Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Debuts at New York Auto Show [News]

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The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 bowed at the New York International Auto Show, bringing another model into the ever-growing AMG lineup.

The C-Class-based SUV was introduced for the 2016 model year and replaced the old GLK. It’s a thorough improvement over the old model, with better styling, more interior space and better performance.

The AMG-izing of the GLC means that the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine has been replaced with the company’s 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V-6. In the GLC, it pumps out 362 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel the crossover from 0-60 mph in a manufacturer-claimed 4.8 seconds.

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Helping to put the power to the road is a nine-speed automatic transmission with AMG-specific tuning that decreases shift times and uses multiple downshifts to simulate manual shifts and enhance the driving experience.

When the car is in Sport or Sport+ modes, the transmission uses double declutching to even further enhance the driving feel, and it can also be put into manual mode where the driver controls the gears with the paddle shifters. In this mode, the transmission will hold gears all the way to redline if the driver desires.

The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system has been enhanced for performance as well. In the GLC43, it has a rear-biased power distribution of 31 percent at the front and 69 percent at the rear for improved traction and handling.

Other nods to performance include the AMG speed-sensitive steering and upsized brakes, with 14.2-inch discs in front and 12.6-inch discs at the back.

Like its C-Class cousin, the GLC43 has selectable drive modes. Along with the Sport and Sport+ mentioned earlier, the driver can select Eco, Comfort or Individual, which is a custom setting that can be programmed by the driver. The manual mode for the transmission is separate and can be turned on and off at any time, regardless of the drive mode.

While pricing and fuel economy numbers have not yet been released, the GLC43 should be in dealerships by the end of 2016.

Check out this TFLcar video of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC: