News / 18 October 2024 / Michael Taylor

High-performance Mercedes-Benz GLC launched in South Africa – Pricing

Mercedes-Benz’s performance division is at it again with the GLC, which has been injected with AMG’s signature flair.

The popular SUV is now available in two high-octane derivatives, the GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance, with prices starting at R1,876,750.

Performance

Starting with the 43, it runs on a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric exhaust-gas turbocharger.

This powerplant is rated to produce 310kW and 500Nm, with an additional 10kW of boost provided by a belt-driven starter generator (BSG). The BSG forms part of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, helping to improve efficiency at slow speeds when combined with the stop/start function.

The GLC also features the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and a nine-speed AMG automatic transmission.

As a result, the 43 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in a blistering 4.8 seconds, and its top speed is electronically capped at 250km/h.

The 63 uses the same 2.0-litre engine but features a significantly bigger turbocharger, which increases its base output to 350kW and 545Nm.

The combustion plant is then paired with a rear-mounted electric motor, which can put out 150kW by itself.

With these two systems combined, the top-spec GLC generates an astounding 500kW and 1,020Nm, making it the most powerful series-produced four-cylinder engine in the world, according to Mercedes.

The e-motor can tap into its full torque potential from the get-go, which lets the 63 sprint to 100km/h in a lightning-quick 3.5 seconds before capping out at a governed 275km/h.

It also benefits from an electronic limited-slip differential, which improves handling in the corners by transferring power to the front wheels for better traction.

The hybrid AMG’s e-motor is powered by a 6.1kWh battery which is replenished by a 3.7kW on-board charger that can be plugged into any AC socket at home or a public station.

While the GLC’s battery is designed for performance rather than longevity, it can still drive for 12km on just electricity – ideal for moving around the suburbs.

Both models are equipped with AMG Ride Control steel spring suspension with Active Damping, which can be altered with Comfort, Sport, or Sport + settings to suit a better ride or sharper handling.

It also comes standard with rear-axle steering, which greatly improves manoeuvrability with a reduced turning circle.

Naturally, the design of the car matches its technical underpinnings, with an AMG-specific grille, sporty air intakes, chrome trim, and an AMG front apron.

The 43 features a diffuser-look rear apron and round twin tailpipes, while the 63 S E Performance gets an additional diffuser board and trapezoidal exhaust pipes.

Inside, the seats are wrapped in Artico man-made leather and Microcut fibre upholstery, though AMG Performance seats with Nappa leather are available as well.

Also standard is a Nappa leather Sport steering wheel with a flattened bottom, which is decked out with silver aluminium paddle shifters and two AMG buttons for the Dynamic Select drive programmes.

There are AMG branded floor mats, aluminium pedals, and illuminated door sills, too.

The driving experience is centred around Mercedes’ MBUX system, comprising a digital driver monitor and an infotainment screen, with the option of a heads-up display at an additional cost.

The media screen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as onboard navigation, and the 63 units come standard with the AMG Track Pace package for logging racetrack performance data like lap times.