New Mercedes-AMG GLC Models: AMG's Dynamic SUV Duo Debuts
Following the release of the standard Mercedes-Benz GLC models, AMG is now launching the GLC 43 and 63 S E Performance versions.
As expected, it's a four-pot fest. Both use the same M139 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with different states of tune and electric assistance.
Starting with the GLC 43, the deputy's powerplant packs 310kW and 500Nm, all delivered to the tarmac via the rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. Despite the lack of the 3.0-litre V6 unit, it's a generous boost compared to the outgoing model's 287kW – sometimes less is more.
It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds before reaching its electronically capped top speed of 250km/h, making it a reasonable choice over its larger GLC 63 S counterpart.
On the other hand, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance is a tad more complicated as electrification has taken its course here. Then again, it would have been a near-impossible task to extract this amount of power from a mere 2.0-litre without the help of electricity.
That said, the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine alone pumps out 350kW and 545Nm, which, by old standards, is enough to power the SUV.
However, the engine is paired with instantaneous electric spooling and a rear-mounted electric motor. The electric motor alone pushes out 150kW and 320Nm. In total, the setup is good for 500kW and a neck-twisting 1,020Nm channelled to all-fours via the 4Matic+ system enough to catapult the SUV from 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds before maxing out at 275km/h. The new GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance use an AMG 9-speed MCT transmission.
Aesthetically, it's easy to differentiate the AMG models from their regular counterparts if you know what to look for. Upfront, they have a Panamericana grille with vertical slats, sports air intakes and flicks. At the same time, the rear is bolstered with aggressive diffusers and round exhaust tips in the case of the GLC 43 and trapezoidal on the GLC 63 S E Performance.
The GLC 43's stopping power comes from an AMG sports brake system featuring 4-piston fixed callipers at the front and 1-piston floating callipers at the rear. The 63 features a standard AMG high-performance composite brake system with 6-piston fixed callipers at the front and 1-piston floating callipers at the rear.
The interior has AMG-specific seats wrapped in exclusive upholstery, a performance steering wheel, sports pedals, and backlit door sills. It also features AMG-specific displays on a 12.3-inch floating-landscape style driver display and an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented centre touchscreen. The 63 S E Performance is characterised by the contrasting black and yellow interior.
For those who wish to add more appeal to the duo, they can ask Mercedes-AMG nicely for either the Exterior Night Package, AMG Night Package, AMG Night Package Exterior II, AMG Carbon Exterior Package or AMG Styling Package that adds a distinctive look.
The Mercedes-AMG pair is set to roar into the local market before the year runs out, and even though they have traded their fierce V6 and V8 engines for a smaller 2.0-litre M139 heart, they are still pumping with adrenaline. This engine has shown its mettle in the current A45 and C43 AMG models as a testament that sometimes less is more.
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