After announcing plans to add a hotter AMG version to the new GLC Coupe’s range back in June at the presentation of the series, Mercedes-Benz has formally introduced the GLC 43 4Matic Coupé.

Like a number of other 43-badged cars in Mercedes-AMG’s lineup, the sporty crossover makes use of a 3.0-liter bi-turbocharged gasoline V6 that is rated for 362hp (367PS) and 383 lb-ft (520Nm) of peak torque. It’s paired to an nine-speed 9G‑TRONIC automatic with shortened shift times and the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive configured with a rear bias torque distribution (31:69).

This results in a zero to 100km/h acceleration time of 4.9 seconds (0-60mph in 4.8 sec), an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph), which coincidently, matches BMW’s rivalling 355hp (360PS) X4 M40i, and a combined fuel economy of 8.4l/100km on the European cycle, equal to 28 mpg US and 33.6mpg UK.

To sharpen the drive, there’s a host of Mercedes-AMG improvements and upgrades, including a tweaked chassis that benefits from a dedicated sports suspension with AIR BODY CONTROL and adaptive damping, a speed-sensitive sports steering with a variable ratio, and larger perforated discs in size 360 x 36 mm with 4-piston fixed callipers up front, and 320 x 24 mm discs with 1-piston fixed callipers at the rear.

If you ever plan to take the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe off-the-road, Mercedes says it can handle it, offering a fording depth of 300 mm (11.8 inches) along with an approach angle of 19.8 degrees and departure angle of 20.8. It also has a braked towing capacity of up to 2460 kg or 5,423 lbs.

The half-fat Mercedes-AMG model adopts a few aggressive cues on the outside with 19-inch five-spoke alloys in tires size 235/55 front and 255/50 rear or even larger 21-inch rims as an option, a diamond radiator grille, gloss black and chrome details and a four-pipe exhaust. Inside, AMG gave the GLC 43 a black interior with contrasting red features, aluminum trim, dedicated instrument panel graphics and sports steering wheel and front seats.

Following its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show on September 28, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé will go on sale in Europe in December this year, and in North America and other countries around the world, in the first quarter of 2017.

It won’t be the last we hear from Mercedes-AMG on the GLC Coupe, as the Germans are said to be working on a full-blown ‘63’ badged model with a turbocharged V8 producing over 500 horses.

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