NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Mercedes-AMG reveals GLC 43 4MATIC

Mercedes-Benz has shown off its flagship AMG version of the GLC SUV range ahead of its public debut at the New York motor show next week.

Called the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC, the fastest small GLC SUV comes with a 270kW/520Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol.

Combined with Mercedes’ nine-speed automatic, and the car-maker’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the fastest small SUV hits 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds and tops out at a limited 250km/h.

The 9G-TRONIC gearbox used in the range-topping GLC is different from the one used in the rest of the small SUV range.

Not only does it come with AMG’s Dynamic Select system, that includes driving modes like Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual, the ‘box also has a double declutching function for sportier down changes.

In Sport Plus mode the new nine-speeder also holds gears, even at the redline.

To help cope with the extra power and performance on tap, Mercedes’ Air Body Control air suspension has been upgraded with adaptive dampers that can be switched to Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.

The suspension itself, meanwhile, has new steering knuckles and beefed up load bearing joints to boost steering precision and rigidity. More negative camber on the front and rear axle are also said to improve agility and improve handling.

To help it drive more like a powerful rear-wheel drive sedan, AMG engineers say the standard-fit 4MATIC all-wheel drive is rear-biased, with as much as 69 per cent of its torque channelled to the rear wheels in normal operating conditions. This set-up also boosts traction, says Mercedes-AMG.

Helping increase steering responsiveness, the GLC also come with a sports steering set-up that has speed-sensitive weighting and is able to vary its ratio on the move.

Standard 19-inch alloys and large 360mm four-piston front brakes and 320mm single piston callipers complete the AMG mechanical improvements.

Inside, a flat-bottom steering wheel, sports seats, plus new AMG trim and instrument clusters help it stand out from the rest of the GLC range.

Optional extras include a pair of even more supportive ‘performance seats’, large 21-inch wheels and carbon-fibre trim.

Despite the power the GLC 43 is said to be able to return 8.3L/100km while emitting 189g/km of CO2.

Priced from around $90,000 in the UK, the AMG GLC 43 AMG will be on sale in Europe by this June. Expect the fastest GLC to land in Australia towards the end of 2016.