Motoring

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic coupe launched - Daniel Fernandez

This performance SUV has more to offer than meets the eye

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 16 Nov 2020 10:00AM

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic coupe launched - Daniel Fernandez — Mercedes decided that the GLC SUV should get streamlined and the GLC Coupe was born. – Pic courtesy of Mercedes Press Department, November 16, 2020

by Daniel Fernandez

MERCEDES-BENZ Malaysia is not sitting on the side-lines and waiting for the competition to take away their sales position in the performance SUV segment. Yes, the three pointed star leads in this rather exclusive segment and it started in May 2017 when they launched the first version of the GLC 43 Coupe in Malaysia.

This GLC Coupe made its global debut the year before in September 2016 and it was targeted to rival the BMW X4 which was launched in 2015 and was an immediate sales sensation. The X4 was designed to be a baby X6 and had a rival at its launch, the Porsche Macan. In mature markets around the world, the Macan was a segment leader and BMW saw market potential and so its popular X3 SUV got streamlined into a Coupe profile and the X4 was born. Sales in the first year grew fast, however Porsche Macan sales were also growing.

Mercedes product planners watched and quickly decided that the GLC SUV should get streamlined as well and the GLC Coupe was born. Priced at RM538,888 at its launch, we test drove it and was impressed by its sports sedan handling and 4.9 seconds acceleration time despite its SUV profile.

The interior design features sports seats which offer improved lateral support. – Pic courtesy of Mercedes Press Department

Now for 2020, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is delivering the facelift version of this GLC 43 AMG Coupé as a locally assembled model which means its selling price has moved down. Priced at RM498,722, this is a RM40k saving that wealthy Malaysians will appreciate.

Its immediate rivals the Porsche Macan is priced from RM455,000 and does carry a more premium image and brand value, however, it is not as aggressive in its drive dynamics as the GLC 43 AMG. Have a look at its figures below.

Porsche Macan Specifications –

Engine: 4-cylinder Turbocharged
Capacity: 1984cc
Transmission: 7-speed PDK
Max Power: 252bhp @ 5000 – 6750rpm
Max Torque: 370Nm @ 1600 – 4500rpm
0-100km/h: 6.7 secs
Top Speed: 225km/h

The BMW X4 xDrive30i Sport is priced at RM375,800. However, this X4 is not as spirited in its drive dynamics as you can see from the specification sheet below.

0 to 100km/h takes a mere 4.9 seconds. – Pic courtesy of Mercedes Press Department

BMW X4 xDrive 30i M Sport Specifications –

Engine: 2L Twin Scroll Turbo
Displacement: 1997cc
Transmission: 8-speed Steptronic
Max power: 252bhp @ 5000rpm
Max torque: 350Nm @ 1250-4800rpm
0-100km/h: 6.3secs
Top Speed: 250km/h

Eye-catching exterior design. – Pic courtesy of Malaysia Press Department

So what does this local assembled AMG tuned Mercedes GLC Coupe deliver? The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic Coupé benefits from an increase in the output of the 3.0-litre V6 engine of 23 hp, taking it to 390 hp. The peak torque of 520 Nm is available from 2500 to 5000 rpm, thereby guaranteeing exceptional performance where it takes a mere 4.9 seconds for this Coupé to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h.

The exterior includes an even more striking design, AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical chrome-plated fins and Multibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive High-beam Assist Plus.

A similarly eye-catching feature are the aerodynamically optimised 21-inch AMG 5 twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with AMG lettering. With the AMG Night package, selected exterior elements are finished in high-gloss black, giving a fascinating all-round look.

Striking 21-inch AMG 5 twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. – Pic courtesy of Mercedes Press Department

The interior design features sports seats which offer improved lateral support to both the driver and front passenger. The upholstery, in black Artico man-made leather/Dinamica micro-fibre, has a distinctive seat upholstery layout with red topstitching.

The GLC 43 4Matic Coupé comes with a choice of five drive programmes: "Slippery", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport+" and "Individual". Using these allows the characteristics of the vehicle to be individualised even further with the mere touch of a finger. The programs modify key parameters, such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering.

The driver has a choice of five drive programmes – from steady to sporty. – Pic courtesy of Mercedes Press Department

The latest version of the MBUX infotainment system with Mercedes me connect further underlines the car's viability for everyday use and establishes an even closer connection between vehicle, driver and passengers. Whether it's operated with the touchpad, Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, by voice control or gesture control: the operating system of the GLC 43 4Matic Coupé is both versatile and flexible. Just say “Hey Mercedes”, to activate the interactive voice assistant.

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. Visit a Mercedes-Benz showroom and take a test drive and then on the same day visit a Porsche showroom and test drive the Macan to decide which suits your image. – The Vibes, November 16, 2020

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