Mercedes-AMG 43 SUVs roll in

MERCEDES-AMG has lifted the lid on pricing for its range of warmed-over GLE and GLC-based high-riding wagons that have started to trickle into Australian dealerships.

The mid-size GLC43 is priced from $101,400, plus on-road costs, while its swoopier GLC43 Coupe sibling carries a $7500 premium – not far off the premium of the non-AMG variants – and starts at $108,900.

Pricing for the larger GLE43 kicks off from $133,616, which is just $6000 more than the most potent non-AMG variant – the 320kW/700Nm $127,615 GLE500 4Matic, but $57,000 cheaper than the full-fat $190,615 GLE63.

In GLE Coupe guise, the 43 is priced at $143,616, which is also about $57,000 cheaper than the barnstorming GLE63 AMG.

Mercedes announced its ‘AMG-lite’ range earlier this year and has started to fill out its line-up with C43 variants, while E43 models are also on the way.

While both GLE43s and the GLC43 are available from Mercedes dealers now, the GLC43 Coupe will not be rolling into showrooms until early next year.

Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacific CEO and managing director Horst von Sanden highlighted the value and strong performance on offer in the ‘43’ line-up.

“The latest Mercedes-AMG models continue our performance portfolio offensive, these models will attract a new breed of customer to the world of high performance from Mercedes-AMG,” he said. “Without compromising on what the brand stands for, these attractive new models offer a true AMG driving experience, yet provide exceptional value for customers.”

Each of the four performance-focused SUVs use the same AMG 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged petrol powertrain that delivers 270kW of power and 520Nm of torque from 2500 to 4500rpm.

For the GLC versions, the zero to 100km/h dash takes 4.9 seconds.

All versions are paired with the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission that has been tweaked by AMG developers to reduce shift times, while Sport and Sport Plus modes make for an even more “emotive driving experience”, according to Mercedes.

The AMG performance 4Matic all-wheel drive system is standard fare across the 43 SUV range and it has a rear-biased torque distribution of 31 per cent at the front axle to 69 per cent at the rear.

Air Body Control air suspension is available on the GLC variants, while the Adaptive Damping System Plus is adjustable in three modes – Comfort, Sport and Sport +.

Some standard gear on offer for the GLC twins includes 21-inch AMG wheels, AMG body styling, leather upholstery, Comand Online nav, a head-up display, Burmester surround sound system, a diamond grille and Airbody Control suspension with selective damping.

In GLE43 guise, the standard equipment includes 21-inch AMG wheels for the standard GLE and 22-inch hoops for the Coupe, AMG body styling, Dynamic Select driving modes, the Airmatic air suspension, Active Curve System, Adaptive Damping System Plus and a Harman Kardon surround-sound system.

Safety wise, all variants feature nine airbags, a 360-degree camera, LED Intelligent Light System with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, the Driver Assistance Package Plus that includes Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Pre-Safe Plus and Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian detection.

2016 Mercedes-AMG pricing*

GLC43 (a)	$101,400
GLC43 Coupe (a)	$108,900
GLE43 (a)	$133,616
GLE43 Coupe (a)	$143,616

*Excludes on-road costs