We’ve had Mercedes-AMG models in India since 2010. All have shared one thing – they arrived on Indian soil via the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route. That meant the mind-boggling performance cars came with eye-watering price tags. Now, however, Mercedes-Benz India has broken that trend. It has today introduced the first made-in-India AMG. More specifically, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe. Because it is assembled at the company’s Chakan facility near Pune, Maharashtra, the sticker price of Rs 76.7 lakh isn’t heartbreaking. More on that in a bit.

Propulsion comes courtesy of a 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V6, an AMG-spec 9-speed automatic transmission and the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. With 385bhp/520Nm on offer, the GLC 43 Coupe can hit 100kmph from a standstill in 4.9 seconds and reach an electronically-governed top speed of 250kmph. The go-fast car also comes with an electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential, multiple drive modes and AMG-spec air suspension as well as performance exhaust system.

The GLC 43 Coupe also has a long list of creature comforts. It includes a powered tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, powered and auto-folding ORVMs, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the latest MBUX, Burmester Sound System and a 360-degree camera. If all that isn’t enough, the package also comprises of a wireless mobile charger, 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, heated and powered front seats, automatic climate control, ambient lighting and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Coming back to its price, it would have been close to Rs 1 crore if Mercedes-Benz had brought it via the CBU route. That means it would have costed about the same as the recently launched BMW X3 M. Now, however, it can compete directly with the Porsche Macan S, which offers similar performance. Which out of the two would you pick? If not, would you spend more to get the BMW mentioned above? Or, would you play safe and purchase a diesel-fed Volvo XC90 or the BMW X5?