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.
How Does the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC63 S AMG E Performance Look?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC63 S AMG E Performance is not only powerful but also stunning to look at. It has a distinctive AMG-specific grille with vertical slats and a large central star emblem. The front bumper features jet wing-inspired air inlets with black flics and a front splitter in silver chrome. The hood has two power domes that emphasize the muscular character of the vehicle. The side profile reveals flared wheel arches that house 21-inch AMG forged wheels in matte black with a high-sheen finish. The rear end features fluted twin tailpipes in high-gloss chrome and a rear diffuser in silver chrome. The vehicle also has AMG badges on the front fenders, trunk lid, and E PERFORMANCE lettering on the rear doors.
The interior of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC63 S AMG E Performance is equally impressive, blending luxury and sportiness. The seats are upholstered in Nappa leather with yellow contrast stitching and AMG badges on the headrests. The seats are also multi contour and offer heating, ventilation, massage, and memory functions. The dashboard is covered in black leather with yellow stitching and carbon fiber trim elements. The center console features an AMG-specific touchpad with haptic feedback and additional buttons to quickly access the driving modes, suspension settings, exhaust sound, and ESP. The steering wheel is an AMG Performance model with a flat-bottom design, perforated leather, yellow stitching, and aluminum shift paddles. The steering wheel also has two round AMG DRIVE UNIT controllers that allow the driver to adjust the driving modes and other settings without taking their hands off the wheel.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC63 S AMG E Performance has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen that runs the latest MBUX infotainment system. The system features AMG-specific displays and functions, such as a performance menu, a hybrid menu, a track pace app, and an AMG sound experience. The system also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, navigation, voice control, and a Burmester surround sound system. The vehicle also offers a range of advanced driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot assist, cross traffic assist, parking assist, and a 360-degree camera.
How Much Does the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC63 S AMG E Performance Cost?
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC63 S AMG E Performance is expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in late 2024 as a 2025 model-year vehicle. The official pricing has not been announced yet, but it is likely to be higher than the current GLC63 S model, which starts at $85,500. The Mercedes-Benz GLC63 S AMG E Performance will compete with other high-performance luxury SUVs, such as the BMW X3 M Competition, the Audi RS Q5 e-tron, and the Porsche Macan Turbo.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC63 S AMG E Performance is a hybrid SUV that offers unparalleled performance, efficiency, and style. It is the first of its kind from AMG and sets a new benchmark for the segment. If you are looking for the ultimate hybrid SUV, wait for this one.
