Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe launched | Locally assembled AMG priced Rs 76.70 lakh
It’s a big day for AMG enthusiasts in the country as the first ever locally assembled Mercedes-AMG model, the GLC 43 AMG Coupe has been launched in India at Rs 76.70 lakh, ex-showroom. In these unprecedented times, the AMG brand has managed to grow by 54 per cent by month-on-month basis compared to the previous year, encouraging Mercedes-Benz India to locally assemble its performance range in a bid to offer them at more competitive prices.
Upfront, the GLC 43 AMG Coupe gets the AMG-specific panamericana grille flanked by the restyled LED multi-beam headlamps with LED eyebrow. The side profile features smooth surfacing sans overdone cuts and creases making for a clean and sporty look that gets enhanced by the distinctive swooping coupe roofline. The standard 19-inch alloys add a touch of sporty appeal too. The rear is unmistakable with a broad apron, diffuser, quad exhaust pipes and the subtle spoiler on the boot.
Now coming to the heart of the matter. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe is powered by a 3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine that pumps 385bhp (+23bhp) and 520Nm of torque between 2500-4500rpm. The higher power figure is the result of software adjustments and a larger turbocharger mounted closer to the engine. Power is sent to all four wheels through a 9-speed torque converter automatic and the brand’s staple 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. In terms of performance, the GLC 43 AMG races to a 100kmph in just 4.9 seconds and goes on to achieve a top whack of an electronically limited speed of 250kmph.
Things are pretty neat on the inside as well, with subtle changes making the cabin stand out from the standard GLC Coupe. There’s a flat-bottom AMG-badged steering wheel and the 12.3-inch digital instrument console and the 10.25-inch central touchscreen both house AMG-specific graphics designed to look sportier than the standard models. Thanks to local assembly, features like the aforementioned screens, 20-inch alloys, Burmester sound system and HD navigation with Mercedes Me Connect are now offered as standard unlike the pre-facelift CBU.
Commenting on the launch, Martin Schwenk, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “Rolling out the first-ever locally manufactured AMG from India’s largest installed luxury car production facility is an important achievement for us. This reiterates our strong commitment for the Indian market and our continuous effort towards creating value for our customers. We are confident that the local production of the AMG will further increase the popularity of the performance brand in India and cater to the increasing demand of performance motoring enthusiasts. The local production of AMG gives us a competitive edge in the dynamic Indian luxury car market.”
With the launch of the GLC 43 AMG Coupe in India, the entire GLC range comprising the standard GLC, GLC Coupe and now this AMG performance model are now made in India. And lastly, the rivals. The GLC 43 AMG Coupe locks horns against the Porsche Macan S and the newly launched BMW X3 M. The Porsche starts at Rs 84 lakh, ex-showroom while the BMW starts at Rs 99.90 lakh, making the GLC the most affordable of the three.
