2023 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 revealed, due in Australia next year

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 performance SUV has been unveiled – with four-cylinder power replacing a twin-turbo V6 – ahead of first Australian showroom arrivals in the second quarter of next year (April to June).

The GLC43 remains the 'entry-level' AMG performance version of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC below the full-strength GLC63 S.

It swaps the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 of the outgoing model for a high-output 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder – aided by mild-hybrid technology, and Formula One turbo technology.

Prices are estimated to rise close to $150,000 the GLC43 arrives in Australia mid next year – as the latest C43 sedan on which it is based was hit with a $21,000 price hike, and the regular version of the new GLC is $11,000 more expensive than its predecessor.

Powering the GLC43 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine from the A45 S hot hatch, developing 310kW and 500Nm – 10kW more than the new C43 sedan, and 23kW more (but 20Nm less) than the old V6 GLC43.

It is augmented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system which can add 10kW/150Nm under hard acceleration, switch off the engine when cruising to "coast" and save fuel, and restart the engine faster when setting off at the traffic lights.

The turbocharger is electrically assisted – derived from Mercedes-AMG Formula One cars – by using an electric motor to spin the turbo at low speeds when exhaust gases are insufficient, claimed to reduce turbo lag.

Power is sent to all four wheels through a nine-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission, and a permanent all-wheel-drive system with a 31:69 front-to-rear power split.

Mercedes-AMG claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.8 seconds – 0.1sec quicker than before – and an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.

The new GLC43 is claimed to weigh 1975kg kerb – not far off the 1923kg tare weight quoted for the outgoing model in Australia.

Underneath there is adaptive steel-spring suspension, five drive modes, speed-sensitive power steering, rear-wheel steering with up to 2.5 degrees of rotation, and four-piston 370x36mm front and single-piston 360x26mm rear brakes.

Exterior differences compared to a regular Mercedes-Benz GLC include a sportier front bumper with metallic highlights, AMG-specific 'Panamericana' front grille, black side skirts, four circular exhaust tips, and a "diffuser-look" insert in the rear bumper.

Inside, buyers have a choice of regular or AMG Performance sports front seats, and Artico synthetic leather-look and Microcut microfibre combination, or nappa leather upholstery.

Other interior features include a nappa leather AMG Performance steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles and rotary drive mode selector dials, AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats, and illuminated sill plates with AMG lettering.

The instrument cluster gains a unique Supersport layout, while the infotainment system can be optioned with an AMG Track Pace lap timer for race-track driving.

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 is due in Australian showrooms in the second quarter of next year (April to June), pending any delays.