Mercedes-Benz has recently announced that its popular GLC SUV will be available in two AMG variants: the GLC 43 and the GLC 63 S E Performance. The latter is the first performance hybrid SUV from AMG, and it features a surprising powertrain: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor.
The GLC 63 S E Performance: A Hybrid Powerhouse
The GLC 63 S E Performance is based on the second-generation GLC-Class that debuted in 2023, and it shares the same hybrid system as the new AMG C63 sports sedan. According to AMG, The four-cylinder engine, the most powerful series-produced four-cylinder engine in the world, produces 469 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque. The electric motor, which is mounted on the rear axle, adds another 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, for a total output of 671 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque.
This impressive combination allows the GLC 63 S E Performance to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 171 mph. The hybrid system also enables all-electric driving under certain conditions, although the electric range has yet to be disclosed.
One of the key features of the hybrid system is the electric exhaust gas turbocharger, which uses an electric motor on the turbo shaft to eliminate turbo lag and improve responsiveness. The turbocharger is significantly larger than the one used in the GLC 43 and runs off of a 400-volt electrical architecture.
The GLC 63 S E Performance also has a nine-speed wet-clutch transmission, a two-speed transmission for the electric motor, an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, and a fully variable all-wheel drive system that can distribute power between the front and rear axles as needed.
The hybrid system is powered by a 6.1-kWh lithium-ion battery that is located above the rear axle and has an innovative direct cooling system. The battery can be recharged via a 3.7-kW onboard AC charger.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 63 S E Performance also boasts a sporty suspension system with steel springs and adaptive dampers, active roll stabilization that runs off of a 48-volt electrical system, rear-wheel steering for improved agility, and upgraded brakes with 14.7-inch discs at the front and 14.2-inch rotors at the rear.
The exterior design of the GLC 63 S E Performance reflects its performance-oriented character, with a distinctive AMG grille, large air intakes, flared wheel arches, a rear spoiler, a diffuser, and quad exhaust tips. The SUV rides on 21-inch alloy wheels with high-performance tires.
The interior of the GLC 63 S E Performance is equally sporty and luxurious, with leather and microfiber upholstery, carbon-fiber trim, AMG performance seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a head-up display. The SUV also comes with various driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot assist, cross-traffic alert, parking assist, and a surround-view camera.
The GLC 63 S E Performance is expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships later in 2024 as a 2025 model-year vehicle. The pricing has not been announced yet, but it will likely be higher than the current GLC 63 SUV.
The GLC 43: A Mild Hybrid Alternative
The other AMG variant of the GLC SUV is the GLC 43, which will arrive in U.S. dealerships in early 2024 as a 2024 model year vehicle. The GLC 43 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a smaller turbocharger than the GLC 63 S E Performance, producing 416 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a permanent all-wheel drive system that splits power between the front (31 percent) and rear (69 percent) axles.
The GLC 43 also features a belt-driven starter generator (RSG) that acts as a mild hybrid, providing a temporary power boost of 13 horsepower and aiding in gliding and recuperation. The GLC 43 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
The GLC 43 has a sporty suspension system with steel springs and adaptive dampers, active roll stabilization that runs off of a 48-volt electrical system, rear-wheel steering for improved agility, and upgraded brakes with cross-drilled discs.
The exterior design of the GLC 43 is similar to the GLC 63 S E Performance but with some differences, such as a different grille, smaller air intakes, and dual exhaust tips. The SUV rides on 20-inch alloy wheels with high-performance tires.
The interior of the GLC 43 is also similar to the GLC 63 S E Performance, but with some differences, such as leather and aluminum trim, AMG sport seats, a round steering wheel, and a smaller head-up display. The SUV also comes with the same infotainment system and driver assistance features as the GLC 63 S E Performance.
The pricing of the GLC 43 has not been announced yet, but it will likely be lower than the GLC 63 S E Performance and higher than the base GLC 300.
Price
The price of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 63 S E Performance has not been officially announced yet, but it is expected to be higher than the current GLC 63 SUV, which starts at $73,900. Some sources estimate that the GLC 63 S E Performance could start at around $80,000 or even over $200,000.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV is a versatile and powerful vehicle that offers a range of options for different preferences and budgets. Whether you choose the GLC 43 or the GLC 63 S E Performance, you will get a high-performance hybrid SUV with a four-cylinder engine that delivers impressive performance, efficiency, and technology.
