Skip to main content

Mercedes-Benz shoves more power into the GLC Coupe and dubs a new AMG

Mercedes-AMG’s latest “43” nameplates have replaced the AMG-Sport nomenclature and now the German automaker has revealed its latest offering: the GLC43 Coupe.

The compact Mercedes crossover coupe goes toe to toe with BMW’s new X4 M40i and brings with its stylish design a 3.0-liter bi-turbo V6 making 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission apply power to the pavement. Keeping the GLC43 flat in corners is an air body control active damping system. Mercedes-Benz says the crossover can handle itself off-road as well, but I’d suggest a more rugged ride for those kind of thrills.

“The new GLC43 Coupe is characterized by a high level of agility and sporty driving dynamics. With its expressive design and high everyday practicality, the Coupe is able to appeal to new target audiences,” according to Tobias Moers, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Read More: 2017 Cadillac XT5 Review

Frankly, the luxury vehicle market is flooding with excellent crossovers, but the 43 AMG models offer a nice blend of performance and luxury at a price point thousands less than full-bodied 63 AMG models. Speaking of performance, the GLC43 AMG Coupe hits 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and is limited to a 130 mph top speed. For reference, the BMW X4 M40i accelerates to 60 mph one-tenth of a second quicker and tops out at 150 mph.

As styling goes, the Porsche Macan may still have the edge over both the Merc and BMW, but the GLC is still a rather handsome shape. While the BMW X6 looks proportionally better than the X4, the GLC may wear the coupe design better than its larger GLE Coupe sibling.

Mercedes-AMG has yet to announce pricing for the GLC43 AMG Coupe, but expect it to be priced near the Porsche Macan S and BMW X4 M40i starting figure of mid-$50,000. The new AMG will begin arriving in U.S. showrooms starting in the first quarter of 2017.

Editors' Recommendations

Miles Branman
Miles Branman developed a passion for cars early on thanks to a neighbor’s collection of rare and exotic vehicles. What…
BMW’s latest project? An EV yacht dubbed THE ICON
Make waves with the new EV yacht from BMW
THE ICON, BMW's new EV Yacht

Step into the world of THE ICON, where luxury and sustainability dance together on the shimmering waves of the sea. On May 17, BMW’s latest project, THE ICON, was unveiled at the charming port town of Cannes. Amid all the excitement of the 76th Cannes Film Festival, this mesmerizing vessel steals the show.

THE ICON is an extraordinary watercraft that defies expectations. It's not just your ordinary vessel — it's a symbol of cutting-edge innovation. Powered by batteries, this EV yacht is perfect for emission-free travel. Prepare to be swept away!

Read more
McLaren reveals its future hybrid supercars will have a V8 engine
A new generation of V8 hybrid engines by McLaren
A McLaren Artura supercar on the road

Almost 12 years ago, McLaren partnered with Ricardo to develop the twin-turbocharged V8 engine of the McLaren 12. It began a business partnership between McLaren and Ricardo that would continue over the past decade.

More succinctly, McLaren and Ricardo collaborated to develop the engines used in popular models, such as the McLaren GT, McLaren 570S Spider, and McLaren Senna. In fact, more than 30,000 McLaren supercars produced over the past decade come with V8 and V6 engines designed by Ricardo and McLaren. However, with the world shifting toward electric vehicles, it remains to be seen how McLaren will adapt. 

Read more
Your childhood dream car is up for auction: The 1988 Lamborghini Countach
Icon of an era: the 1988 Lamborghini Countach awaits its new owner
1988 lamborghini countach auction

Lamborghini Countach is one of the most iconic supercars ever made. If you were a kid in the 80s, you probably had its poster pinned on your bedroom wall while dreaming about how you would wish to own it one day when you grow up. It was the epitome symbol of success in the 80s, and even today, it’s a beacon of nostalgia that takes you back to the Walkman days.

Besides its beauty, the Lamborghini Countach's allure is that it’s extremely rare to find — only 52 Lamborghini Countach were originally sold in the United States. Lamborghini is reviving it with an electrified model, but if you grew up in the 80s, that may not be enough to tickle your fancy.

Read more