Mercedes-Benz Updates The GLC 43 AMG

• At 390PS, the GLC 43 AMG’s 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo unit makes 23PS more than before.
• Exterior styling is now in line with its bigger brother, the GLC 63 AMG, that’s sold overseas.
• Infotainment system is now touchscreen and features the latest MBUX software.
• Expected to launch In India in 2020.

Mercedes-Benz has given a facelift to the GLC 43 AMG for 2020 and it’s more than just a nip and tuck. Not only does its 3.0-litre V6 heart make more power, the feature list has been updated as well. Outside, the SUV gets similar styling updates a la its bigger brother, the GLC 63 AMG, that was revealed at the New York Motor Show. And since it is an AMG-badged SUV after all, let’s get straight to the exciting bit.

The GLC 43 AMG uses the same 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo motor but it now churns out 390PS, 23PS up from before. It still makes the same torque as before at 520Nm. Its 9-speed and rear wheel-biased 4-MATIC all-wheel drive system allows the SUV to sprints to 100kmph in 4.9 seconds -- same as before. This despite the increase in power. This may be down to an increase in weight, though Mercedes-Benz hasn’t released the same for the new model.

The GLC 43 AMG comes with five driving modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. These alter various parameters of the SUV like the engine, transmission, suspension and steering. To compliment your driving experience even further, the model now comes with AMG Ride Control +, which is based on Mercedes’ Air Body Control suspension. It features AMG-specific Adaptive Damping System thereby ensuring both sporty driving dynamics and the comfort one requires.

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The looks of the GLC 43 AMG has evolved as well and is more in line with the latest Mercs now. It features the vertical slat chrome grille that’s seen on recent Mercedes-AMG models. This is flanked by sleeker LED headlamps with the Mercedes ‘eyebrow’ DRL. Unlike the GLC 63 AMG, those massive airdams, though similarly aggressive, aren’t functional and only serve as air curtains, redirecting air around the outside of the wheels. In profile, the model looks almost the same as before and while it comes with 19-inch wheels as standard, you can opt for 20s and 21s if you desire. Redesigned LED tail lamps top the cake.

While the interior hasn’t gone through many revisions, a keen eye will notice that the steering wheel is new and features touch-based controls. What’s also new is the new 12.3-inch digital driver’s display that’s linked with a new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. These now feature the MBUX, that brings a host of useful features to the table like voice command-based feature activation through the keyword ‘Hey Mercedes’, navigation with augmented reality, gesture controls as well as personalisation options to suit an individual’s needs.

Being an AMG model, the carmaker also offers various amounts of customisation. This includes various interior and exterior colour options, trim inserts of your choice and more. You can also opt for it with an AMG steering wheel with buttons that allow faster access for drive modes. Mercedes is also offering two new interior colour options: cranberry/black leather and magma grey/black leather.

The updated Mercedes GLC AMG 43 is expected to go on sale in the international markets by the end of this year. Considering the fact that Mercedes sells this car here, we expect the updated model to be available here in India in 2020. Considering the raft of updates, expect it to cost more than the current model, which is priced at Rs 78.04 lakh (ex-showroom pan India).