2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance Get Latest Hybrid Tech
Mercedes-Benz unveiled today the latest AMG versions of the popular GLC compact SUV. While both AMG variants might not look completely overhauled aesthetically, Mercedes has given them its latest tricks from the hybrid engineering department.
Behold the new GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance. You might have heard about the S E Performance moniker lately (which makes model names even more complicated to read than ever before), as it has been recently applied to the C 63 sedan as well as the S Class, blending ICE and EV technologies influenced by Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 knowledge. The new GLC 63 S E Performance basically gets the same 400-volt architecture, which is why Mercedes calls it “the first AMG performance hybrid SUV.”
- Also: 2024 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance: 671 Horsepower, No V8
- Also: 2024 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance: Power Galore
The 2024 GLC 43 Gets an Electric Exhaust Gas Turbocharger
First off, the GLC 43 receives the AMG M139l 2.0-litre engine fitted with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. The output now sits at 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an available 13-hp boost provided by the belt-driven starter-generator for off-the-line starts or pickups on the highway. The electric part of the turbo is 1.6 inches thin, and is integrated on the turbine shaft between the “hot" and “cold” sides of the unit to accelerate the turbine wheel using a 48-volt system.
The 43 comes with AMG’s own Performance 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system with rear-biased torque distribution, AMG’s iteration of the 9G transmission and standard AMG Ride Control suspension with Adaptive Damping System with rear-axle steering to boot.
The GLC 63 S E Performance Gets the Electric Drive Unit
The more powerful GLC 63 comes with AMG M139l 2.0-litre turbo engine with the now famous Electric Drive Unit (EDU) on the rear axle connected to a 400-volt electric architecture. It delivers a combined 671 horsepower output and 752 lb-ft of torque. What’s interesting about this system is its complex cooling features that focus on performance, but also the fact that the front and the rear of the vehicle are linked mechanically – which is unusual in modern AWD hybrids. Hence, if wheel slip occurs, the drive power of the electric motor can be transferred to the front.
This one also gets standard rear-axle steering, standard AMG Ride Control suspension with Adaptive Damping System, available active roll stabilization and everything one needs to toss this "family hauler" around.
More Packages
Along with aesthetic changes inside and out, like a new AMG steering wheel and latest MBUX infotainment technologies, the AMG GLC versions can be fitted with the Night Package, which features high-gloss black interior and exterior elements. The AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package delivers loads of carbon elements.
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC+ SUV will arrive in the first quarter of 2024, while the with Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance will launch as a 2025 model later in 2024.