and cylinder shut-off. The higher idle speed also facilitates even faster moving off and acceleration from standstill.

In order to increase efficiency, in “Eco” mode the ECO start/stop function and the gliding function reduce fuel consumption: when the driver releases the accelerator in a speed range between 60 and 160 km/h, the clutch is disengaged and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The electronics reduce the engine speed to idle level, and the driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode.

The speed-sensitive sports steering has a variable ratio in the GLC 43 4MATIC. It stands out with its precise, highly authentic feedback. The steering power assistance is variable in the “Comfort” or “Sport” tuning. The relevant characteristics are automatically activated depending on the selected DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode or can be personalised in “Individual” mode.

The large-dimensioned braking system with interior-ventilated compound brake discs decelerates the performance SUV reliably and quickly. At the front axle perforated discs sized 360 x 36 mm with 4-piston fixed callipers and AMG lettering are used, at the rear axle they are sized 320 x 24 mm with single-piston fixed callipers.

The autonomous design is enhanced with silver chrome coloured and high-gloss black features. It builds on the AMG Exterior line. The diamond radiator grille features chrome-plated pins, a louvre in high-gloss black with inserts in high-gloss chrome and the AMG lettering.  The sportily distinctive air intakes in the AMG front apron feature fins in silver chrome. Down below, the silver chrome front splitter ensures an optimal flow of air to the cooling modules.

High-gloss black-painted, high-sheen 48.3 cm (19-inch) AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels dominate the side view. The mixed-size tyres with the dimensions 235/55 R 19 on 8 J x 19 at the front axle and 255/50 R 19 on 9 J x 19 at the rear axle emphasise the majestic appearance. There are also high-gloss black door mirror caps and the silver-coloured “BITURBO 4MATIC” lettering on the front wings.

The tail end also sports characteristic highlights and exudes sporty, aesthetic appeal with two four-pipe chromed tailpipe trims. The AMG-specific rear apron sports trim in silver chrome.

The interior reinforces the consistently dynamic bias with numerous specially designed details. Ideal for a committed driving style, the multifunction sports steering wheel in black leather features a flattened bottom section and red contrasting topstitching, and sits perfectly in the hand. The driver and front passenger find a secure position in the sports seats even when driving at speed, thanks to the improved lateral support. The upholstery in black ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre boasts its own seat upholstery layout plus red topstitching. To match the seat design the door centre panels are styled in the same material.

With two large round dials and central colour multifunction display with a 13.97 cm (5.5-inch) diagonal the AMG instrument cluster places all the important information in the driver’s field of vision. The ECO display supports a fuel-saving driving style. Dials in a chequered-flag look and the distinctive typography lend the large displays an especially sporty touch.

The sporty character of the GLC 43 4MATIC is also emphasised by the optionally available on-request equipment: they range from performance seats with increased lateral support, through leather upholstery, carbon-fibre trim and the Night package to 21-inch wheels in a bi-colour design. The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC celebrates its world premiere in March 2016 at the New York International Auto Show, and sales release is on 4 April, with market launch beginning in June 2016.