2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63 S E Performance bows with 671 hp

Mercedes-Benz has redesigned its GLC-class compact crossover for the 2023 model year and on Tuesday unveiled two performance variants developed by AMG's Skunkworks On Tuesday, Mercedes-Benz unveiled two performance variants developed by AMG's Skunk Works.

The performance variants are the latest versions of AMG's GLC 43 and GLC 63, both of which will be powered exclusively by electric four-cylinder powertrains The AMG GLC 43 will arrive early next year as a 2024 model, and the AMG GLC 63 as a 2025 model by the end of the year . No pricing information has been announced.

The powertrain will be the same as that found in related AMG models based on the C-Class sedan, with the GLC 63 adding the S E Performance tag, which denotes AMG's most powerful hybrid technology.

The GLC 63 S E Performance plug-in hybrid will feature a 2.0-liter turbo four with electric auxiliary turbocharger and mild hybrid system up front and one electric motor at the rear of the vehicle, producing 671 hp peak output. This is more than 200 hp more than the current GLC 63 S's twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, and Mercedes says the electric compact SUV will sprint to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 171 mph.

But there is more than these numbers suggest. The powertrain is designed to deliver power and torque where it is needed. For example, the rear electric motor delivers instant maximum torque to help with off-the-line acceleration. thanks to the 6.1kwh battery pack, this SUV can even run on electricity alone for short distances. the 400 volt battery is similar to those used in Formula 1, and the cell The 400-volt battery is similar to those used in Formula 1, with direct cooling of the cells, which also allows for high output and fast charging. Mercedes did not mention the AMG GLC 63 S E's range or charging time, stating that "the battery is designed to deliver power and charge at high speeds rather than the longest possible range."

A fully variable mechanical all-wheel drive system, rear-wheel steering, and a quick-shift 9-speed automatic transmission also enhance the driving experience.

All of these technologies come with a weight penalty. Mercedes has not mentioned vehicle weight, but that figure is likely to be higher than the 4,654 pounds of the C 63 S E performance sedan. One of the benefits of the electrified system's increased weight is improved weight distribution compared to the current generation's V-8 only.

With the GLC 43, it is much simpler. This compact SUV has the same 2.0-liter turbo four and mild hybrid combo as the C 43 sedan. The turbocharger is considerably smaller than the one in the GLC 63 S E Performance, but this setup also features an electric auxiliary turbocharger and a mild hybrid system.

Peak output is 416 hp, which is transmitted to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic and a rear-biased four-wheel drive system. According to Mercedes, this combination allows the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph.

In terms of handling, both cars feature steel spring suspension with adaptive dampers, as well as speed-sensitive steering and the aforementioned rear-wheel steering system.

The GLC 63 S E Performance also features Active Roll Stabilization as standard equipment.

Stopping power comes from a powerful braking package, with four-piston fixed calipers on the front wheels of the GLC 43 and six-piston fixed calipers on the GLC 63 S E Performance. In both cases, the rear wheels have single-piston floating calipers.

Both cars also have a unique grille and fascia design that sets them apart from the regular GLC class; the GLC 63 S E Performance has square-shaped exhaust tips (the GLC 43 has round-shaped exhaust tips) and further differentiated by the rear diffuser.

The interior offers a premium feel with Nappa leather, grippy sports seats, AMG branded pedals and floor mats. The digital meter cluster and infotainment system also feature AMG's own graphics.

Mercedes' latest GLC-Class coupe is also available in GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance variants, but there is no word on when these additional body styles will appear; they will most likely appear as 2025 models.