2016 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4Matic first drive review

Another day, another AMG.

Or so it seems as Mercedes' performance car division continues to expand its onslaught. The latest is one of the new breed of AMG models that bridge the gap between the regular Benz line-up and the full-blown German muscle cars.

It is the GLC43, which joins the C43 sedan, wagon, Coupe and Cabriolet getting the same powertrain and suspension modifications by AMG. The SUV is powered by the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system.

The engine is tuned to produce 270kW of power and 520Nm, that's an extra 115kW and 170Nm above the GLC 250 and leaves space for the imminent arrival for the GLC63 to sit above it.

But for now this is the GLC range's new hero and fills the role nicely. Standard gear includes AMG's adjustable air suspension with Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes to give it a more dynamic edge than the rest of the range.

There is also more rubber on the road, with standard 21-inch AMG alloys wrapped in 255/40 tyres up front and 285/35 on the rear (compared to 255/45 and 255/45 on the GLC 250).

AMG's handiwork is evident as soon as you fire up the GLC43, there's more intent to the engine note, even at idle.

On the move the nine-speed auto works well, one of the best of its kind, with smooth changes and an intuition about what the right ratio is.

Driven sedately the GLC43 has all the same manners you're accustomed to with the GLC, but when you get the chance to unleash the full potential of the engine it doesn't disappoint. There's a mean growl from the V6 that matches strong mid-range punch.

Mercedes claims it will do the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.9-seconds and from the driver's seat it doesn't feel like a boast. In the sport modes the transmission reacts quickly to extract maximum performance from the engine.

Thanks to the air suspension the ride and handling is a match for the engine too. Even in Comfort settings the ride is on the firm ride, but not as uncomfortable as the regular GLC's steel spring set-up.

In Sport and Sport+ the suspension tightens and improves the responsiveness of the GLC... to a point. This is after all still an SUV and as such there is more lean into the corners than you get from the rest of the C-Class AMG 43 range.

Push it hard through a corner and it doesn't take much for it to begin to understeer (the front wheels pushing wide), but that it to be expected in such a tall vehicle.

It looks the part too with an AMG bodykit as standard, along with leather upholstery, navigation, head-up display and a Burmester surround sound system.

On the safety front you get nine airbags, a 360 degree camera, adaptive cruise control, active lane keeping assist, active blind spot assist and autonomous emergency braking.

The GLC43 is priced from $101,400 (plus on-road costs) which more than $30,000 more than the GLC 250 and puts the AMG in the same ballpark as the Audi SQ5 Plus (from $108,900) and Porsche Macan GTS (from $109,200). But it has no trouble holding its own against those rivals.

If you want the most dynamic version of the AMG 43 you're better off looking at the sedan or coupe. The GLC offers up a different experience with all the space and practicality of an SUV but with the heart of a sporty car.

2016 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4Matic pricing and specifications

On sale: Now

Price: $101,400 plus on-road costs

Engine: 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol

Power: 270kW at 5500-6000rpm

Torque: 520Nm at 2500-4500rpm

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, four-wheel drive

Fuel use: 8.8L/100km

• For all the latest information, visit our Mercedes-Benz showroom.