Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG 4Matic Coupe (2017)

More agility: the sports suspension based on AIR BODY CONTROL

For added agility, more neutral cornering behaviour and higher traction even when driving at speed, the developers in Affalterbach have designed a dedicated sports suspension on the basis of the AIR BODY CONTROL full-support multi-chamber air suspension system. The four-link front axle is fitted with special steering knuckles and load-bearing joints; all components have been optimised in terms of rigidity. A more negative camber on the front axle and on the multi-link rear axle enhances lateral dynamics. The elastokinematics of both axles have been designed to be more rigid in general. The sum of these measures improve agility, and boost the dynamics.

The three-chamber air suspension system with a sporty spring/damper set-up and continuously variable damping adjustment combines excellent vehicle dynamics with a high level of ride comfort. The spring elements, which feature a composite design that is both light and strong, help reduce system weight compared with conventional air suspension.

The AMG developers have used a special matrix to define four spring rates, which are selected to suit the current transmission mode and driving conditions. In "Comfort" mode, the handling ranges from neutral to slight understeer. In "Sport" mode, the GLC43 4MATIC Coupé handles significantly more dynamically with reduced roll thanks to the harder spring rate. "Sport Plus" mode delivers further enhanced agility and cornering ability due to the front and rear axles being sprung with different spring rates.

During sudden changes of load, fast cornering, heavy acceleration or hard braking, the spring rate is automatically made harder on the front or rear axle. This effectively reduces roll and pitching while stabilising the vehicle.

The adaptive damping adjustment also features in a model-specific configuration and offers a choice of the three modes "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport Plus". This provides for broader scope between a high level of comfort on long journeys and sporty driving dynamics.

With the AIR BODY CONTROL suspension, the GLC43 4MATIC Coupé is also suitable for occasional excursions into unpaved terrain: the vehicle level is not only permanently set to a constant height, it can also be increased at the touch of a button for more ground clearance - even while on the move. The fording depth of 300 mm and the approach angle of 19.8 degrees and departure angle of 20.8 degrees are evidence of the off-road capabilities of the SUV Coupé. It is equally suitable as a towing vehicle: it has a braked towing capacity of up to 2460 kg.

Rear-biased and agile: AMG Performance 4MATIC

The standard-fit AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive combines optimum traction, hallmark AMG vehicle dynamics and maximum driving pleasure. The system features a rear-biased torque distribution of 31 percent to the front axle and 69 percent to the rear axle. This arrangement ensures greater vehicle dynamics and higher lateral acceleration on the road as well as improved traction as it uses the dynamic shift in the axle load toward the rear axle that occurs during acceleration to deliver more drive torque to the rear. A multi-disc clutch with a locking effect of 50 Nm guarantees that the frictional connection potential of all four wheels is exploited to the full, particularly on snow and ice. On road surfaces with different levels of grip, the all-wheel drive responds with targeted brake application on one wheel in order to also guarantee optimum traction in such instances.

Characteristics at the tap of a finger: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT

With the five DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual, the characteristics of the GLC43 4MATIC Coupé can be tailored to suit individual preferences at the tap of a finger. The broad range extends from efficient and comfortable to extremely sporty. This modifies key parameters, such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering. Independently of the DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, the driver has the option of pressing the "M" button to switch directly to manual mode, in which gearshifts are executed exclusively using the shift paddles on the steering wheel.

The DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes "Sport" and "Sport Plus" are even more strongly configured for driving dynamics in the GLC43 4MATIC Coupé than in the series-production models. This is thanks to the more agile, more direct accelerator characteristic and the more emotive gear shifting with shortened shift times, double-declutching function and cylinder shut-off. The higher idle speed also facilitates even faster moving off and acceleration from standstill.

In order to increase efficiency, in "Eco" mode the ECO start/stop function and the gliding function reduce fuel consumption: when the driver releases the accelerator in a speed range between 60 and 160 km/h, the clutch is disengaged and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The electronics reduce the engine speed to idle level, and the driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode.

The "Comfort" mode provides for particularly comfortable motoring. To ensure maximum possible driving safety also in this mode, the spring and damper forces are instantaneously adjusted, for example in case of a sudden evasive manoeuvre.

Direct and with clear feedback: speed-sensitive sports steering

The speed-sensitive sports steering has a variable ratio in the GLC43 4MATIC Coupé. It stands out with its precise, highly authentic feedback. Steering power assistance is adjusted in the two stages "Comfort" or "Sport". The relevant characteristics are automatically activated depending on the selected DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode or can be personalised in "Individual" mode.

The large-sized braking system with internally ventilated compound brake discs decelerates the performance SUV Coupé reliably and quickly. Perforated discs in size 360 x 36 mm with 4-piston fixed callipers and AMG lettering are fitted on the front axle, while discs in size 320 x 24 mm with 1-piston fixed callipers feature at the rear.

