The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe Is India-Bound

The AMG brand is 50 years old and in India, it began the celebrations with the launch of the limited edition G 63 'Edition 463' and the all-new GLS 63. Mercedes-AMG is going to continue with the performance SUV onslaught this year with the launch of the all-new GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe.

Yes, we are getting the crazy-but-not-so-crazy version of the C-Class based SUV in its Coupe form, for now (or maybe ever). The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe sacrifices rearward visibility and rear passenger comfort (for taller people) for added 'style'. 

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The launch will continue Mercedes' trend of offering mostly coupe performance SUV variants in India; the GLC 43 Coupe will join the GLA 45 and the GLE 43 Coupe. Non-coupe performance SUVs in the range are now limited to the GLS 63 and the G 63.

What's new? Well, there's, of course, all the added AMG bits to the bodywork. The diamond-pattern grille at the front, reworked front bumper, 20-inch alloy wheels, a larger boot lip spoiler and faux 'quadruple' exhausts are the visual additions which set the GLC 43 Coupe apart from its less sporty brethren.

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Inside, the changes include sports seats, paddle shifters behind the flat-bottom steering wheel and a sportier interior theme which includes a darker upholstery, red contrast stitching and red seat belts. The instrument cluster in the GLC 43 Coupe gets a checkered flag background. Otherwise, the cabin is as luxurious, comfortable and feature-laden as the standard GLC crossover.

The majority of the changes are under the skin. The GLC 43 Coupe is powered by a 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 petrol motor developing 367PS of maximum power and 520Nm of peak torque. This engine does not get the 'One Man - One Engine' treatment like the more powerful '63' models. 

Recommended Read: Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 Coupe review

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A 9-speed quick shifting automatic transmission allows the 1.9-tonne SUV to complete the 0-100kmph stint in 4.9 seconds and go on to hit an electronically-governed top speed of 250kmph. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is tuned to be rear-wheel biased under normal conditions by up to 69 per cent, claims Mercedes. 

Air suspension with three selectable ride modes (comfort, sport, sport+) is offered as standard. The drive modes also control the throttle response and steering resistance. The 20-inch wheels are clad in 255/45 tyres at the front and 285/40 tyres at the rear for better traction.

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The GLC 43 Coupe competes against the BMW X4 M, Audi SQ5, Jaguar F-Pace and Porsche Macan in most markets. The BMW X4 and Audi SQ5 are not on sale in India, the Jaguar F-Pace is not offered with the more powerful supercharged petrol motor and the Porsche Macan S is not on sale here too. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe will stand out as a unique offering for those aspiring to buy a not-so-excessive (in terms of cost and performance) sporty SUV/crossover.