Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the performance variant of its GLC SUV – the Mercedes-AMG GLC. It is offered in two variants, namely the GLC 43 4MATIC and the GLC 63 S E Performance. The all-new Mercedes-AMG GLC is the brand’s first performance hybrid SUV.
On the outside, both the GLC 43 and GLC 63 S come with AMG-specific design elements. This includes the radiator grille with vertical struts, AMG front apron with flics, and chrome-plated trim elements.
The rear apron on the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 is given a diffuser-look, while the GLC 63 S gets an additional diffuser board. At the back, there are two tailpipe trims, which are round on the GLC 43 and trapezoidal on the GLC 63 S.
The GLC 63 S E Performance is also available with the exclusive Edition 1 for one year from its market launch. Offered in the graphite grey magno or high-tech silver magno colour options, the Edition 1 GLC 63 S is fitted with 21-inch AMG forged wheels finished in matte black, together with a black and yellow interior.
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Powering the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC is a 48V mild hybrid system consisting of a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine and a belt-driven starter-generator (BSG). The engine features an electric exhaust gas turbocharger, which makes it the only turbocharged production engine in the world to date to feature the technology. However, the Mercedes-AMG GLC is not the first Mercedes-Benz model to feature the engine, as it was already available in the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 roadster.
Paired with AMG’s Speedshift MCT 9G transmission, the mill produces 421 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The BSG is capable of providing an additional boost of 14 hp and 150 Nm.
With power sent to all four wheels via the brand’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) system, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Carrying the performance SUV is a set of aluminium double wishbone suspension with Mercedes-AMG’s Ride Control and Adaptive Damping System. The GLC 43 is also fitted with a hydraulic dual-circuit brake system, featuring ventilated and perforated brake discs at the front and back.
The Mercedes-GLC 63 S E Performance on the other hand is powered by a 400V plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, which produces a rated output of 476 hp and 545 Nm, as well as an electric motor pushing out a total of 204 hp and 320 Nm. Paired with the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission, the GLC 63 S’ system output is rated at 680 hp and 1020 Nm.
Power is sent to all four wheels. The engine powers the front wheels, while the electric motor powers the rear, thanks to the 6.1 kWh battery. The century sprint can be done in just 3.5 seconds, and its top speed is electronically limited to 275 km/h.
Charging the Mercedes-GLC 63 S can be done via the 3.7 kW on-board AC charger. Because the electric motor is designed to provide fast power delivery rather than the longest possible range, its electric range is rated at 12 km for you to travel around the city, for instance.
Inside the Mercedes-AMG GLC, the AMG-specific design elements continue. This includes AMG equipment such as AMG seats wrapped in Artico man-made leather and Microcut AMG microfibre. The performance SUV is also fitted with a flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather for the GLC 43, and Nappa leather with Microcut microfibre for the GLC 63 S.
The signature set of round AMG steering wheel buttons is here too, allowing drivers to operate various dynamic driving functions, as well as the AMG Dynamic Select drive programs. AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats and illuminated door sill panels with AMG lettering are also fitted with the Mercedes-AMG GLC as standard. AMG-specific displays and functions are included with the MBUX infotainment system. Closer to home, the “regular” Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC MHEV SUV is offered at RM430k.
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