Sporty Mercedes-AMG GLC flagship revealed – New engines and features

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the new AMG versions headlining its highly-popular GLC range, boasting new powertrains and a host of additional features.

The sporty AMGs are available in two specifications – the entry-level GLC 43 and an all-new GLC 63 S E Performance with a hybrid engine.

“The Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV is an absolute success with our customers. Our two versions with different characters for the sporty-urban lifestyle are superior all-rounders and precisely tailored to individual customer wishes,” said the company.

Engines

The GLC 43 is driven by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol plant with an electric exhaust-gas turbocharger and belt-driven starter generator, which gives it an output of 310kW and 500Nm, with the hybrid system adding an additional 10kW and 150Nm of boost at launch.

Combined with a permanent 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and AMG Ride Control suspension, the 43 is able to reach 100km/h from a standstill in just 4.8 seconds, before capping out at an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.

Gear changes are handled by a “quick-shifting” nine-speed automatic transmission, which brings the SUV’s fuel consumption to roughly 9.8l/100km on a typical cycle.

The GLC 63 S E, meanwhile, retains the same 2.0-litre AMG engine as its sibling, but combines it with an Electric Drive Unit (EDU) on its rear axle for greater efficiency.

The system has a combined power ceiling of 500kW and a staggering 1,020Nm, and the electric motor means torque can be instantly delivered to the rear axle, depending on the situation, said the manufacturer.

As a result, the GLC races to 100km/h in a blistering 3.5 seconds while its top speed is limited to 275km/h.

It further uses a 400V, 6.1kWh battery that operates similarly to those found in the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 car, where the power cell is designed for fast output and draws thanks to a special direct cooling system with a non-conductive liquid flowing over all 560 individual cells.

Consequently, the 63 can drive in an electric-only mode for 12km before needing to be replenished using the 3.7kW onboard charger.

Mercedes said its in-house battery is designed for power delivery rather than maximizing range, but that 12km should prove sufficient for driving in residential areas or towards the nearest motorway ramp.

Thanks to all of these efficiency measures, the S E can sip 7.5 litres of petrol for every 100km driven.

Both vehicles feature a Race Start function, too, as well as driving modes for Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport +, Glide, and the user-customized Individual settings.

They also come with rear-axle steering, which turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels at speeds under 100km/h for more agile turns. At speeds above 100km/h, the wheels turn parallel to one another for better stability.

Features

Appearance-wise, the Mercedes-AMG GLC is defined by a vertical-strut radiator grille, as well as a new front apron with sporty air intakes and various chrome-plated trim elements.

At the back, the 43 and 63 are differentiated by twin tailpipes that are round on the former, and trapezoidal on the latter.

Inside, the SUV is distinguished by Artico artificial leather upholstery with AMG microfibre graphics embroidered into the seats.

The gearshift and paddles are made from aluminium, and the AMG-specific multifunction steering wheel has buttons for controlling the various drive programmes.

Mercedes’ signature MBUX infotainment system returns along with a number of AMG-exclusive graphics, all of which are projected onto the centre console’s portrait screen, the digital instrument cluster, or the optional heads-up display.

The AMG Track Pace package, which is standard on the 63 and optional on the 43, also allows the user to log their racetrack performance with 80 unique pieces of data such as speed, acceleration, lap times, and even the steering wheel’s angle.