Just like the new C-Class AMG, Mercedes-AMG’s SUV lineup has also downsized. Unveiled this week, the new Mercedes-AMG GLC43 and 63 S opt for an entirely different ethos than previous generations. Say goodbye to the fire-breathing V6 or a V8 and hello to a new four-cylinder 2.0l turbocharged petrol.
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The latest releases in Mercedes-AMG‘s new lineup, the GLC43 and 63 S ditch the traditional smoking engines and instead rely on electricity to gain further boost. In the GLC43 4MATIC, the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine coupled with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger generates 421 hp and gets an additional boost of 14 hp.
Alongside the AMG Performance 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque distribution, there is now standard rear-axle steering plus the AMG speedshift 9G transmission comes with a wet start-off clutch and an adaptive damping system.
The GLC63 S though takes the power output to stratospheric levels courtesy of a plug-in hybrid powertrain with an Electric Drive Unit on the rear axle. AMG says that the independent hybrid layout also ensures a balanced weight distribution and faster torque build-up while also coming with an electric-only mode to cruise around in complete silence.
This system traces its roots to Formula 1 with the high-performance battery with 400 volts being AMG-exclusive in-house developments. The combined system output is 680 hp while the total maximum system torque on offer is a massive 1020 Nm. Also do note that the 63S uses a larger turbocharger over its 43 sibling.
AMG has also beefed up the brakes while there is a plethora of drive modes to choose from along with tweaks to the steering weight with a three-stage AMG speed-sensitive steering.
As always, the pumped-up AMG look has been grafted on the new GLC with a larger AMG-specific grille, bigger intakes plus larger inlets and air curtains. Large wheels and massive exhausts poking out from the rear round off the other touches although the more powerful GLC 63S is differentiated via trapezoidal tailpipes as against round ones on the 43.
Inside, you get a large flat-bottom AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather (GLC43) or Nappa leather/MICROCUT microfibre (GLC63 S) plus different graphics and menus on the infotainment screen.
AMG sports seats are an option while AMG design bits are scattered everywhere including the shift paddles, illuminated door sill panels and more. Standard on the GLC63 S is a track pace app that displays lap times and other track-related info.
We expect this AMG duo of electrified performance SUVs to land on Australian shores by the middle of next year.
