New York Auto Show: Mercedes-AMG GLC43 touches down

Merc’s GLC model line-up just got a little spicier with a range-topping (for now) AMG variant added to the mix. The announcement comes days ahead of its first public outing at the New York Auto Show this week.

The hopped-up Mercedes-AMG GLC43 features a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, matching outputs of the C43 AMG model revealed at Geneva with 270kW and 520Nm.

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A new nine-speed automatic gearbox is also part of the GLC43 package, coupled to Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. Mercedes-Benz claims a time of 4.9 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint. European testing of the 1855kg GLC43 lists fuel consumption at 8.3L/100km.

Exterior styling gets the usual AMG treatment including 19-inch wheels, front grille, body-kit and AMG exhaust tips.

Added to the interior trim is red stitching across the dashboard and sports seat, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel and AMG instrument panel.

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Australian delivery is expected at the end of 2016. Pricing and local specification will be made available closer to that time.

A more powerful GLC63 model is on the cards, using the 350kW/650Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine from the C63 AMG, and would push the GLC43 to second tier on the GLC ladder. At this stage a GLC63 is expected, though officially unconfirmed.

Click here to read the full review on the Mercedes-Benz GLC range.