2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43

2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43

Mercedes-AMG introduces a range of measures in a fundamental update of its successful GLC 43 SUV and Coupe models. The AMG-specific grille, new exterior lights, expressive front bumper and round twin-tailpipes combine to further enhance the appeal of these GLC 43 models from Mercedes-AMG. The 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine now develops 385 hp, which is 23 hp more than before. The driving experience and agility are further improved thanks to the rear-biased AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, the AMG DYNAMICS agility control system, and the responsive AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9G transmission. The latest version of the MBUX infotainment system, with AMG-specific functions and displays, introduces an innovative interface that enhances the vehicle's everyday use. Inside, the GLC 43 provides an exceptional amount of space for passengers, luggage, and includes a comprehensive range of safety features.

"The new GLC 43 SUV and Coupe in their latest guises also 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", says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes- AMG GmbH.

2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43

Enhanced performance meets efficiency: the AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine

Both the SUV and the Coupe benefit from the 3.0-liter V6 engine’s 23 hp output increase, taking it to 385 hp. The peak torque of 384 lb-ft is available from 2500 to 4500 rpm. The higher output can be attributed to larger turbochargers and new software adjustments. The larger, stand-alone turbocharger units are mounted close to the engine and respond swiftly, thereby guaranteeing exceptional performance: it takes a mere 4.7 seconds for the SUV and the Coupe to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. The top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph, unless equipped with the optionally available 21” wheels with Summer Performance Tires, which raise the top speed to 155 mph. The powerful AMG engine is visually identifiable by a red aluminum insert and AMG lettering on its engine cover.

The exterior: AMG-specific radiator grille and new distinctive headlamps

The AMG-specific grille with its vertical chrome fins combined with the restyled LED high-performance headlamps emphasize the expressive character of the front design. The matte black fins over the air intakes feature trim elements in silver, further enhancing the car's visual presence.

Viewed from the side, the accentuated side sill panels are a particularly striking feature of both the SUV and the Coupe. These side sills were designed to visually lower and elongate the vehicle’s profile. A similarly eye-catching feature are the aerodynamically optimized AMG light-alloy wheels, with 20- inch wheels with AMG lettering fitted as standard. A selection of three additional wheel variants, ranging from 20 to 21 inches in size, are optionally available.

The distinctive rear end, with its broad bumper, diffuser and round twin- tailpipes, also contributes to the sporty look. As with the front view, the redesigned LED taillights provide an unmistakable light signature.

Interior: sporty spaciousness with red highlights

The interior design reinforces the sporty appearance of the exterior and emphasizes the dynamic ambitions of the new GLC 43. This mid-size performance SUV features sport seats as standard, which offer improved lateral support to both the driver and front passenger. The upholstery, in standard black MB-Tex / DINAMICA, has a distinctive design with red topstitching. Trim elements in aluminum with a longitudinal grain further highlight the car's sporty character.

The SUV and Coupe models of the GLC 43 offer plenty of space for passengers and luggage, an extensive range of safety features and a high level of long- distance comfort. Additional possibilities for individualization come courtesy of the new interior appointment options of cranberry/black leather and magma grey/black leather.

Dynamic design, exceptional ergonomics, and intuitive controls are hallmarks of the new, standard AMG steering wheel in Nappa leather. The new wheel has a flattened bottom and a perforated grip area. The galvanized steering wheel gearshift paddles allow for an even sportier driving style with manual gear shifting. The optionally available AMG DRIVE UNIT steering wheel buttons enable faster and more precise control of specific dynamic handling functions. These consist of a round controller with an integrated display beneath the right-hand steering-wheel spoke, plus two vertically positioned color display buttons beneath the left-hand steering-wheel spoke. Thanks to the ergonomic positioning of the additional steering wheel buttons within the immediate grip area, the driver's hands remain on the wheel at all times.

Control at your fingertips

The latest version of the MBUX infotainment system further underlines the car's suitability for everyday use and establishes an even closer connection between vehicle, driver and passengers. Whether it’s operated via the touchpad, touch control buttons on the steering wheel, or by voice control: the operating system of the GLC 43 is as versatile as it is flexible.

The trailblazing voice control activated with the words "Hey Mercedes" is also on board the new GLC 43. Thanks to artificial intelligence, MBUX recognizes and understands nearly all sentences from the fields of infotainment and vehicle operation, even if they are expressed indirectly.

The driver receives visual information via the 12.3-inch instrument cluster on the left and the 10.25-inch touchscreen display on the right. With the three AMG-specific display styles of "Classic", "Sport" or "Supersport", the vehicle functions are vividly brought to life.

