The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe

Mercedes-AMG is once again extending its product portfolio with the addition of a dynamic new model: the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe. This striking new midsize luxury Coupe combines sporty, elegant design with the brand's hallmark driving performance and all of the advantages of an SUV, including seat position, interior flexibility, and off-road traction. The driver is treated to an especially dynamic on-road driving experience thanks to the GLC 43 Coupe's 362 hp 3.0 litre V6 biturbo engine, 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with shortened shift times and double-declutching function when downshifting, and AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive configured with a rear bias. The independent sports suspension, which is based on the multi-chamber air suspension system AIR BODY CONTROL with adaptive damping adjustment, makes a significant contribution to driver comfort. The GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe can also be taken on off-road excursions: ground clearance can be increased at the touch of a button, and a constant vehicle level is assured by the vehicle's pneumatic all-round self-levelling function. 

"The new GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe is characterized by a high level of agility and sporty driving dynamics," says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes AMG GmbH. "With its expressive design and exceptional everyday practicality the Coupe is able to appeal to new target audiences."

The SUV Coupe fulfils a wide variety of tasks with style: its unmistakable design stands out without being overpowering and its sports car-like driving characteristics reveal it to be a thoroughbred performance vehicle, while its convenience settings – selectable at the touch of a button – make it a reliable companion whatever the conditions. The GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds to a top speed of 210 km/h (electronically limited).

The technical data at a glance:

* Electronically limited.

Spontaneous and powerful: the AMG 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine
The 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine, which delivers a maximum output of 362 hp plus maximum torque of 384 lb-ft, is used in numerous AMG Performance models. Two turbochargers that are installed close to the engine provide an especially spontaneous response. Among other features, the engine's performance yield comes courtesy of the boost pressure, which has been increased to 1.1 bar. The NANOSLIDE® coating on the cylinder liners of the V6 biturbo engine is also used in the Formula 1 engines of MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS. This coating is not only tough and wear-resistant: it also reduces friction, thereby contributing to higher efficiency. The spray-guided multiple injection with up to 200 bar fuel pressure also makes the engine more efficient. The powerplant can be identified by the red aluminium insert in the engine cover and the AMG logo.

Short shift times, high efficiency: the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission

The new GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe comes equipped with the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, which Mercedes-AMG developers specifically configured to deliver a more dynamic driving experience. The transmission's shifts are reduced by means of a dedicated software application and, courtesy of multiple downshifts, the 9G-TRONIC makes quick bursts of speed possible. Defined sparking manipulation in the double-clutching function allows for quicker gear changes in the "Sport," "Sport Plus" and "Manual" transmission modes. The gear changes are based on the selected transmission mode, and the driver can now change gear using the standard-fit shift paddles on the steering wheel. Moreover, the transmission stays in the selected gear and does not automatically shift up when the engine speed reaches the limit. "Manual" mode can be selected using a separate button in the centre console.

More agility: sports suspension based on AIR BODY CONTROL

For added agility, more neutral cornering behaviour and higher traction even when driving at speed, the developers in Affalterbach have designed a dedicated sports suspension based on the AIR BODY CONTROL full-support multi-chamber air suspension system. The four-link front axle is fitted with special steering knuckles and load-bearing joints, and all components have been optimized for rigidity. A more negative camber on the front axle and on the multi-link rear axle enhances lateral dynamics, and the elastokinematics of both axles have been designed to be generally more rigid. All together, these measures improve agility and boost the vehicle's driving dynamics.

The three-chamber air suspension system, which has a sporty spring/damper set-up and continuously variable damping adjustment, combines excellent vehicle dynamics with a high level of ride comfort. The spring elements, which feature a composite design that is both light and strong, help to reduce system weight compared with conventional air suspension.

The AMG developers have used a special matrix to define four spring rates, which are selected according to the transmission mode and driving conditions. In "Comfort" mode, the handling ranges from neutral to slight understeer. In "Sport" mode, the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe handles significantly more dynamically with reduced roll thanks to the harder spring rate, while "Sport Plus" mode delivers even more enhanced agility and cornering ability, allowing the front and rear axles to be sprung at different spring rates.

