Mercedes-AMG ups its crossover game with the hot-rodded 2017 GLC43

By Ronan Glon March 16, 2016

The Mercedes-AMG GLC43, a souped-up soft-roader from the storied automaker, is set to turn heads at next week’s New York Auto show. Based on the GLC, it looks more muscular than rugged thanks to a body kit that includes a deeper front bumper with large air ducts, a specific grille highlighted by chromed pins in lieu of slats, a roof-mounted spoiler, and a discreet air diffuser integrated into the rear bumper. Twenty-inch alloy wheels wrapped by track-friendly, low-profile tires accent the aggressive look.

The GLC43 shares its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with the C43 Coupe that was introduced a few weeks ago in Geneva. Rated at 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, the six-cylinder sends its power to all four wheels via a rear-biased all-wheel drive system and a nine-speed automatic transmission that can be either left in drive or shifted manually using steering wheel-mounted paddles. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.8 seconds, and the GLC doesn’t stop accelerating until the speed limiter kicks in at 155 mph.

Bigger brakes on both axles bring the action to a stop, while a standard adaptive sport suspension lets the driver choose whether the ride is sporty, comfortable, or any setting in between.

For buyers who don’t need that much power, Mercedes already offers a tamer version of the GLC powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. On the other hand, enthusiasts who long for a whole lot more ponies under the hood could get their wish granted if Mercedes-AMG decides to stuff the C63’s V8 between the GLC’s shapely front fenders.

The 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 will greet the public for the first time next week at the New York Auto Show alongside the new E43 and the facelifted CLA, and it will go on sale across the nation this fall. Pricing information hasn’t been announced yet, though a base price in the vicinity of $50,000 is likely.

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Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…

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