Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic Edition R arrives

AN EDITION R badge has been applied to AMG-enhanced versions of the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic Medium size Wagon SUV and Coupe SUV models promising more kit, sharper dynamics and a sexier look.

The well-proportioned vehicle lists from $128,900 + ORC for the Wagon and $141,600 + ORC for the Coupé and will be available in limited numbers from April 10 at Mercedes-Benz outlets.

Competition may come from the usual suspects – Audi, BMW, and possibly Porsche with a potential disruptor from Lexus.

On walk up, the most noticeable aspect of the vehicle is its bolder exterior presence thanks to styling elements such a darkened grille and dark chrome badging that form part of what’s called Night Package II along with aerodynamically optimised matt black 21-inch wheels and pukka red brake callipers.

Sharpening the drive experience is the inclusion of the AMG Dynamic Plus package as standard bringing AMG dynamic engine mounts and a new ‘Race’ drive program in addition to ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’.

Delving a little deeper into the model’s AMG Dynamic Plus package we find the engine mounts ensure the “best possible connection between the engine and the body no matter which driving situation the vehicle encounters and delivers the softest possible suspension for optimal comfort and firmer suspension for improved driving dynamics”.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system supplementing the combustion engine with up to 10kW of power and 150Nm of torque for short bursts of acceleration.

Combined power and torque is rated at up to 310kW and 500Nm facilitating a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.8 seconds. Power goes to both axles through an AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission with dynamics modulated by AMG Ride Control suspension and rear-axle steering.

With the AMG Dynamic Select system in “Race” mode the vehicle delivers what is said to be racetrack-ready performance with maximum sporty character at the push of a button.

“Drivers will experience even more spontaneous engine response, and a more direct accelerator pedal characteristic,” says Mercedes-Benz.

Performance elements are extended inside the new model which is fitted as standard with the AMG Performance Seat Package Advanced upholstered in Artico and Microcut microfibre in black with red stitching and matched with red seatbelts.

The centre console and dash feature a distinctive metal structure trim that is currently exclusive to the GLC 43 4MATIC Edition R SUV and Coupé within the GLC-Class in Australia while the sports wheel is wrapped in a combination of Nappa leather/Microcut microfibre.

Rocking the tunes inside is a Burmester 3D surround sound system in conjunction with AMG Real Performance Sound.

Luxury kit carried over from other GLC 43 variants includes heated seats with memory function, dual-zone climate control, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto, wireless Charging system for mobile devices in the front, digital radio and ambient light display.

Other standard kit encompasses a panoramic sliding sunroof and heat-insulating dark-tinted glass, interior light package, head-up display, parking package with 360-degree camera, Active Parking Assist, Transparent Bonnet, and a suite of latest drive assistance (ADAS) technology.

An expansive colour palette comprises: Polar White non-metallic; Verde Silver metallic; Graphite Grey metallic; High-tech Silver metallic; Obsidian Black metallic; and Spectral Blue metallic.

Extra cost options include Manufactur paints in Patagonia Red metallic; Opalite White bright; and Alpine Grey solid.

2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic Edition R pricing*:

*Price excludes on-road costs.