During sudden load changes, fast cornering, heavy acceleration, or hard braking, the spring rate is automatically made harder on the front or rear axle. This effectively reduces roll and pitching, while at the same time stabilizing the vehicle.

The adaptive damping adjustment is also available in a model-specific configuration, offering a choice of the three modes: "Comfort," "Sport," and "Sport Plus." This provides for a broader range of options between sporty driving dynamics and a high level of comfort during long-distance drives.

The GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe is also able to take on excursions across unpaved terrain thanks to AIR BODY CONTROL suspension: at the touch of a button, the vehicle level can be increased over its regular operating height for more ground clearance – even in motion. It is equally suitable as a towing vehicle.

Rear-biased and agile: AMG Performance 4MATIC

Optimum traction, hallmark AMG vehicle dynamics, and maximum driving pleasure coexist in perfect harmony in the new Coupe's standard-fit AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The system features a rear-biased torque distribution of 31 percent to the front axle and 69 percent to the rear axle, which ensures greater vehicle dynamics and higher lateral acceleration on the road. It also provides improved traction, as it delivers more drive torque to the rear by using the dynamic shift in the axle load toward the rear axle that occurs during acceleration. A multi-disc clutch with a locking effect of 37 lb-ft guarantees that the frictional connection potential of all four wheels is fully exploited, particularly on snow and ice. On road surfaces with different levels of grip, the all-wheel drive responds with targeted brake application in order to also guarantee optimum traction.

Variable characteristics at the touch of a button: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT

At the touch of a button, the driving characteristics of the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe can be tailored to suit individual preferences via five DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes: "Eco," "Comfort," "Sport," "Sport Plus," and "Individual." Whether efficient and comfortable or dynamic and sporty, each setting modifies key parameters including engine response, transmission, suspension, and steering. Separate from DYNAMIC SELECT, the driver also has the option of pressing the "M" button to switch directly to manual mode, which uses shift paddles on the steering wheel to execute gearshifts.

DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes "Sport" and "Sport Plus" are even more strongly configured for driving dynamics in the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe than in the GLC 300 4MATIC. This is thanks to more agile, direct accelerator characteristics, as well as shortened shift times, the double-declutching function, and cylinder shut-off. A higher idle speed allows the Coupe to accelerate even more quickly and efficiently from a standstill.

In "Eco" mode, the ECO start/stop function and the gliding function reduce fuel consumption and increase efficiency: when the driver releases the accelerator at speeds between 60 and 160 km/h, the clutch is disengaged and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The engine speed is electronically reduced to idle level, and driving resistance decreases thanks to the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode.

"Comfort" mode provides luxury and safety in equal measure. To ensure maximum possible driving safety, the Coupe's spring and damper forces automatically adjust in case of sudden evasive manoeuvres.

Direct, clear feedback: speed-sensitive sports steering

The GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe's speed-sensitive sports steering has a variable ratio whose precise feedback makes it stand out. Its steering power assistance is adjusted in two stages – "Comfort" or "Sport" – while different driving characteristics are activated according to which DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode has been chosen; these can also be personalized in "Individual" mode.

A large braking system with internally ventilated compound brake discs allows the performance SUV Coupe to decelerate quickly and reliably. Perforated 360 x 36 mm disks with four-piston fixed calipers and AMG lettering are fitted on the front axle, while 320 x 24 mm disks with one-piston fixed calipers are affixed at the rear.

Assistance systems such as Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Crosswind Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST and Passive Blind Spot Assist are all included as standard equipment. Comfort and safety can be further enhanced with the optional Intelligent Drive Package, which includes additional driver assistance systems.

Sporty and distinctive: the exterior design

The front view of the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe reveals an independent character: a diamond radiator grille features chrome pins and a louvre in high-gloss black and an insert and AMG lettering in high-gloss chrome. Sportily distinctive air intakes in an AMG front apron include fins in silver chrome, beneath which a silver chrome front splitter ensures optimal air flow over the cooling modules.

