What's the news?
Mercedes has released details of the first AMG-badged version of the GLC Coupe. It's called the (deep breath) Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic Coupe and it will make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show late next month.
Exterior
No major surprises here, given that we've already seen the non-coupe GLC 43, but the Coupe is even more striking thanks to its unique glasshouse shape. Up front there's lots of restyling over the standard GLC Coupe, such as the diamond radiator grille with chrome pins and loads of black, silver and gloss chrome detailing to accentuate the deeper bumper, larger air intakes and new aerodynamic splitter. The rear end is less fussy, though it's clearly identified as an AMG model by its new spoiler and the four exhaust outlets. As standard there are 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, though buyers can upgrade to 21-inch rims if they desire.
Interior
A red, black, silver and, well, shiny, theme defines the interior of the GLC 43 Coupe. First up is a thick-rimmed leather steering wheel with a modestly flattened bottom. Behind that are a set of bespoke instruments, featuring a chequered flag motif. The seats are deep sports chairs and they're upholstered in a mix-of Artico and Dinamica (man-made substitutes for leather and Alcantara) with red stitching - a feature extended to the door panels. There are also red seatbelts.
Mechanicals
Under the bonnet of this GLC Coupe is the AMG-developed 3.0-litre V6 biturbo petrol engine, as found in the Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe and the SLC 43. It makes 367hp at 5,500- to 6,000rpm and 520Nm of torque between 2,500- and 4,500rpm. Mercedes quotes emissions of 192g/km and combined cycle economy of 33.6mpg (8.4 litres/100km), not that those numbers will matter much to buyers of this car. They'll no doubt be more interested in the 4.9-second 0-100km/h sprint time and, if they live in Germany, the electronically governed 250km/h top speed. Make no mistake: this is one rapid SUV in a straight line.
It should do pretty well in the corners too. As the 4Matic name suggests, four-wheel drive is standard, though AMG has tweaked the system to give it more of a rear bias in normal driving, so 69 per cent of the engine output is distributed to the back by default. Between that engine and the four-wheel drive hardware is the familiar 9G-Tronic automatic transmission with nine ratios. AMG has shortened the gear change times in this for the GLC 43 Coupe and there's a proper manual mode in which the transmission won't change up even at the rev limiter.
AMG has also comprehensively upgraded the chassis, taking the (usually optional) Air Body Control air suspension system as a starting point, with adaptive damping and self-levelling as standard. Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus modes are said to noticeably alter the car's driving characteristics. There's also variable ratio, speed-sensitive power steering and uprated brakes all-round.
Anything else?
Bizarrely, given the high-performance remit of the GLC 43 Coupe, Mercedes mentions off-roading in its blurb. That's because the air suspension allows a raised ride height at the touch of a button. It can ford 300mm of water apparently and has 19.8- and 20.8-degree approach and departure angles. Plus it can tow up to 2,460kg. Maybe stay away from the 21-inch wheel option if any of this interests you...