That is the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43

The ordinary Mercedes-Benz GLC is a fine enough car, but the standard 2.1-litre diesel engine suffers from a bit of a power deficiency. Happily, AMG has remedied the situation by deploying the 3.0-litre biturbo V6 from the C 43 Coupe and Cabriolet. Meet the result: the GLC 43.

Rivals? There can’t be many. The Audi SQ5 is undeniably rapid but diesel. All X3s are diesel. So if what you really want is a quick petrol-powered crossover SUV (and you aren’t American, because we suspect this is mainly for you…), this is it.

Power is up to a more than adequate 367bhp and 384lb ft, which allows for a 0-62mph time of 4.9secs (just 0.2secs slower than the C43 Coupe) and a top speed electronically pegged to 155mph. Down below there’s a 4Matic all-wheel drive system with a 31/69 torque-split front to back (sliding will no doubt require Stig-like commitment), plus a nine-speed automatic gearbox.

Elsewhere there are some pretty serious brakes (360mm up front), special steering knuckles and more negative camber to better the standard car’s solid if unentertaining drive. The speed-sensitive steering and three-stage adaptive dampers (the 43 gets air suspension as standard, unlike the normal diesels) have also been retuned.

Exterior modifications are limited to new wheels (19s as standard, but you can option 21s), a louvre or two and some special bumpers to, among other things, house the quad-tailpipes. Inside you get lovely seats, a flat-bottomed wheel, contrast stitching and fancy dials.

We’ll see it in the metal at the New York motor show next week. Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but we’d wager something approaching £50K. We know we shouldn’t like it, but we sort of do. Your thoughts, Internet?

Source: topgear.com