New Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV and Coupe updated for 2019

The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV and Coupe models have been revealed. Mercedes has updated the range for 2019, giving the cars more power and subtle styling changes to keep them looking fresh. They’ll go on sale later this year and will rival the BMW X4 and the Audi SQ5. Prices have yet to be confirmed but expect to pay at least £50,000 for the SUV and a few thousand pounds extra for the Coupe.

Whichever body style you choose, you’ll be able to get from 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds and, where legal, on to a limited top speed of 155mph. Under the bonnet is Mercedes’ 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with two turbochargers, as used in the previous GLC 43, but it has been tweaked to provide 23bhp more than before. Power now stands at 385bhp, while the torque figure remains the same. No economy figures have been revealed yet but we’d expect no more than 25-30mpg in mixed driving.

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Power is sent through a nine-speed automatic gearbox - the only option - and Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Most of the time, almost 70% of the power is diverted to the rear wheels to make it feel more like a rear-wheel-drive car. The car will be able to shift power between the front and rear wheels to maximise grip.

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The GLC 43 AMG also boasts a number of other performance upgrades over the standard Mercedes GLC. The brakes are much bigger and more powerful, while it gets the AMG Dynamics driving modes selector and self-adjusting air suspension as standard. Changes to the automatic gearbox should allow for faster gear shifts and improved acceleration.

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and GLC Coupe 43 stand out from the standard models with a sportier body kit, a redesigned grille and new LED headlights. Around the back, there are larger exhaust tips and a diffuser in the restyled bumper. Lightweight 19-inch AMG alloy wheels are fitted but you can choose from six wheel styles up to 21 inches in size.

Changes on the inside make the AMG models feel more special than the standard cars, too. There’s an AMG-specific steering wheel and sports seats that can be upholstered in black, red or grey leather, and aluminium trim. As you’d expect, Mercedes’ latest infotainment system (called MBUX) plays a big part in the interior styling, with its 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen. Voice control is included as standard, and we expect smartphone mirroring to feature too.

Read our review of the standard Mercedes GLC for more information.