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When boxy gets boring: Mercedes-AMG’s GLC43 Coupe favors style over utility

Andrew Hard
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Mercedes-Benz is pulling out all the stops for the New York Auto Show this year, as the event will host the world debuts of no less than five vehicles. The product portfolio is quite diverse this time around, including the 396-horsepower E43 AMG, the facelifted CLA, the new C63 AMG Cabriolet, and a pair of crossovers determined to rewrite the English language.

The 2017 GLC Coupe is the latest in a long line of vehicles fitted with the “coupe” moniker despite the fact that they are all relatively large people-carriers with four doors. Deceiving name aside, the distinctly swoopy silhouette has become massively popular in recent years, evidenced by other coupe-ish SUVs like Mercedes’ GLE Coupe and the BMW X4.

The GLC Coupe will come in two versions when it goes on sale in early 2017 — the GLC300 4Matic Coupe and the range-topping GLC43 Coupe from Mercedes-AMG. While the base GLC300 will feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, the AMG variant will boast a 3.0-liter biturbo V6 rated at 362 hp and 384 lb-ft. Performance specs are still forthcoming, but the automaker estimates the GLC43 will topple 60 mph in less than 5.0 seconds.

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Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic Coupe
Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic Coupe
Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic Coupe
Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic Coupe
Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic Coupe
Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic Coupe
Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic Coupe
Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic Coupe
Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic Coupe
Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic Coupe

The GLC300 will come standard with off-road suspension, 4Matic four-wheel drive, a nine-speed automatic transmission with Dynamic Select, a sunroof, and a 7.0-inch color display. The AMG simply has more of everything, however it equips a performance-oriented AMG Ride Control Sport suspension setup and a retuned 4Matic system with a 31:69 front/rear bias. Optional features include an 8.4-inch Comand infotainment screen, air suspension, a head-up display, and Mercedes’ Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control with Steering Assist.

As far as pricing goes, that information will be revealed closer to the on-sale date of both vehicles. For more news and videos from the New York Auto Show, keep your browsers locked to DT Cars.

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Andrew Hard
Andrew Hard
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
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