Entry into the Mercedes-AMG SUV portfolio just got spicier, with the German car-maker confirming a range of updates to its GLC-based high-rider duo overnight.
Arriving in Australia in early 2020, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe 4MATIC boast additional power, a broader dynamic envelope and new equipment – helping the duo issue a renewed fight to the BMW X3/X4 and Audi SQ5.
The headline change for 2020 is a further 17kW from the GLC 43’s 3.0-litre biturbo V6 petrol, with outputs now rated at 287kW and 520Nm courtesy of software changes.
Sending drive to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic, both models bring a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds and a governed top speed of 250km/h.
On the NEDC cycle, the revisited engine returns a claimed fuel consumption rating of 10.2-10.6L/100km depending on equipment.
The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system features a 31:69 front-to-rear split, and is paired with a reworked AMG Dynamics electronic suite to bring greater dynamic ability for 2020, according to the tuning arm.
As before, the GLC 43 and GLC 43 Coupe’s performance is metered across five different driving parameters: Slippery", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport+" and "Individual". Changing the drive mode alters the car’s steering, adaptive dampers, engine, gearbox and electronic driver aid settings.
Elsewhere, the GLC 43 wears a new AMG-specific front grille, headlights and front apron, while bulbous dual exhaust outlets punctuate the SUV’s sporty bent from the rear. The updated mid-size performance SUV rides on alloy wheels ranging from 19-inches to 21-inches in size.
Inside, the GLC 43 and GLC 43 Coupe score the latest version of the MBUX infotainment system, with AMG-specific functions and displays and the latest safety figures. Front sports seats, black ARTICO man-made leather, a flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel and a dark interior theme broken is broken up by red topstitching and aluminium highlights.
The GLC follows other models including the A-Class in introducing the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice functionality, which helps users navigate their way around dual screens: a 12.3-inch driver instrument cluster on the right and a 10.25-inch touchscreen on the left.
Mercedes-Benz Australia will reveal exact price and specification details closer to the GLC duo’s early 2020 launch. The GLC 43 and GLC 43 Coupe will sit one rung below the all-conquering GLC 63 and GLC 63 Coupe flagship, which roll out concurrently with the garden-variety updated GLC range in October.