Paris show: Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe in a rush to Oz

THE first of two AMG-tickled sports variants for Mercedes-Benz’s GLC Coupe SUV line has been revealed in Germany ahead of its public debut at this month’s Paris motor show.

The grunty slope-backed crossover is headed post haste to Australia where it is scheduled to enter showrooms late this year, around the same time as European customers get their hands on it.

The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4Matic Coupe gets the “AMG light” treatment involving the German company’s 270kW/520Nm bi-turbo 3.0-litre V6 driving all four wheels via an AMG-tuned nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-biased all-wheel-drive system.

The SUV rides on a self-levelling adaptive sports air suspension system that can be raised by the touch of a button for greater ground clearance.

A meatier GLC63 Coupe with a blown 4.0-litre V8 engine from AMG is expected to top the GLC Coupe range at some point.

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific public relations, product and corporate communications senior manager David McCarthy today confirmed that the GLC43 Coupe was Australia-bound for a fourth-quarter release, adding that pricing would be announced soon.

Presumably it will land just after the three mainstream four-cylinder GLC Coupe variants that are due in Australia in November with pricing ranging from $77,100 to $82,100 plus on-road costs.

These will take the fight up to BMW’s X4 that ranges in price from $70,815 to $79,055, as well as Porsche’s Macan line that starts at $93,100.

According to information released overnight by Mercedes-AMG, the GLC43 Coupe can accelerate from rest to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds and on to an electronically governed top speed of 250km/h – identical to the wagon-bodied GLC43.

Fuel consumption is a claimed 8.4 litres per 100km on the combined test cycle, with CO2 emissions rated at 192 grams per kilometre.

Mercedes-AMG chairman Tobias Moers said the new model “is characterised by a high level of agility and sporty driving dynamics”.

“With its expressive design and high everyday practicality, the coupe is able to appeal to new target audiences,” he said.

The air suspension system has been programmed to provide four “spring rates” to match the various driving modes that also include adjustments to the steering and transmission. Modes include Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual.

For hard driving, the front suspension is automatically stiffened for less bodyroll and pitching.

In manual transmission mode, the automatic transmission “double-declutches” on down-changes, giving a throttle blip for good measure.

AMG brakes are standard equipment, providing 360mm discs with four-pot red-painted callipers on the front and 320mm discs with single-piston stoppers on the back.

Gloss-black 19-inch alloy wheels are standard, with optional alternatives up to 21 inches.

The AMG body trimming includes quad chrome-tipped exhaust pipe tips, along with silver chrome front splitter and rear apron.

Inside, the sports seats and door trims are cloaked in black fabric with red stitching, while the leather-bound sports steering wheel also gets red stitching.

Dials get a chequered flag look, instruments include a racetrack timer, and the infotainment system has a 7.0-inch display, although you have to pay extra for satellite navigation or the Burmester high-end audio system.