More power and even more styling panache is coming to a Mercedes that has wasted no time dominating its sector.

THREE soon to show slippery-shaped coupe versions of the hot-selling GLC crossover will be followed by a performance flagship in 2017.

That’s the indication from Mercedes Benz New Zealand which, in announcing pricing for the GLC Coupe editions that arrive in November to mirror existing wagon models, has also confirmed the medium model is showing next year with a twin-turbo petrol V6 developed as an entry engine by AMG.

The Auckland distributor is not yet prepared to give away too much detail about the AMG-fettled GLC 43, but spokesman Matt Bruce says it is coming in 2017.

The model uses the same 270kW/520Nm 3.0-litre engine that is debuting here next month in coupe, sedan and wagon versions of the C-Class.

Benz here has not yet clarified whether a GLC 43 wagon is en route, but the coupe certainly is – that variant was revealed in Germany earlier this year.

Meantime, the sloped-back edition is here with the same ‘250’ four-cylinder petrol and ‘220d’ and ‘250d’ four-cylinder turbodiesel powertrains that already provision in the GLC wagon.

At $98,900, $103,900 and $105,900 respectively, the coupes all cost $9000 more than the wagon equivalents.

MBNZ has not provided volume predictions, but Bruce says the GLC wagons have been strong enough sellers here to become the best-selling vehicle in the $60,000-plus medium sports utility sector. The GLC 250 has so far been the most popular.

Coupe drivelines and engines are identical to the wagon, meaning 4Matic all-paw drivetrain and a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission with five drive modes and paddle shifters.

The entry GLC 220d Coupe and flagship 220d run the same 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel, but with differing outputs. The base model has 125kW and 400Nm of torque whereas the 250d produces 150kW and 500Nm.

The GLC 250 Coupe makes 155kW and 350Nm.

So the price difference just comes down to styling? Well, yes, but it’s not just reflected in the pure body shape. Whereas the GLC wagon that has to be optioned up to sportier styling tweaks, the GLC Coupe has an AMG Line pack as standard.

This includes 20-inch wheels, diamond pattern grille, a number of body upgrades and Dynamic Body Control suspension for more driver-focused handling. The Coupe body is also eight centimetres longer and four centimetres lower than the wagon.

The steel-spring set-up can be upgraded to the optional Air Body Control air suspension.

The Coupe also gets Garmin Map Pilot navigation, 360-degree camera, Intelligent Light System LED headlights and unpolished black-ash interior trim as standard.

Above the entry-level 220d, both 250 variants get leather upholstery in place of synthetic hide, Keyless-Go, power tailgate and the Driver Assistance Plus pack.

Safety encompasses nine airbags, autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning and assistance, pedestrian-protective active bonnet and a 360-degree camera with parking sensors.