2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe revealed ahead of Paris

Australian debut of the performance-oriented GLC Coupe is set for the fourth quarter of this year.

It is no secret that Mercedes-Benz's latest SUV model range, the GLC Coupe, will grow to accommodate AMG-fettled variants, and the first of which will be making its public debut at the Paris motor show later this month.

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe, to give it its full title, comes with the same 3-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine coupled to a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic and 4MATIC four-wheel drive system that is found in any Mercedes-AMG variant with the '43' designation.

Peak power from the engine stands at 270kW with a healthy 520Nm of torque on hand, which are similar figures to those of the C43 Coupe and Cabriolet. Its rear-biased all-wheel drive system on the other hand is able to launch the 1,780kg SUV from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds, with its top speed limited to 250km/h.

In keeping with its performance-focus, the GLC 43 Coupe sports a Mercedes-AMG tweaked 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, which has shorter shift times thanks to a 'dedicated software application' and a 'Manual' mode that will hold onto the selected gear even if you are bouncing off the engine's rev limiter.

The AMG Performance 4MATIC four-wheel drive system on the other hand is tuned to send as much as 69 per cent of power to the rear wheels for better handling, as well as allowing a quick getaway off the mark with more power allocated to the rear wheels under heavy acceleration. To extract the most grip from road surfaces with varying levels of grip, the four-wheel drive system is also able to brake each wheel individually.

Its AMG-fettled Air Body Control air suspension system gives drivers four preset settings to suit the prevailing transmission mode and driving conditions.

As for its suspension, the GLC 43 Coupe's suspension setup features special components to improve rigidity, whereas negative camber dialled into both front and rear wheels to improve its cornering capability.

Its AMG-fettled Air Body Control air suspension system gives drivers four preset settings to suit the prevailing transmission mode and driving conditions. In 'Comfort' the GLC 43 Coupe is tuned for neutral handling with slight understeer if pushed, as for 'Sport' the spring rate is stiffened to reduce body roll, whereas 'Sport Plus' is able to adopt different spring rates between the front and rear wheels to deliver better cornering agility.

Being an air suspension system the Air Body Control system is able to adjust the spring rate automatically when the SUV is undergoing sudden changes in direction, acceleration, or braking, to reduce roll and pitching while stabilising it.

To keep its mass in check, the GLC 43 Coupe sports 360mm-diameter perforated disc brakes with four-piston callipers up front, and 320mm-diameter discs with a single-piston callipers round the back. Complementing its brakes are a plethora of safety systems such as Active Brake Assist, Crosswind Assist, Headlamp Assist, Attention Assist, ESP Curve Dynamic Assist as standard fitment.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the GLC 43 Coupe is capable of a 300mm wading depth, whereas it manages an approach angle of 19.8 degrees and departure angle of 20.8 degrees, and able to tow up to 2,460kg, should the need for adventuring strike one's fancy.

Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed the GLC 43 Coupe will be available here in the final quarter of this year. It is expected to coincide with the introduction of the regular-SUV bodied GLC 43 sibling.

Price and specifications will be confirmed closer to launch.

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