Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 priced for Australia

MERCEDES-AMG has announced pricing for its GLC 43 Coupe and wagon range this week, the hard-charging duo due in showrooms this month priced from $146,900 and $136,400 plus on-road costs respectively.

Pricing for the facelifted range is some $7400 more than before in wagon format and a whopping $12,430 extra in Coupe body style. However, the price increases herald a raft of technology and equipment updates, as well as more engine power and, in turn, speed.

Continuing to rival the likes of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, Audi SQ5, M Sport enhanced BMW X3 and X4 ranges, and the Porsche Macan GTS, the mild-hybrid four-cylinder twin-turbo GLC 43 pair feature Mercedes-AMG’s M139-series engine boasting 310kW of power and 500Nm of torque – an increase of 23kW and a deficit of 20Nm over the outgoing model range.

Power is distributed to all four wheels via Merc’s Speedshift nine-speed multi-clutch transmission and is sufficient to shove the GLC 43 from standstill to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds (-0.1sec).

The updated model range includes five selectable drive modes – including a personalisable Individual setting – and three-stage damping, active rear-wheel steering, lightweight 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

Mercedes-Benz Australia says the model will arrive ahead of the range-topping GLC 63 S E Performance due later in the second quarter.

The GLC63 S E-Performance hybrid powertrain is a “technical masterpiece” says AMG as it combines the specialist maker’s 2.0-litre turbo engine (with a bigger turbo for 350kW) and a 150kW Electric Drive Unit (EDU) on the rear axle for what AMG calls “an exhilarating driving experience with high efficiency”.

The same powertrain architecture is already used in other Mercedes-AMG models.

The independent hybrid config’ (petrol engine front, electric at the rear) gives a balanced weight distribution with benefits to driving dynamics and handling. Immediate response is delivered by the electric drive on the rear axle providing a fast torque build-up and rapid power delivery.

The electric motor boosts power and torque depending on the drive program and driving conditions and can provide either a comfortable or a performance-oriented driving experience. If a driver chooses, electric-only mode is also possible.

Taking a leaf out of Formula 1, the electric powertrain and the high-performance 400v battery are in-house AMG developments. The battery is specifically designed for fast power output and draw with innovative direct cooling of the cells.

The combined system output is a whopping 500kW while the combined maximum system torque is an even more whopping 1020Nm. It clocks a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.5 seconds.

Like the 43, the 63 also uses AMG’s fully variable Performance 4Matic + all-wheel drive for benefits to the vehicle’s dynamics.

The new models boast AMG-specific details on the outside and inside.

The exterior look includes an AMG-specific grille with vertical struts and AMG front apron with flics, sporty air intakes and chrome-plated trim elements. Flics, large inlets and air curtains direct the airflow specifically to various functions.

Other integrated elements include side sill panels, a diffuser-look rear apron on the 43 or additional diffuser board on the 63 and two twin tailpipe trims, round on the 43, trapezoidal on the 63.

Inside are AMG seats in man-made leather combined with Microcut microfibre with distinctive graphics and upholstery.

Optional embossed Nappa leather is available for non-vegans. AMG Performance seats are optional.

The cabin is characterised by the AMG sports D-cut steering wheel equipped with aluminium gearshift paddles. It is fitted with two round AMG buttons that allow fast operation of various dynamic driving functions.

The overall ambience creates a sporty-luxurious atmosphere added to by sports pedals, floor mats and illuminated door sill panels all with AMG branding.

Both vehicles use the MBUX infotainment system that includes a track data logger.

The high-performance battery in the 63 offers a capacity of 6.1kWh, 80kW continuous power and 150kW peak power for ten seconds. Charging is via recuperation or the installed 3.7kW on-board charger with alternating current at a charging station, wall box or household socket.

The battery is designed for fast power delivery and draw, not for the longest possible range. The electric range is 12km.

Both vehicles are equipped with high performance AMG active (adaptive) chassis components and large braking systems with AMG Dynamic Select multi modes available to tailor the vehicle’s driver feel and dynamic calibration. And both feature the requisite sporty exhaust note.

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.