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2024 Mercedes Benz GLC 43 And 63 AMG Variants Unveiled With Inline-4 PHEV Power
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has introduced two new sporty engine versions. The first listens to the name GLC 43 AMG, the second to the powerful combination of the number 63 and the letters AMG. That Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S loses four cylinders compared to the top model of the previous GLC, but is stronger and – at least in a straight line – faster than ever.
The Mercedes-Benz C-class would only be available with four cylinders, so it is not surprising that the SUV member of the C-family – the new GLC – also has to make do with four cylinders. So it’s over and out for the six and eight cylinders. This has significant consequences for the AMG versions, among other things. Just like the C 43 AMG, the GLC 43 AMG no longer has a six-cylinder and the GLC AMG 63 AMG even loses four cylinders. Indeed: the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S that has now broken loose no longer has a V8, but a horny 2.0 four-cylinder that works together with a decent electric motor. And: it is a plug-in hybrid, just like the eponymous version of the C-class.
GLC 43 AMG
We start with the mildest of the bunch: the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. And it is not childish. The 390 hp and 520 Nm strong 3.0 V6 of the previous GLC 43 AMG has been replaced in this new one by a 408 hp and 500 Nm strong blown 2.0 four-cylinder. This 2.0 also does not miss the electrification boat, it is a mild hybrid power source. A starter generator adds up to 14 hp and 150 Nm to the whole. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 stomps from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. This makes him one-tenth faster than his predecessor in the 0-100 sprint. At 250 km / h, the limiter cuts in. Switching is done with a nine-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission. The AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel drive system sends 61 percent of the power to the rear axle and thus 39 percent to the front wheels. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 has a co-steering and counter-steering rear axle, the AMG Ride Control suspension with adaptive dampers, and AMG perforated disc brakes. They measure 37 centimeters at the front and have four-piston claws. Behind are 14-inch discs with single-piston calipers.
GLC 63 AMG
The absolute top model is of course the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SE Performance. Quite a mouthful for a very powerful powertrain. The plug-in hybrid muscle bundle owes its power to a 476 hp and 545 Nm strong 2.0 four-cylinder that is supported by an electric motor of 204 hp and 320 Nm. The system power is a hefty 680 hp and – sit down for it – 1,020 Nm. Yes, more than 1,000 Nm. With this, the GLC 63 AMG SE Performance rams from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically set at 275 km/h. The power distribution between the front and rear wheels is fully variable. The full power can therefore also only be sent to the rear wheels. Just like the 2.0 of the GLC 43 AMG, the two-liter in the GLC 63 AMG is a copy with electronically controlled turbochargers,
The 4.8 kWh battery (6.1 kWh gross) is too small for a good range. You must therefore be satisfied with an electric range of 12 kilometers. The electric part of the powertrain primarily serves a purpose in terms of sporting performance. Like the GLC 43, the GLC 63 SE Performance has a nine-speed automatic transmission. The battery pack does cost the GLC luggage space. In the GLC 63 SE Performance, you can carry 470 to – with the back seat flat – 1,530 liters. You can store 620 to 1,680 liters in the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. The GLC 63 SE Performance has, among other things, standard active roll stabilization and different brakes than the GLC 43. The front consists of composite discs that are 39 centimeters larger in diameter and are accompanied by six-piston calipers. The rear brake discs have a diameter of 37 centimeters. Here the claws have a single piston.
Appearance
Both AMGs can be distinguished from the outside of their less potent brothers and sisters by looking at the grille. The AMG models both have vertical slats and bumper work with large openings and extra aerodynamic lips and edges. The GLC 43 and 63 both have a diffuser at the bottom of the rear, although the one on the back of the GLC 63 has an extra horizontal plate at the bottom. You can recognize the GLC 43 by its two sets of double-round exhaust tailpipes. The GLC 63 also has two tailpipes on either side, but the top model has trapezoidal tailpipes.
In both AMGs, you will find a sporty interior. The GLC 63 S has, among other things, a sports steering wheel that is covered with a combination of Nappa leather and microfibre. The steering wheel in the GLC 43 is completely wrapped in Nappa leather. Both versions have an MBUX system with an AMG-specific layout. The GLC 63 S comes standard with AMG Track Pace, a so-called data logger that records data on the circuit of 80 variables. This is an option for the GLC 43.
