Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Unveiled; India Debut Likely

Yet another nutter from Mercedes' tuning division sees light of day. The automaker has added an AMG variant to the GLC Coupe. Simply called the Mercedes-AMG GLC43, this hot SUV could well be on its way to India.

Instead of a big, fire-breathing V8, the GLC43 gets a smaller, environmentalist-approved 3.0-litre, twin turbo V6. The engine produces a respectable 367PS of power and 520Nm of torque, that is enough to propel it from 0-100 in a shade under five seconds. Power is channeled to all four wheels, courtesy the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive that, interestingly, is rear-biased, with a 31:69 torque split. Mercedes' new nine-speed automatic gearbox does its duty here too, and the baby SUV gets the usual 'Dynamic Select' fare that includes Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes.

Visually, the GLC43 gets subtle tweaks to cement its position as an AMG. A different grille, bigger alloy wheels and, of course, signature quad exhaust tips wrap up the performance SUV's design. The interiors get a dose of AMG as well, that include a flat-bottom steering, red stitching and trademark AMG dials. Everything else is as practical and as thoughtful as your everyday Mercedes-Benz.

We have already told you about Mercedes' plans to introduce the C Class cabriolet and the GLC Coupe in the country. Instead of the run-of-the-mill coupe, Mercedes is likely to go ahead and get us the AMG variant only. That's the exact same formula the manufacturer followed with the GLE coupe, which is only available in the 450 AMG guise. Prices for the GLC43 could be in the Rs 70 - 75 lakh zone, which makes it a cracker of a deal in our books.