The new performance SUV

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC SUV and Coupe are bigger, swankier and better than ever with a refreshing, updated style and functional improvements.

The mid-level performance GLC models both boast twin-turbocharged 3ltr V6 engines offering drivers more power. The turbochargers are larger and the German car marquee has a new engine tune, allowing 23 more horsepower for a total of 385. The torque output may be unchanged; however, the engine is still coupled to a nine-speed automatic and a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system.

Mercedes believes that the GLC 43, be it in conventional crossover or coupe form, will hit 60mph in 4.7 seconds. The brand claims the top speed is limited to 130mph with standard 20-inch wheels and tyres or 155 mph with 21-inch wheels and summer tyres.

Tobias Moers, chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, said: “The new GLC 43 4MATIC SUV and Coupé in their latest guises feature the AMG-specific radiator grille, identifying them straight away as fully-fledged members of our diverse and highly successful SUV family.

“This mid-size performance SUV combines new, expressive design features with enhanced performance, the innovative MBUX infotainment system and absolute viability in everyday use. And, of course, its exceptional agility and sporty driving dynamics mean that we are able to meet our brand promise of “Driving Performance” in this segment, too.”

The restyled, flatter LED high performance headlamps with flare effect for the daytime running lamps serve to emphasise the expressive character of the front section and the matt black fins over the air intakes feature trim elements in Silver Shadow, enhancing the car’s visual presence yet further. The front lip spoiler and rear diffuser areas are also more pronounced than in the past. The rears broad apron and two round tailpipes gives the car a sporty look.

The accentuated side sill panels are a particularly striking feature of both the SUV and the Coupé and a similarly eye-catching feature are the aerodynamically optimised AMG light-alloy wheels, with the 19-inch variant with AMG lettering fitted as standard. There is a selection of five further rim variants available as options.

The five drive programmes include Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. The styles are linked to the AMG DYNAMICS agility control system to allow for handling characteristics to be set with even more differentiation.

The SUV and Coupé models of the GLC 43 4MATIC both offer plenty of space for passengers and luggage in conjunction with a variable interior, an extensive range of safety features and a high level of long-distance comfort. Additional possibilities for individualisation come courtesy of the new appointment options of cranberry/black leather and magma grey/black leather.

Inside there’s a 12.3-inch instrument screen and a 10.25-inch infotainment display. They’re controlled with the Mercedes-standard touch controls or via the MBUX voice control system.

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 is set to go on sale by the end of year in the US and in Canada with the starting price being US$60,495 (around BD23,000) which is US$2,500 (around BD940) more than the outgoing 2019 model.

Al Haddad Motors, the official distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Bahrain, said that the GLC 43 will be hitting the island soon. However, the 2020 GLC 200 SUV and Coupe will be available in the showroom towards the end of August. The starting price for the 2020 GLC 200 SUV will be BD22,000 and the Coupe will be BD26,500.

For more information, call 17785454.