Launched: Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic+ Coupe – CKD, From RM498,888

Swooping in - literally - into the local SUVs market space now is the new and locally built (CKD) Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic+ Coupe super-SUV.

We continue dissecting the slew of new models launched by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) this week from its on-going ‘Luxury Like No Other’ event. Aptly, there’s a heavy dose of AMG-badged performance SUVs introduced, including one locally assembled (CKD) offering.

The latest ‘power player’ to roll off the line from MBM Pekan comes in the form of the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic+ Coupe, and it officially debuted earlier today alongside a more ‘sedate’ yet electrified GLC 350e 4Matic Coupe twin that we will detail separately.

Under the hood, this Pekan-built super-SUV 'borrows' the 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo mill from the manic A 45 S hyper-hatch, offering 421 PS and 500 NM outputs altogether.

As detailed prior, this mid-level performance guise iteration of the second-gen (C254) GLC Coupe ‘borrows’ the manic 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol mill from the manic Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4Matic+ hyper-hatch, boasting total output figures of 421 PS and 500 NM.

Said mill is also primed with a belt-driven starter-generator (BSG) mild-hybrid (MHEV) system, which brings a 14 PS and 150 NM ‘boost’ into the mix too. It’s then paired with the AMG Speedshift 9-speed automatic box and AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup.

Altogether, this performance powertrain sees the GLC 43 4Matic+ Coupe despatch 0-100 KM/H sprints in just 4.8 secs. For context, it only 0.2 secs slower than its grounded and booted Mercedes-AMG C 43 4Matic+ super-saloon twin. As for V-max, it’s capped at 250 KM/H.

Power aside, added agility is granted through the inclusion of the AMG Ride Control adaptive dampers package, as well as rear-wheel-steer. The latter boasts up to 2.5-degrees of steering angle too.

Providing added control and agility here is the inclusion of the AMG Ride Control adaptive dampers package plus rear-wheel-steer, the latter offering up to 2.5-degrees of steering angle too. Of course, there more in the mix to this performance special.

In terms of style, this 43-badged AMG-tuned special builds upon the new base GLC 350e Coupe’s sleek profile with exclusive AMG bits. It includes the signature ‘Panamericana’ grille, 21-inch AMG Y-spoke light alloy wheels, silver-finished AMG brake calipers, as well as AMG side skirts.

Whilst on the exterior still, the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic+ Coupe also sees the AMG Night Package primed as standard, which brings a slew of racy exterior trims finished in tasty gloss black shade.

Notable exclusive AMG exterior bits primed include the 'Panamericana' grille, 21-inch Y-spoke AMG wheels, AMG Night Package trims, silver-painted brake calipers, and AMG side skirts.

Climb aboard into the cabin and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic+ Coupe sees its cabin furnished with AMG sport seats wrapped in Artico leather and microfibre combination. This gets matched with the flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather.

Other key touches here include silver-finished aluminium paddle-shifters, AMG carbon fibre trims, high gloss black centre console, red seatbelts, the usual MBUX infotainment suite with added AMG-specific performance displays, a heads-up display (HUD), Burmester 3D audio suite, as well as the Driving Assistance Package Plus, amongst many.

Again, it's the usual high-degree of luxury primed on board in the cabin on this super-SUV, albeit with a racier twist.

Available for orders now, this new Pekan-built power-SUV offering commands a base price tag of RM498,888 – RM27,000 more than the new electrified GLC 350e 4Matic Coupe twin mentioned. As usual, said price includes MBM’s usual four-year unlimited mileage warranty.

So, what say you, folks? Do you fancy this new power player from Pekan? Or would you instead opt for the rivalling Leipzig-built but now arguably dated Porsche Macan still? Share your take in the comments below…