Mercedes-AMG is once again extending its product portfolio with the addition of a very dynamic model: the new GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé combines a sporty, elegant design with the brand’s hallmark Driving Performance and the advantages of an SUV in terms of seating position, interior flexibility and also traction off the beaten track.
The 270 kW (367 hp) 3.0‑litre V6 biturbo engine, the automatic transmission 9G‑TRONIC with shortened shift times and the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive configured with a rear bias form the basis for an especially dynamic on-road driving experience. A significant contribution is also made here by the independent sports suspension based on the multi-chamber air suspension system AIR BODY CONTROL with adaptive damping adjustment. Additionally, the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé also enables occasional off-road excursions to be undertaken: the ground clearance can be increased at the touch of a button, and the pneumatic all-round self-levelling ensures a constant vehicle level at all times.
The 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine is used in numerous AMG Performance models. It delivers a maximum output of 270 kW (367 hp) plus maximum torque of 520 newton metres. Installed close to the engine, the two turbochargers are especially spontaneous in their response. The performance yield comes courtesy, among other things, of the boost pressure, which has been increased to 1.1 bar. The NANOSLIDE® coating of the cylinder liners is also used in the Formula 1 engines of MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS. 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. Visually, the powerplant can be identified by the red aluminium insert in the engine cover and the AMG logo.
For added agility, more neutral cornering behaviour and higher traction even when driving at speed, the developers in Affalterbach have designed a dedicated sports suspension on the basis of the AIR BODY CONTROL full-support multi-chamber air suspension system. 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 three-chamber air suspension system with a sporty spring/damper set-up and continuously variable damping adjustment combines excellent vehicle dynamics with a high level of ride comfort. The spring elements, which feature a composite design that is both light and strong, help reduce system weight compared with conventional air suspension.
The AMG developers have used a special matrix to define four spring rates, which are selected to suit the current transmission mode and driving conditions. In “Comfort” mode, the handling ranges from neutral to slight understeer. In “Sport” mode, the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé handles significantly more dynamically with reduced roll thanks to the harder spring rate. “Sport Plus” mode delivers further enhanced agility and cornering ability due to the front and rear axles being sprung with different spring rates.
During sudden changes of load, fast cornering, heavy acceleration or hard braking, the spring rate is automatically made harder on the front or rear axle. This effectively reduces roll and pitching while stabilising the vehicle.
The adaptive damping adjustment also features in a model-specific configuration and offers a choice of the three modes “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport Plus”. This provides for broader scope between a high level of comfort on long journeys and sporty driving dynamics.
The front view of the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé reveals its independent character, with the diamond radiator grille with chrome pins and a louvre in high-gloss black with insert in high-gloss chrome and AMG lettering in high-gloss chrome. 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.
Compared with the GLC 43 4MATIC, the A-pillar features a flatter slope angle. The squat greenhouse blends in seamlessly with the side of the vehicle to emphasise the coupé silhouette. The interplay between high beltline and wide shoulders results in proportions that lend the GLC Coupé its dynamic looks.
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 in the dimensions 235/55 R 19 on 8.0 J x 19 at the front axle and 255/50 R 19 on 9.0 J x 19 at the rear axle emphasise the powerful appearance. As an option, other combinations and designs are available, right up to 21-inch wheels in a bichromatic design.
The tail end also sports characteristic highlights and exudes sporty, aesthetic appeal with chrome-plated tailpipe trim elements in a four-pipe look. The AMG-specific rear apron sports trim in silver chrome. Narrow, divided tail lights and the sharp spoiler lip invoke the design line displayed for the first time with the S-Class Coupé and followed by all of the coupé models from Mercedes-AMG. The rear window dispenses with a wiper, as the airflow does not fall away until after the spoiler lip, which means that water is unable to strike the rear window
The interior reinforces the consistently dynamic bias with numerous specially designed details. The colour combination of sporty, functional black with red contrasting features is a characteristic element. Longitudinal-grain aluminium trim highlights the sporty aspirations. The multifunction sports steering wheel in black leather with red contrasting topstitching and featuring a flattened bottom section is ideally suited to an emphatic driving style.
The driver and front passenger enjoy 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. As a result, the standard-fit red designo seat belts also blend into the design. With two large round dials and central colour multifunction display with a 5.5-inch (13.97 cm) screen 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. Customers with a passion for motorsports will be pleased to note the RACE TIMER for recording lap times on closed-off tracks.
The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé will celebrate its world premiere on 28 September 2016 as part of the Paris Motor Show. The sales release follows on 6 October 2016, with the market launch beginning in December 2016.
