Mercedes-AMG Refreshes GLC 43 Coupe and SUV

Mercedes-Benz has just launched the new AMG-lite version of its GLC Coupe and SUV crossovers. The GLC 43 gets more power, some new styling, and new infotainment for 2020.

We've already seen the refreshed AMG 63 and the standard GLC-Class, revealed earlier this year. Now it's time for the 43 to get the same treatment. It starts on the outside, where the diamond grille has been replaced with the vertical-bar Panamericana-style grille. It's a clearly AMG feature that more obviously sets it apart from lesser models. Below that grille are new matte-black air intakes, and beside it are new LED headlights with a revised daytime running lamp accent.

Around back, the GLC 43 gets a larger diffuser and twin oval tailpipes. Those twin pipes help distinguish it from the GLC 63 models, which get quad-outlet exhausts.

The 3.0L biturbo V6 is largely a carryover from last year, but it gets some upgrades that give the latest GLC more power. 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, which is up 23 hp from last year. Mercedes-AMG credits the extra power to the pair of turbos which it calls "especially spontaneous in their response." Though we aren't sure if "spontaneous" is exactly what we want under the hood. The newfound power pushes both versions from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

Helping the engine deliver is a nine-speed AMG Speedshift transmission, with a manual mode letting drivers pick gears themselves. The gearbox can also handle multiple downshifts and allows for a double-clutching feature in Sport and Sport+. The 4Matic all-wheel drive system sends 69 percent of the power to the rear by default but can shift that for improved traction when needed.



Standard on the GLC 43 Coupe and SUV is the AMG Ride Control+ air suspension. It combines adaptive damping with a pneumatic levelling system that can adjust the damping at each wheel to balance ride comfort and handling.

A new AMG steering wheel has touch control buttons built in to allow hands-on-wheel adjustments. There's an optional round controller and display to let the driver set handling and drive settings from the wheel.

Also new this year is the MBUX infotainment system. It can be controlled from the touch pad, steering wheel buttons, or via natural speech voice control. The 10.25-inch touch screen and the 12.3-inch digital dash can show special AMG Supersport display modes.

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV and the swoopier Coupe are set to arrive in Canada by the end of the year, with pricing to follow.