Mercedes premiered the AMG versions of the Mercedes GLC. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 uses the 2.0-liter combustion engine with an electrically driven turbine and mild hybrid system, while the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance combines the same 2.0-liter combustion engine with an electric motor at the rear axle, resulting in a total of 680 ps and 1,020 Nm.
In the summer of 2022, Mercedes unveiled the next-generation Mercedes GLC (codenamed X 254), and this spring, the SUV-coupe version (codenamed C 254) followed, both based on the MRA II platform also used in the C-Class.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance
The top version of the Mercedes GLC uses the same powertrain as the AMG C 63. A 2-liter turbocharged engine with an electrically driven turbine (M139L, L for longitudinal installation) develops 350 kW (476 ps) and a maximum torque of 545 Nm and is combined with a 150 kW (204 ps) electric motor (continuous power 80 kW) driving the rear axle. The two motors form a very powerful hybrid system developing 500 kW (680 ps) and 1020 Nm. The electric motor supports the combustion engine during acceleration but also allows pure electric driving over a distance of up to 12 km.
The battery has a capacity of 6.1 kWh and can be charged at AC stations with only 3.7 kW. It operates at 400V and is cooled using Formula 1 technology.
In the event of a rear axle slip, a part of the electric motor power is transferred to the front axle. This action is possible because there is a mechanical connection between the front and rear axles.
This hybrid system is called the P3 hybrid.
The turbine is not driven by exhaust gases, but is electrically operated by a 48V system and operates up to a maximum speed of 175,000 rpm. An electric motor around four centimeters thin is integrated directly on the turbocharger shaft between the turbine wheel on the exhaust side and the compressor wheel on the intake side. The electric motor drives the shaft of the turbocharger and is electronically controlled, accelerating the compressor wheel before the exhaust gas flow takes over the drive conventionally.
In the case of the AMG GLC 63 S, the turbine is larger because a higher boost pressure is required.
Power is transmitted to all wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission with a wet start-off clutch instead of a torque converter, and variable all-wheel drive can transmit torque from 50/50% to 0/100% front/rear. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.5 seconds, and the top speed is 275 kph.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 AMG 4Matic
The base AMG GLC version uses the same turbocharged electrically driven turbine engine, but the power output is slightly higher than the AMG C 43 4Matic: 421 ps compared to 408 ps while the maximum torque of 500 Nm is the same. In addition, the AMG C 43 4Matic features a 48V mild hybrid system with a belt-driven starter generator that supports the combustion engine by 10 kW (14 ps).
Power is transmitted to all wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission with a wet start-off clutch instead of torque converter, and all-wheel drive distributes torque in a fix 31/69% ratio front to rear.
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 4.8 seconds while the top speed is electronically limited to 250 kph.
Both models features AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension with steel springs (with three set-up Comfort, Sport, and Sport+), and integral steering. Up to 100 kph, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels at an angle of 2.5 degrees and from 100 kph in the same direction at a maximum angle of 0.7 degrees. In the case of the AMG GLC 63 S E Performance, active anti-roll bars and electronically controlled limited-slip differential on the rear axle and torque vectoring are standard. AMG GLC 63 S E Performance also has a more performant braking system, with 390 mm front and 370 mm rear discs, while the GLC 43 has 370 mm front and 360 mm rear discs.
The AMG GLC 43 has five driving programs and the AMG GLC 63 has eight driving programs. The ESP system can also be adjusted in three steps: On, Sport, and Off.
Exterior and interior design
Both models have a radiator grille with vertical struts and the front spoiler has additional air ducting fins and aerodynamic sills. At the rear, the two models are more clearly differentiated, with the top version having a real diffuser and the AMG GLC 43 just a look-like diffuser. The AMG GLC 63 AMG has four exhaust pipes with trapezoidal cross-section while in the GLC 43 they are round.
Inside, both models have a flattened steering wheel in the lower part, perforated in the grip area, with silver-colored aluminum gearshift paddles, wrapped in nappa leather on the GLC 43 and nappa leather/Microcut microfiber on the GLC 63 S. The seats are standard in Artico artificial leather, with optional nappa leather and AMG Performance seats available.
Huge price increase expected
The market launch will take place by the end of this year and prices have not been announced but will increase significantly. The previous generation Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 costs almost 70,000 euros, and the top version GLC 63 S, 97,500 euros.
By comparison, the new Mercedes-AMG C 43 and C 63 S E Performance limousines equipped with the same powertrain as the GLC 43 and GLC 63 are much more expensive. The AMG C 43 costs 83,960.45 euros, and the AMG C 63 S E Performance comes to 114,888.55 euros. So, we expect a minimum of 86,000 euros for the GLC 43 and around 118,000 for the GLC 63 S E Performance.
Edition 1 at market launch
Similar to other Mercedes models, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance is available at launch with the special series Edition 1 available in the first year after launch only in graphite grey magno or high-tech silver magno and 21-inch AMG forged matt black wheels. Included in the special Edition 1 is the AMG Aerodynamics package with a larger front splitter in high-gloss black with flics on the sides and additional flics for the air outlets in the rear apron in high-gloss black. Also included are the AMG Exterior Night Package and the AMG Exterior Night Package II.
Inside, we note the exclusive black nappa leather upholstery in combination with yellow decorative topstitching, the yellow seat belts, the exclusive AMG trim elements carbon with yellow thread, and the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre with yellow decorative topstitching.
