No more V8, but the AMG-powered GLC is still a beast.
- Mercedes GLC 43 arrives with 413 hp four-cylinder engine
- GLC 63 gets hybridized four-cylinder with 671 hp
- Both AMG variants receive enhanced exterior details
- Pricing will be revealed closer to launch
Mercedes revealed a new GLC last year, and now the AMG versions have finally arrived. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and 2025 GLC 63 S E Performance both sport a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine; the former packs a belt-driven starter-generator delivering 413 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, while the latter adds an Electric Drive Unit (EDU) on the rear axle for a grand total of 671 hp and 752 lb-ft. As a reminder, the old twin-turbo V8 topped out at 503 hp.
Both models send power out via a nine-speed MCT automatic transmission with a wet start-off clutch. The GLC 43 gets a rear-biased AMG Performance 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system while the GLC 63 gets a fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ system with standard rear-axle steering. The GLC 63 E Performance also includes a 6.1 kWh, 400-volt high-performance battery powering a 201 hp electric motor. Mercedes says the battery is designed for fast power delivery, not maximum range. You can charge at home at 3.7 kW using the on-board AC charger or under recuperation via braking.
Mercedes says the mild-hybrid GLC 43 can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds on its way to an electronically limited 155 mph top speed. The GLC 63 takes only 3.4 seconds to hit 60 mph and can run to a top speed of 177 mph. There are no quoted acceleration times in electric mode, but the electric motor does have a second gear that engages at 87 mph.
Of course, a performance SUV is about more than just straight line performance. Both models cruise on AMG Ride Control adaptive dampers with Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes. The GLC 63 adds active roll stabilization powered by a 48-volt system. To bring the GLC 43 to a stop, it gets upgraded 14.7 x 1.4 inch brakes with four-piston fixed calipers up front and 14.2 x 1 inch front discs with a one-piston floating rear calipers. The GLC 63 still has floating calipers at the rear (slightly larger than the GLC 43), but adds six-piston fixed calipers at the front with 15.4 x 1.4 inch ventilated discs.
As you'd expect, the AMG models are more aggressively styled compared to the standard GLC. The base grille is replaced by the AMG Panamericana one and the front fascia is unique. At the back the GLC 43 has a diffuser-look rear bumper with round tailpipes, while the GLC 63 gets a full diffuser board with trapezoidal exhaust. For customers who want their GLC 43 to look a bit racier like the GLC 63, an AMG Performance Studio Package rolls in a front splitter with side flics and a rear diffuser board.
Buyers can opt for the AMG Night Package, which adds high-gloss black accents for the mirrors, rear bumper, side sills, tailpipes, and window surrounds. An AMG Night Package Plus brings dark chrome accents on radiator grille and model badging. These accents can also be finished in carbon fiber as part of the AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package. Nothing was announced yet, but we imagine both models will be available in the coupe body style in the future.
Inside, both models come equipped with AMG seats wrapped in in MB-Tex microfiber, but leather and premium Nappa leather is also available. For a sportier experience, those base seats can be swapped for AMG Performance buckets. The GLC 43 includes an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather, while the GLC 63 wheel comes in a combination of Nappa leather and microfiber. Other AMG touches include sports pedals, floor mats, and illuminated door sills.
Like the base GLC, the AMG models present media information via a 11.9-inch central display and 12.3-inch driver display. Since these are the AMG variants, the gauge cluster screen includes a Supersport mode and an optional AMG Track Pace data logger.
The 2024 GLC 43 arrives to US dealerships in early 2024, while the 2025 GLC 63 E Performance will be a longer wait with units set to arrive later in 2024.
Keyword: Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV Arrives With 671-HP Four-Cylinder Engine