Mercedes-AMG has once again raised the bar in the luxury SUV market with the introduction of the all-new Mercedes-AMG GLC. Offering two distinct variants—the GLC 43 4MATIC and the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE—this latest iteration replaces its highly successful predecessor, bringing more power, cutting-edge technology, and enhanced driving dynamics. Both models highlight AMG’s signature engineering and design prowess, delivering a perfect blend of performance, luxury, and innovation.
Dynamic Powertrain Options: Turbocharged Excellence
At the heart of these new models lies AMG’s renowned 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, enhanced with groundbreaking technology. The GLC 43 4MATIC is powered by a 310 kW engine, equipped with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger and a belt-driven starter-generator that adds a temporary 10 kW boost during low-speed driving. This model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h, offering an exhilarating yet refined driving experience.
For those seeking even more power and innovation, the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE takes performance to a whole new level. As the first performance hybrid SUV from Mercedes-AMG, it combines the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with an Electric Drive Unit (EDU) mounted on the rear axle. This sophisticated hybrid powertrain delivers an astounding system output of 500 kW and 1020 Nm of torque, propelling the GLC 63 S from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. The hybrid system’s immediate torque response, paired with the precision of rear-axle steering and the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension, ensures not only raw power but exceptional handling as well.
AMG Innovations for Unrivalled Driving Dynamics
Both GLC models come standard with AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension and rear-axle steering, enhancing the SUV’s agility and stability. The AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive in the GLC 43 features rear-biased torque distribution, ensuring a dynamic driving experience. The GLC 63 S goes even further with AMG Performance 4MATIC+, a fully variable all-wheel-drive system that seamlessly adjusts power between the front and rear axles based on real-time driving conditions, delivering unparalleled traction and cornering precision.
An adaptive damping system further enhances the ride quality, offering a perfect balance between comfort and performance. Whether tackling winding mountain roads or cruising on the highway, the new GLC models promise an exhilarating yet composed ride.
Exterior and Interior: AMG’s Signature Design Language
The new Mercedes-AMG GLC makes an unmistakable statement both inside and out. The exterior is characterised by AMG-specific design elements that exude athleticism and refinement. The AMG radiator grille with vertical slats, aggressive front apron, large air intakes, and chrome-plated accents set the tone for a performance-driven aesthetic. The rear end is equally striking, featuring a diffuser-look rear apron on the GLC 43 and a more pronounced diffuser on the GLC 63 S, complemented by distinctive tailpipes—round on the GLC 43 and trapezoidal on the GLC 63 S.
Inside, the AMG DNA continues with a blend of sportiness and luxury. AMG Performance seats upholstered in ARTICO man-made leather and MICROCUT microfibre create a sophisticated yet dynamic cabin environment, with optional nappa leather and embossed AMG crests available for those seeking an extra touch of opulence. The AMG Performance steering wheel, flattened at the bottom and perforated in the grip areas, is both stylish and functional, featuring AMG buttons for quick access to key dynamic driving settings.
Advanced Technology: From F1™ to the Road
A hallmark of Mercedes-AMG is the seamless integration of advanced motorsport technologies into its road cars. The GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE takes direct inspiration from Formula 1™, incorporating a high-performance battery with a 400-volt architecture. Developed in Affalterbach and informed by AMG’s Formula 1™ expertise, the battery is designed for rapid power delivery and regeneration. Its innovative direct cooling system ensures optimal performance during intense driving, allowing drivers to fully exploit the SUV’s capabilities on demand.
Additionally, both models are equipped with the AMG TRACK PACE feature, a data-logging system that records over 80 vehicle-specific parameters such as speed, acceleration, and steering angles, offering performance enthusiasts an invaluable tool for tracking their on-track exploits.
An Elevated Infotainment Experience
The cabin of the new AMG GLC models is more than just luxurious—it’s a cutting-edge technological environment. The MBUX infotainment system with AMG-specific displays is tailored for performance driving. Its “Supersport” mode showcases vital driving information such as suspension settings and transmission data in a vertical structure, with the option to display navigation maps and consumption data. A head-up display, AMG sports pedals, illuminated door sills with AMG lettering, and bespoke floor mats further elevate the interior.
The Ultimate Expression of Performance Luxury
With the new Mercedes-AMG GLC, the brand has delivered a truly remarkable SUV that redefines the limits of performance and luxury. Whether in the form of the dynamic GLC 43 4MATIC or the electrifying hybrid power of the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE, AMG has crafted a vehicle that promises both adrenaline-pumping performance and everyday practicality. Featuring cutting-edge technology, superior driving dynamics, and unmistakable design, the new AMG GLC is set to continue Mercedes-AMG’s legacy of excellence on both the road and the racetrack.
