The second-generation Mercedes-AMG GLC is following its C-Class sibling in adopting electrified four-cylinder powertrains.
Gone are the V6 and V8 options of the last fettled GLC, with the GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance now boasting versions of the M139 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The range will arrive in Australia in the second quarter of 2024.
Mercedes-AMG has revealed its fettled GLCs in wagon guise.
Both AMG models feature double wishbone front and rear suspension, along with AMG Ride Control with adaptive damping, active roll stabilisation and rear-axle steering.
They also both use a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The flagship plug-in hybrid GLC 63 S E Performance, like the C63, features a 6.1kWh lithium-ion battery and a 150kW/320Nm rear-axle electric motor, integrated with an electrically shifted two-speed transmission and electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
An electric actuator engages second gear at around 140km/h at the latest, corresponding with the electric motor’s maximum speed of around 13,500rpm.
The electric motor can also control traction to a wheel when slip is detected via the limited-slip rear differential, instead of braking intervention from the electronic stability program – though the ESP can be toggled between on, off and Sport.
The battery features direct cooling and can be charged via recuperation or using the 3.7kW onboard charger, with a claimed 12km of electric range.
Thanks also to a larger turbocharger, the engine pumps out 350kW and 545Nm, enough for Mercedes-AMG to claim it’s the most powerful series-produced four-cylinder engine in the world.
Total system outputs are 500kW of power and 1020Nm of torque and the 0-100km/h claim is 3.5 seconds.
The flagship model features the fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system, which allows for as much as 100 per cent of torque to be sent to the rear axle.
Stopping power comes in the shape of six-piston fixed brake calipers up front and one-piston floating calipers at the rear.
The GLC 43 also packs a turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder, but with total outputs of 310kW and 500kW and a 0-100km/h time of 4.8 seconds.
It lacks its pricier sibling’s plug-in hybrid system albeit with a belt-driven starter-generator providing an additional boost of 10kW/150Nm at lower speeds. This 48V mild-hybrid system is said to smooth out the automatic stop/start system and enable gliding.
The GLC 43 has a different all-wheel drive system, with torque distributed 39/61 front/rear, but like the 63 it features adaptive damping, active roll stabilisation and rear-axle steering.
It features four-piston fixed brake calipers up front and one-piston floating calipers at the rear.
The rear-axle steering, standard on both AMG GLC models, can turn the rear wheels in the opposite direction to those up front at speeds of up to 100km/h, while above this speed the rear wheels can turn in parallel to the front wheels up to a maximum of 0.7 degrees.
The result is more agile turn-in and less steering effort at lower speeds, and greater stability at higher speeds.
There are eight selectable drive modes in the GLC 63 and five in the GLC 43.
All models feature a more aggressive look than the Benz-badged GLC, with a unique grille and front apron with flics and larger air intakes.
Down back, the GLC 43 has a diffuser-look rear apron and two twin exhaust outlets; the GLC 63 has an additional diffuser board plus a trapezoidal exhaust outlet.
Inside, seats are finished in Artico leatherette and Microcut microfibre upholstery; leather and Nappa leather upholstery is optional, as are AMG Performance seats.
The flat-bottomed steering wheel features drive mode selector buttons and is finished in Nappa leather in the GLC 43, and Nappa and Microcut in the GLC 63.
Also distinguishing AMG models from the regular Benz GLC inside are AMG-specific displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system.
An AMG Track Pace data logger is standard on the GLC 63 and optional on the GLC 43, and can record data like speed, acceleration, and steering angle if you’re taking your AMG to the track.
Various packages will be available, though Mercedes-Benz Australia hasn’t confirmed local specifications.
Some of these include: the AMG Exterior Night Package (black chrome exhaust outlets and high-gloss black exterior trim); the AMG Night Package Exterior II (chrome grille fins and badges); and the AMG Carbon Exterior Package which adds, you guessed it, carbon trim.
The GLC 63 will launch in Edition 1 guise, with a choice of graphite grey magno or high-tech silver magno exterior finishes, standard 21-inch forged matte black wheels and yellow brake calipers.
Inside, there’s black Nappa leather upholstery with yellow stitching on the seats and steering wheel; there are also yellow seat belts and other yellow highlights.
