Mercedes-AMG has launched the production of its GLC 43 4Matic Coupe model in Chakan, India. Opening a factory in the country enabled the manufacturer to offer the car from just 7.67 million INR instead of 10+ million in case of importing.
Mercedes-Benz has been assembling ten of its models in India for a while, but none of them AMG. According to Martin Schwenk, the CEO of the Indian branch, the launch of the new factory signals just how important the market is for the company. Having said that, the engine production is still handled by Mercedes’ Affalterbach plant.
The Indian spec has the same powertrain as its Euro sibling, specifically a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 rated at 390 PS (385 hp / 287 kW) and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft). An AMG Speedshift MCT nine-speed auto transmission sends the power to all four wheels via the 4Matic AWD. Getting from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 4.9 seconds, and the top speed lies at 250 km/h (155 mph).
The AMG department offers other models for sale in India, including the Mercedes-AMG GT, C 43, C 63, GLC 43, GLE 53 and G 63, and the company plans to continue exporting some of them from Germany. A more wallet-friendly AMG is also under development at the India factory, and while no further details are available, reports are coming that it is a 20% cheaper version of the EU-spec Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic.