2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV And Coupe Get Power And Tech Upgrade

Mercedes-AMG is giving its GLC 43 family of SUV and Coupe models a revamp for the new model year, massaging the V6 biturbo engine for more power, upgrading the cabin tech, and promising better driving dynamics. Both the 2020 GLC 43 SUV and the 2020 GLC 43 Coupe will get the automaker's latest AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter V6 biturbo, here good for 385 horsepower.

That's an increase of 23 hp over the outgoing version of the two cars. There's also 384 lb-ft of torque, which is available from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. To achieve it, the automaker used larger turbochargers that are mounted closer to the engine, cutting response time.

0-60 mph in both cases is 4.7 seconds. Top speed, meanwhile, is 130 mph, though with the optional 21-inch wheels with Super Performance Tires that climb to 155 mph. However it's not just power which has changed.

The AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive is still included as standard, but now defaults to pushing 31-percent of the power to the front and 69-percent to the rear. It's combined with AMG Sport Suspension, with custom adaptive damping and air suspension. At higher speeds it can lower both cars for better stability and efficiency.

With more aggressive driving, however, it can also ensure the cars stay level. Three damper modes – Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ – are available to switch between. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic has also been revamped, and has a double-declutching feature in Sport and Sport+ modes.

The big change inside is the introduction of Mercedes' latest MBUX infotainment system. That's spread across a 12.3-inch driver display – with custom AMG graphics – and a 10.25-inch central touchscreen, but also responds to the "Hey Mercedes" wake phrase and understands natural-language commands and requests. It's the system which debuted in the latest A-Class.

The 2020 GLC 43 SUV get an upgraded AMG Performance steering wheel, with Mercedes' haptic touchpad. On the outside, there's a new AMG-specific grille with vertical chrome slats, flanked by new LED headlamps. Redesigned taillamps are also included.

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV will be priced from $59,500, plus $995 destination. Mercedes says the SUV should go on sale in the US by late 2019.

For the 2020 GLC 43 Coupe, the "four door coupe SUV" gets a new grille with chrome vertical slats. There are also slimmer LED headlamps, along with a new front and rear lower fascia. Inside, there's the new AMG Performance steering wheel, with the haptic touchpads.

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe will be priced from $63,000, plus $995 destination. Mercedes says the Coupe should go on sale in the US by late 2019.