Assistance systems such as Active Brake Assist, Crosswind Assist, Headlamp Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST or ESP® Curve Dynamic Assist enhance on-board safety as standard. Comfort and safety can be further enhanced with additional driver assistance systems.

Sporty and distinctive: the exterior design

The front view of the GLC43 4MATIC Coupé reveals its independent character, with the diamond radiator grille with chrome pins and a louvre in high-gloss black with insert in high-gloss chrome and AMG lettering in high-gloss chrome. The sportily distinctive air intakes in the AMG front apron feature fins in silver chrome. Down below, the silver chrome front splitter ensures an optimal flow of air to the cooling modules.

Compared with the GLC43 4MATIC, the A-pillar features a flatter slope angle. The squat greenhouse blends in seamlessly with the side of the vehicle to emphasise the coupé silhouette. The interplay between high beltline and wide shoulders results in proportions that lend the GLC Coupé its dynamic looks.

High-gloss black-painted, high-sheen 48.3 cm (19-inch) AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels dominate the side view. The mixed-size tyres in the dimensions 235/55 R 19 on 8.0 J x 19 at the front axle and 255/50 R 19 on 9.0 J x 19 at the rear axle emphasise the powerful appearance. As an option, other combinations and designs are available, right up to 21-inch wheels in a bichromatic design.

The tail end also sports characteristic highlights and exudes sporty, aesthetic appeal with chrome-plated tailpipe trim elements in a four-pipe look. The AMG-specific rear apron sports trim in silver chrome. Narrow, divided tail lights and the sharp spoiler lip invoke the design line displayed for the first time with the S-Class Coupé and followed by all of the coupé models from Mercedes-AMG. The rear window dispenses with a wiper, as the airflow does not fall away until after the spoiler lip, which means that water is unable to strike the rear window.

Sporty characteristics: the interior design

The interior reinforces the consistently dynamic bias with numerous specially designed details. The colour combination of sporty, functional black with red contrasting features is a characteristic element. Longitudinal-grain aluminium trim highlights the sporty aspirations. The multifunction sports steering wheel in black leather with red contrasting topstitching and featuring a flattened bottom section is ideally suited to an emphatic driving style.

The driver and front passenger enjoy a secure position in the sports seats even when driving at speed, thanks to the improved lateral support. The upholstery in black ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre boasts its own seat upholstery layout plus red topstitching. To match the seat design, the door centre panels are styled in the same material. As a result, the standard-fit red designo seat belts also blend into the design. With two large round dials and central colour multifunction display with a 5.5-inch (13.97 cm) screen diagonal, the AMG instrument cluster places all the important information in the driver's field of vision. The ECO display supports a fuel-saving driving style. Dials in a chequered-flag look and the distinctive typography lend the large displays an especially sporty touch. Customers with a passion for motorsports will be pleased to note the RACE TIMER for recording lap times on closed-off tracks.

Flexible and spacious: the space conditions

For all its sportiness, the dynamic newcomer also impresses with some practical advantages. With a capacity of 491 to 1400 litres, the luggage compartment leads this market segment. Split-folding rear seat backrests, which fold down in the ratio 40:20:40, enable a variety of configurations to be used for particularly long or bulky items of luggage. And the availability of space in both front and rear is on a par with the GLC43 4MATIC in terms of comfort level. Entrance height, shoulder room, elbow room and legroom are all identical.

Comprehensive: infotainment features

The standard infotainment equipment in the GLC43 4MATIC Coupé includes the Audio 20 CD with 7-inch (17.8 cm) display, Frontbass, Bluetooth® hands-free function, audio streaming and two USB ports. The optional Garmin® MAP PILOT with Live Traffic expands Audio 20 CD into a fully-fledged navigation system with traffic jam avoidance integrated into the onboard electrical system. The navigation software and map data are supplied on an SD card.

When COMAND Online is installed, the colour media display features a screen diagonal measuring 8.4 inches (21.3 cm) and has an even higher resolution. It also allows optional digital TV/radio reception, for example, and offers a host of other features including fast hard-disc navigation, automatic tailback avoidance via up-to-date and accurate Live Traffic Information, integrated WLAN hotspot functionality and the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system.

Musical enjoyment at concert hall level is possible with the optional Burmester® surround sound system. This has a 9-channel DSP amplifier, 13 speakers and a system output of 590 watts.

Personal assistant: Mercedes me connect

Also available in the GLC43 4MATIC Coupé is Mercedes me connect. In addition to the standard functions such as Mercedes-Benz emergency call, Accident Recovery, breakdown assistance or after-sales service, Remote Online (standard with COMAND Online) offers numerous convenience features via the Mercedes me app or the Mercedes me portal, for example control of the auxiliary heating, locking and unlocking of the vehicle or the retrieval of various items of information, such as odometer reading, fuel level or range.

The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4MATIC Coupé will celebrate its world premiere at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The sales release follows on 6 October 2016, with the market launch beginning in December 2016.