Compared with the GLC 43 4MATIC SUV, the angle on the Coupe's A-pillar features a flatter slope, and a squat greenhouse blends seamlessly with the side of the vehicle to emphasize its silhouette. The interplay between high beltline and wide shoulders results in proportions that lend the GLC Coupe its dynamic look.

High-gloss, black-painted, 48.3 cm (19-inch) AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels dominate the side view, while mix-sized tires at the front and rear axels, at 235/55 R 19 on 8.0 J x 19 and 255/50 R 19 on 9.0 J x 19 respectively, emphasize its powerful appearance. Other optional combinations and designs are also available, such as 21-inch wheels with a bichromatic design.

The tail end of the GLC Coupe exudes sporty appeal with chrome-plated, four-pipe trim elements and an AMG-specific rear apron trim that shines in silver chrome. Narrow, divided tail lights and a sharp spoiler lip invoke the design line that was first introduced on the S-Class Coupe, and was subsequently incorporated into all of Mercedes-AMG's Coupe models. Airflow falls away after the spoiler lip, which means that water is unable to strike the rear window – thus eliminating the need for a rear wiper.

Sporty characteristics: the interior design

The GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe's dynamic interior is fitted out with numerous specially designed, eye-catching details. Among them are the characteristic colour combination of sporty, functional black with red contrasting features, and longitudinal-grain aluminium trim that highlights the Coupe's sporty sensibility. The multifunction sports steering wheel is rendered in black leather with red contrasting topstitching, and features a flattened bottom section that is ideally suited to an assertive driving style.

Improved lateral support allows the driver and front passenger to enjoy a secure position in the sports seats, even when driving at speed. The black ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre upholstery boasts its own seat design, highlighted with red topstitching, which is mirrored in the style of the door centre panels. The standard-fit red designo seat belts also blend seamlessly into the overall interior design. The AMG instrument cluster places all the important information in the driver's field of vision, with two large round dials and a central, full-colour multifunction display on a 5.5-inch (13.97 cm) diagonal screen. The chequered-flag aesthetic that has been applied to the dials, coupled with distinctive typography, gives the large displays an especially sporty appearance. Customers with a passion for motorsports will be pleased to note that a RACE TIMER feature has been added to record lap times on closed tracks.

A flexible and spacious interior

For all its sportiness, the dynamic newcomer also impresses with its practical advantages. The Coupe's luggage compartment leads this market segment with a capacity of 491 to 1,400 litres, while split-folding rear seat backrests, which fold down in a 40:20:40 ratio, allow a variety of configurations to be used to accommodate particularly long or bulky items. In addition, the Coupe features the same entrance height, shoulder room, elbow room and legroom as in the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC SUV, meaning the space in the front and rear of the vehicle boasts the same level of comfort.

Comprehensive: infotainment features

The standard infotainment equipment in the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe includes the Audio 20 CD with 7-inch (17.8 cm) display, Frontbass, Bluetooth® hands-free function, audio streaming, and two USB ports. The optional Garmin® MAP PILOT with Live Traffic expands Audio 20 CD into a fully-fledged navigation system with traffic jam avoidance integrated into the onboard electrical system. The navigation software and map data are supplied on an SD card.

When equipped with COMAND Online Navigation, the full-colour, 8.4-inch (21.3 cm) media display screen has an even higher resolution. COMAND Online Navigation offers a host of features including digital TV/radio reception, fast hard-disc navigation, automatic tailback avoidance via up-to-date and accurate Live Traffic Information, integrated WLAN hotspot functionality, and the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system.

Concert hall-calibre musical experiences are made possible with the optional Burmester® surround sound system, which has a 9-channel DSP amplifier, 13 speakers, and a system output of 590 watts.

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG passenger vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,500 people in 21 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 11 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 47 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 48,320 vehicles in 2016. This represents the best year ever for the company and has positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the third consecutive year.

For more information, please contact: 

JoAnne Caza    416-847-7550  joanne.caza@mercedes-benz.ca

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca