PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Mercedes-AMG shows off GLC 43 Coupe

Mercedes-AMG has released pictures and full details of the latest high-performance offering it plans to reveal at this month's Paris motor show.

On sale in Europe this December, the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe comes powered by the same 270kW/520Nm twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6, which is matched with the firm's 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission that's shared not only with the regular GLC 43 but the recently launched C43 sedan, wagon and coupe.

Combined with the car-maker's AMG Performance all-wheel drive, the car-maker claims the GLC 43 is capable of reaching 100km/h from rest in just 4.9 seconds and topping out at a limited 250km/h.

The 9G-TRONIC gearbox used in the range-topping GLC Coupe 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, which 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 now holds gears, even at the redline.

To help cope with the extra power and performance on tap, Mercedes’ three-chamber Air Body Control air suspension has been re-engineered for less body roll in corners and better damping.

Still offering the option of Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus, the suspension itself gains 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 its power outputs, the GLC 43 is said to consume 8.4L/100km while emitting 192g/km of CO2.

The fastest GLC 43 can also wade rivers up to depths of 300mm and tow up to 2460kg.

It's expected we'll see the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 on sale here in Australia early 2017.

Pricing should be announced at the Paris motor show at the end of this month.