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Mercedes-Benz is set to launch the updated GLC 43 AMG Coupe and the CLE Cabriolet as part of the six launches planned for the second half of the year. These cars will have their price announcements on August 8. The GLC 43 AMG Coupe is a new-generation car based on the new GLC, while the CLE Cabriolet is an all-new model in the global Mercedes-Benz portfolio.
The GLC 43 AMG Coupe is based on the latest generation of the GLC, and in its last generation, it was a bestseller for AMG in India. Changes from that model have been significant, with the biggest one being in the powertrain. The previous GLC 43 AMG had a 3-litre twin-turbo V6 engine producing 385bhp and 520Nm of torque. The new GLC 43 comes with a 2-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric turbocharger. It now makes 415bhp and 500Nm of torque, with the 48-volt hybrid system allowing a short boost of 14bhp. Paired with an AMG 9-speed automatic gearbox, the new-gen GLC does 0 to 100kmph in 4.8sec and has a 250kmph limited top speed.
The GLC 43 Coupe follows the SUV-coupe styling with a front design inspired by the standard GLC SUV. Key features include headlights integrated into the AMG-spec radiator trim, large air inlets and vertical fins. It gets body-coloured wheel arches and AMG side skirts with wheel sizes ranging from 19- to 21 inches. As part of chassis improvements over the standard SUV, Mercedes has also added AMG Ride Control chassis with adjustable damping and rear axle steering as standard. The rear gets an AMG-spec rear diffuser adding to the sporty design language. The inside too gets sporty elements with AMG seats available with either leather or microfibre finish. The AMG Performance steering wheel comes wrapped in Nappa leather with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles.
The CLE Cabriolet is a brand-new car for Mercedes-Benz globally. It was introduced when the brand combined the C-Class and E-Class Cabriolet models, to streamline their model offerings. This new car is available in both coupe and cabriolet versions globally. However, in India, only the cabriolet version will be available. This will make it the third cabriolet in the brand's Indian lineup, alongside the SL 55 AMG and the E 53 AMG Cabriolet.
The CLE Cabriolet features a wheelbase that is 25mm longer than the previous C-Class Cabriolet. This increased length provides an additional 72mm of knee room and 19mm more shoulder and elbow room, making it significantly more spacious than its predecessor.
The CLE Cabriolet is available globally with several powertrain options. You can choose between petrol and diesel powertrains, and there are options for either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system is standard across all models, providing an additional boost of 23bhp and 205Nm of torque. The petrol engines alone offer a range of power outputs, from 201bhp to 376bhp. A single diesel option (220d variant) allows for 194bhp and 440Nm of torque.
The standout feature of this car is the soft-top which is available in three colours – black, red and gray. It can be opened at speeds of up to 60kmph and takes under 20 seconds to open/close. The CLE Cabriolet gets the Aircap and Airscarf systems as standard. Aircap acts as a wind deflector system which deflects air above the occupants’ heads and the Airscarf system flows warm air around the necks of occupants to help in colder weather. Inside, it gets a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display which can be tilted to avoid the sun’s glares. The leather seats also come with a special coating that keeps them cooler even under direct sunlight. Like other cabriolet models from the brand, this one also offers 2+2 seating.
Both of these models will join the Mercedes India lineup on August 8. While the prices haven’t been revealed yet, both of these models should cost upwards of Rs 1 crore, seeing how both of these are classified as Top End Vehicles (TEVs) by Mercedes-Benz India.
