The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC63 S AMG E Performance is not your typical hybrid SUV. It's not just about saving fuel and reducing emissions, although it does that too. It's about unleashing the full potential of performance hybrid technology, combining a handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 engine with an electric motor and a high-performance battery to deliver a staggering 671 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque. This is the first performance hybrid SUV from AMG and promises to be a game-changer in the luxury segment.
What Makes the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC63 S AMG E Performance Special?
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC63 S AMG E Performance luxury SUV is based on the popular GLC-Class SUV, but it has been extensively modified by AMG to achieve new levels of performance, agility, and efficiency. The hybrid system is inspired by Formula 1 technology, using a P3 layout that places the electric motor on the rear axle, bypassing the nine-speed automatic transmission and providing instant propulsion. The electric motor also integrates an electrically shifted two-speed transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, enhancing the handling and traction of the fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system.
The gasoline engine is also a masterpiece of engineering, featuring an electric exhaust gas turbocharger that eliminates turbo lag and boosts responsiveness. The engine produces 469 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque on its own, making it the world's most powerful series-produced four-cylinder engine. The electric motor adds another 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque for short bursts, resulting in a total system output of 671 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque. This allows the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC63 S AMG E Performance to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 171 mph (electronically limited).
The hybrid system also offers different driving modes, ranging from all-electric to maximum boost performance. The driver can choose from seven AMG DYNAMIC SELECT modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual, Race, and Electric. Each mode adjusts the power delivery, suspension settings, steering feel, transmission behavior, exhaust sound, and stability control to suit the driving situation and preference. The driver can also control the energy recuperation level, with four options: Level Zero (no recuperation), Level One (low recuperation), Level Two (medium recuperation), and Level Three (high recuperation). The energy recuperation level affects how much the electric motor brakes the vehicle when lifting off the accelerator pedal, allowing for more efficient driving or more dynamic coasting.
The hybrid system is powered by a high-performance 400-volt 6.1 kWh battery that can be charged via regenerative braking or an external power source. The battery has an innovative direct cooling system that ensures optimal performance and durability. The battery also powers the vehicle's auxiliary systems, such as the air conditioning and the electric power steering. The battery's capacity and state of charge are displayed on the instrument cluster and the central touchscreen.