Mercedes-Benz has a few tricks up its sleeve when it comes to the upper echelon of one of its top-selling models, the GLC-Class SUV. Looking to the future, the Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV will be available in two models: the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV (arriving in U.S. dealerships in early 2024), and the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance SUV (arriving in U.S. dealerships later in 2024).
The GLC 63 S E Performance is AMG’s first performance hybrid SUV—and performance it indeed delivers. The system taps 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, according to Mercedes-AMG, and is electronically limited to 171 mph. The E Performance hybrid is described as a P3 hybrid layout (with a combustion engine in the front and Electric Drive Unit (EDU) positioned on the rear axle). The EDU integrates the electric motor with an electrically shifted automated two-speed transmission and electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential (EDU).
The AMG M139l (“L” for longitudinal) 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, developed entirely at the company’s Affalterbach site, produces 469 hp and 402 lb-ft of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. AMG claims it is the most powerful series-produced four-cylinder engine in the world and the only production engine turbocharged with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger, in which a thin, electronically controlled electric motor on the turbo shaft accelerates the compressor wheel. The gasoline engine is combined with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor (107 hp continuous/201 hp peak for ten seconds and 236 lb-ft of torque), a high-performance 400-volt 6.1kWh battery with an innovative direct cooling system, and the AMG Performance fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system for a responsive, performance-oriented driving experience. In addition to boosting power and torque, the electric motor provides all-electric driving under certain conditions (the range is to be announced).
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV, also powered by the 2.0-liter (with a smaller turbocharger than the GLC 63 S), produces 416 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. 4MATIC all-wheel drive permanently distributes power between the front (31 percent) and rear (69 percent) axles. A second-generation belt-driven starter generator (RSG) acts as mild hybrid, providing a temporary power boost of 13 hp and aiding in gliding and recuperation. The GLC 43 achieves a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds, according to AMG, and it’s electronically limited to 155 mph.
An AMG Night Package features high-gloss black exterior pieces, while the AMG Night Package Plus adds various dark chrome accents. There’s also an AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package that adds some exterior carbon fiber flair. Lastly, an AMG Performance Studio Package gives the GLC 43 an even sportier demeanor.
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