Mercedes-AMG GLC43 sets the Audi SQ5 in its sights

It used to be simple. If you wanted a sporty, compact luxury CUV, you ran out and bought the excellent Audi SQ5. For the 2017 model year, the decision will be a lot tougher, thanks to the new Mercedes-AMG GLC43. You should be able to discern plenty about this new model based on the simple arrangement of those letters and numbers.

Like the upcoming C43 (née C450 AMG), the business end of the GLC43 hides a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 good for 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. Like the C-Class, expect plenty of performance from the six-cylinder engine, with Mercedes claiming the spicy CUV will hit 60 in 4.8 seconds and speeds up to 155 miles per hour. Both of those figures match the C450 Sedan, but the big difference between the two vehicles is how power is channeled to their standard, rear-biased 4Matic all-wheel-drive systems.

The GLC43, like the new C43 Coupe and Convertible, relies on Mercedes' new 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. Mercedes claims it's tuned specifically for the GLC43 and will pump out quicker shifts than in the automaker's less exciting nine-speed applications.

Of course, Mercedes has done a lot more than simply fettle under the GLC's hood. This crossover gets the AMG "Lite" styling treatment, with a more aggressive bodykit, bigger wheels, a much sportier cabin – the gorgeous thrones featured here are the optional seats – but none of it goes too far. It's all quite tastefully done, both inside and out (if you can ignore the buckets), and feels very much appropriate for the GLC's overall look.