Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance break cover

Mercedes-Benz has taken wraps off the all-new sporty GLC 43 and the hotter GLC 63 S E Performance paired with hybrid tech for the first time. There is no GLC 53 this time. The new generation SUVs are the most potent versions of the high-performance GLC to date. The GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance boast more powerful engines, additional equipment, and advanced features, and lots of tech. With this, both models follow the firm’s direction to achieve carbon neutrality across its line-up in the phased-manner via the electrification. Inevitably, there will be no good old V8 powering any high-performance GLC model.

New GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance: The Electrified Powertrain

Powering the new GLC 43 is a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder petrol engine (codenamed M139l) with electric exhaust gas turbocharger generates 421PS at 6,750rpm and 500Nm of torque at 5,000rpm. Interestingly, not only this engine has been developed at the brand’s Affalterbach facility, but is also installed with ‘One Man, One Engine’ philosophy of Mercedes-AMG. The belt-driver starter generator also provides an additional brief boots of 14PS at the low rpm. With this, the 43 can achieve zero to 100kmph in just 4.8 seconds and provides a top speed of 250kmph. This motor comes mated to AMG’s Speedshift MCT 9G automatic transmission and rear-wheel-biased 4Matic all-wheel drive with a permanent power distribution between the front and rear axles of 31 per cent to 69 per cent.c

Moving on to the more powerful GLC 63 S E Performance, the top-of-the-line SUV uses the same M139l engine with a rear-axle mounted permanently excited synchronous electric motor with 204PS. Mercedes-AMG has also equipped it with a 6.1kWh high-performance battery and a fully variable 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system. The engine, in this case, produces 476PS at 6,725rpm and 545Nm of torque between 5,250rpm and 5,500rpm. Whereas, the total system output is rated at 680PS and a peak torque of 1,020Nm.

As a result, the GLC 63 S E Performance can reach 100kmph from a standstill in a staggering 3.5 seconds and tops out at 275kmph. Unlike the GLC 43, the GLC 63 S E Performance gets a significantly larger turbocharger. It is also coupled to an AMG Speedshift MCT 9G automatic transmission. The torque distribution is 50/50 percent between the front and rear axles or can be allocated up to 100 per cent to the rear end. Not to mention, one can also drive the 63 in an EV-only mode for 12km.

New GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance: Performance-oriented equipment and features

Both the GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E performance come equipped with the AMG Ride Control steel spring suspension, adaptive damping system, rear-axle steering, AMG sports braking system, and AMG exhaust system. On top of that, the carmaker has bestowed the 63 S with AMG Active Ride Control active roll stabilisation as standard.

Further, the 43 and 63 S E Performance feature AMG styling packages inside and out, including sporty grille, bumpers, steering wheel, upholstery, alloy wheels, MBUX with AMG UI, and AMG driving modes, among others.

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