362 HP Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic Has Audi SQ5 in Its Crosshairs

Mercedes-AMG continues the rollout of its “43” range of high-performance models

Unveiled at the 2016 New York Auto Show, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC gets the same 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine from the C 43 Coupé with an output of 367 PS (362 hp) and 520 Nm (383 lb-ft) of peak torque.

The engine is mated as standard to the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission with shortened shift times and the rear-biased 4MATIC all-wheel drive system (31 percent front axle/69 percent rear axle).

The 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine is the only six-cylinder variant available in the GLC and allows the GLC 43 4MATIC to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and to a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).

For enhanced agility, the GLC 43 4MATIC is equipped with the AMG Ride Control sports suspension with adaptive damping. Other changes include a newly developed front axle, an AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, and a larger braking system with internally ventilated compound brake discs, perforated at the front with a diameter of 360 mm (320 mm at the rear).

The sporty SUV also gets the AMG Dynamic Select system which offers five transmission modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual) that modify the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering as well.

As for styling, the GLC 43 4MATIC distinguishes itself from lesser models thanks to the AMG styling kit which includes more aggressive front and rear bumpers, twin exhaust pipes, a diamond radiator grille with chrome pins and louver in high-gloss black, as well as high-gloss 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in 5-spoke design.

Inside, the performance SUV features an AMG instrument cluster in checkered flag design with 280 km/h scale and AMG main menu, a multifunction sports steering wheel with flattened bottom section and red contrasting topstitching, as well as black Artico man-made leather/Dinamica microfiber upholstery with sports seat layout and red topstitching.

The GLC 43 4MATIC goes on sale on April 4 in Europe, with deliveries scheduled to begin in June. U.S. sales will begin towards the end of 2016.