> Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 spotted testing
> Spicy Mercedes midsize SUV sits below GLC 63
> Engine downsized to 2.0-litre turbo unit
> Full debut late 2022
2023 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43: what is it?
Last week we revealed pictures of a prototype of the full fat Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 being put through its paces, now we’ve spotted its little brother, the GLC 43. Or will it be the GLC 45? Mercedes has gone both directions in the past when naming its milder AMG models so only time will tell, but either way what you’re looking at is the lighter of the two GLC midsize SUVs to get the AMG treatment.
So it’s hot, just not the hottest.
What gives it away as a performance SUV are the bigger brakes – although they’re smaller than those spotted on the GLC 63 – and those rounded quad exhausts, which are squared off on the standard car. The grille is also bigger.
While we haven’t been able to snap a picture of the cabin the new GLC range will share an interior with the new C-Class saloon, so there will be an impressive 11.9-inch portrait infotainment screen taking centre stage, plus some AMG badging to set it apart from the regular car.
2023 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43: what is it powered by?
Controversially, new AMG models are ditching the signature V-shaped engines in favour of the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine currently found in the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S hyper hatch. Despite the downsizing, power is expected to increase. In the GLC 63 some hybrid tech is being used to make up for the loss of displacement, although we don’t think that will be the case with the GLC 43.
The current GLC 43 produces 367hp, but the 2.0-litre engine is capable of well over 400hp, so this new version will almost certainly be faster. Mercedes has not committed to any details yet, but we’ll keep you posted when we find out.
2023 Mercedes-AMG 43: when will it be on sale?
Not for a while unfortunately. We don’t even expect to see the finished article until the tail end of 2022, which means it will arrive in showrooms early 2023.
2023 Mercedes-AMG 43: how much will it cost?
Prices for the current model start around £50,000 which means we expect the new version to cost in the ballpark of £55,000 when it finally arrives.
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Keyword: Upcoming 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 spy shots