From comfortable to sporty, and steady to agile: five drive programs and AMG Dynamics

The GLC 43 SUV and Coupe come with a choice of five drive programs: "Slippery", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport+" and "Individual". Using these allows the characteristics of the vehicle to be individualized even further with the touch of a finger. The available range extends from efficient and comfortable to dynamic and sporty. The programs modify key parameters, such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering. The programs are now linked to the AMG DYNAMICS agility control system, which means that the handling characteristics can be set to meet various requirements and driving conditions with even more differentiation.

In the case of the Performance SUV models, the umbrella term AMG DYNAMICS encompasses the agility functions "Basic" and "Advanced", which are automatically selected by their respective drive program. Parameters relevant to driving, such as the control threshold of the completely redesigned ESP® (Electronic Stability Program), are adjusted according to the selected drive program. This means that while the full scope of ESP activity is retained, the available spectrum of lateral dynamics is considerable. The driver can select here between "Stable" and "Agile".

• "Basic" is assigned to the "Slippery" and "Comfort" drive programs. In this case, the GLC 43 demonstrates very stable handling with a high level of yaw damping.
• "Advanced" is activated in the "Sport" and "Sport+" programs. The GLC 43 is then neutrally balanced. The lower yaw damping, lower steering angle requirement and enhanced agility support dynamic maneuvers such as driving on winding country roads.

Speedy shifting: the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission

The GLC 43 features the tried and tested AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission (TCT = Torque-Converter Transmission), which is specifically configured to deliver a dynamic driving experience. It is optimally tuned to the engine and promises the agile acceleration that is typical of AMG, along with speedy gearshift changes – either automatic, or manual via the steering wheel shift paddles. The model-specific software application means that very short shift times are easily achieved.

The multiple downshift function allows for quick bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in the "Sport" and "Sport+" drive programs makes for an even more dynamic driving experience. Defined ignition adjustments also provide faster gear shifts in the other modes. In all modes, setting off from a stop occurs in first gear, in order to guarantee a responsive driving experience.

Optimal grip: AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive

The standard-specification AMG Performance 4MATIC four-wheel drive features rear-biased torque distribution with a front/rear axle split of 31 to 69 percent. This configuration delivers enhanced driving dynamics and higher lateral acceleration on the road, as well as improved traction during acceleration. The single-stage transfer case of the four-wheel drive system is flange-mounted to the transmission as a separate system.

Self-adjusting: the AMG Sport Suspension based on AIR BODY CONTROL

The AMG Sport Suspension combines the advantages of various types of suspension in one. It is based on the AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension with AMG-specific Adaptive Damping System (ADS PLUS), thereby ensuring both sporty driving dynamics and comfort on long journeys. The multi-chamber air suspension offers a broad spread between the most comfortable and the most sporty set-up and adapts to the current load. Thanks to the pneumatic all-round level control system, the vehicle level remains constant, independently of the load it is carrying. At high speeds the vehicle is lowered, to reduce wind resistance and further increase stability.

The adaptive damping adjustment of the AMG Sport Suspension based on AIR BODY CONTROL comes as standard. This fully automatic, electronically controlled system adjusts the damping at each wheel to the current conditions. This improves driving safety and ride comfort. The damping is adjusted individually for each wheel, and depends on the driving style, the road surface and the selected suspension setting. The ideal operating point can be selected at all times on the basis of a broad scope of information relating to acceleration or vehicle speed, for example. Via a switch on the center console, the driver can select between three different sets of damper characteristics, namely "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport+", and thus individually influence the driving experience — from highly comfortable to very sporty.

Precise feedback: the AMG speed-sensitive steering

The electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering has a variable ratio and impresses with its precise, authentic feedback. The steering assistance is reduced at high speeds, and continuously increases at lower speeds. This means that comparatively little steering force is required at low speeds, while the best possible control over the vehicle is maintained at high speeds. Steering assistance is assigned to various stages of the AMG DYNAMICS system. In 'Advanced’, the driver receives more feedback about the driving conditions.

Data at a glance:

	2020 AMG GLC 43 SUV	2020 AMG GLC 43 Coupe
Engine	biturbo 3.0-liter V6 with direct injection	biturbo 3.0-liter V6 with direct injection
Displacement	2996 cc	2996 cc
Output	385 hp at 5500-6000 rpm	385 hp at 5500-6000 rpm
Peak torque	384 lb-ft at 2500-4500 rpm	384 lb-ft at 2500-4500 rpm
Drive system	AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive with AMG- specific power distribution	AMG Performance 4MATIC all- wheel drive with AMG-specific power distribution
Transmission	AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9- speed	AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9- speed
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	4.7 s	4.7 s
Top speed	130mph*	130mph*
Availability	Late 2019	Late 2019

(Mercedes-Benz USA Press Release)