Mercedes-AMG Announces Two New GLC Models – The Detroit Bureau

Mercedes-AMG just took the wraps off two new models of the midsize GLC crossover ute for the North American market, including its first hybrid offering.

The two new variants are the 2024 AMG GLC 43 and 2025 AMG GLC 63 S E Performance, which will be the first AMG performance SUV to feature a hybrid driveline. The company expects the GLC 43, the more basic of the two models, to hit dealer showrooms early next year. The GLC 63 S E Performance will arrive later in 2024. Pricing has not yet been announced on either model. 

“The Mercedes-AMG GLC is an absolute success with our customers,” said Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “Our two versions with different characters for the sporty-urban lifestyle are superior all-rounders and precisely tailored to individual customer wishes.” 

Get the AMG treatment in the GLC 43

The GLC 43 will be powered by the AMG M139L 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. That engine produces 416 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque in normal operation. However, the mild hybrid system also offers 13 hp of additional power at lower engine speeds courtesy of the belt-driven 48-volt starter-generator. According to Mercedes, the GLC 43 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The M139L engine, as it is known internally (L for longitudinal installation), is the only production engine in the world that uses an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. The system is a direct derivative of the technology the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team has been using for many years. 

This turbo design uses an electric motor integrated directly on the turbocharger shaft between the turbine wheel on the exhaust side and the compressor wheel on the intake side. The motor pre-accelerates the compressor wheel at throttle tip-in before exhaust gas flow takes over in a conventional manner. 

Spinning at up to 175,000 rpm, the new turbo significantly improves throttle response directly across the entire rpm range. Even when the driver lifts off the accelerator, the electric turbo maintains immediately available boost pressure at all times. 

In addition to the AMG engine, the GLC 43 offers standard rear-axle steering, AMG Performance 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque distribution, AMG Speedshift 9G multi-clutch transmission with wet start-off clutch and AMG Ride Control suspension with Adaptive Damping System.

AMG-specific details on the new GLC models include the AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical struts and the AMG front fascia sporty air intakes and chrome trim element. The GLC 43 also comes with a “diffuser-look” rear fascia and twin round tailpipe trims.

The GLC 43 interior includes AMG seats in MB-Tex/microfiber with distinctive graphics and upholstery. Optional leather and Nappa leather upholstery with an embossed AMG crest in the front headrests is available. The interior can also be fitted with AMG Performance seats as an option. The sporty-luxurious atmosphere also includes AMG sport pedals, floor mats, and illuminated door sills.

Or get the whole enchilada in the GLC 63

The hybrid powertrain in the GLC 63 S E Performance is derived from the same M139L engine as the GLC 43. Compared to the GLC 43, however, the turbocharger in the GLC 63 S E Performance is significantly larger. This delivers a higher air flow rate and thus more power. 

Then the GLC 63 S E Performance combines the engine with an Electric Drive Unit on the rear axle to deliver 671 hp in combined system output and 752 lb-ft of combined system torque. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes just 3.4 seconds and tops out at an electronically limited 171 mph.

Mercedes’ marketing materials highlight the immediate response of the electric drive on the rear axle, as well as fast torque build-up. In addition to the impressive total power output, Mercedes points out that the independent hybrid layout also ensures a balanced weight distribution.

For EV fans, an electric-only mode enables all-electric driving under certain conditions. The electric powertrain and 400-volt high-performance battery are AMG-exclusive in-house developments. The battery is specifically designed for fast power output and innovative direct cooling of the cells.

Additionally, the AMG driveline uses the hybrid system to control traction. Instead of using the brakes for traction and stability intervention, the hybrid system reduces the drive torque of the electric motor, which is transmitted to the wheels via the limited-slip rear differential. The means the gasoline engine can continue to be operated at higher torque. This improves agility and recovery time from system intervention.

In addition to the hybrid driveline, the GLC 63 S E Performance will include all the refinements of the GLC 43. 

Option it up

Mercedes-AMG also announced several optional equipment packages that will allow you to customize the new GLC models. 

The AMG Night Package features high-gloss black exterior mirror housings, AMG side sill trim inlays, shoulder trim, window surrounds and rear bumper trim. It also includes two black chrome twin tailpipe accents for the AMG exhaust system. If that’s not enough, the Night Package Plus adds dark chrome accents to the fins of the radiator grille as well as the badging on the fenders and rear of the vehicle, including the star at the rear.

The AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package includes elements in high-quality visible carbon fiber for the A-wing of the AMG front fascia, inserts of the AMG side sill panels and trim strip in the AMG rear fascia.

The AMG Performance Studio Package provides an even sportier look for the GLC 43. The high-gloss black front splitter with flics on the sides and the rear diffuser with diffuser board are a visual nod to motorsport. Furthermore, there are additional flics for the air outlets in the rear fascia in high-gloss black.

AMG Track Pace, the optional data logger for use at the racetrack, is also available. The software records more than 80 vehicle-specific data points such as speed, acceleration and steering angle 10 times per second while the car is driven on the track. There is also a display of lap and sector times as well as additional training and analysis tools, just in case you head for your yoga class and end up doing a few hot laps along the way. 

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• Source: https://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2023/07/mercedes-amg-announces-two-new-glc-models/