► Latest AMG GLC: an SUV or coupe
► Four-cylinder engines at the heart
► 63 S E-Performance is a PHEV
Mercedes-AMG has revealed its latest GLC version in two flavours: 43 and 63 S E-Performance. And Stuttgart has now shown both new 2023 bodystyles – you can choose your AMG GLC as an original SUV or sleeker coupe with a slightly sloping roofline.
The new Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe (silver car, below) mixes the top hat of a more sporting roofline with the taller ride height and poise of an SUV.
Some may find it a curious mix, pioneered by the original first-generation BMW X6 back in 2008 and latterly the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. Buyers seem to lap them up, however, which is why manufacturers keep producing them.
Mechanically, the two different GLC bodystyles are practically identical, give or take some bespoke tuning of suspension settings and the like.
Both hot new SUVs features a lot of the same engineering and tech as the latest AMG C-Class model, including the downsizing of its engine to a four-cylinder. The days of thundering V8s in mainstream Mercs are, sadly, over…
Go for the AMG GLC 43 (pictured as a blue SUV, below) and you’ll benefit from a mild hybrid 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Mercedes-AMG says the engine develops 416bhp and means the 43 can sprint to 62mph in 4.8 seconds and onto a limited top speed of 155mph.
As for the 63 S E-Performance, that four-cylinder engine gains a battery and electric motor with its own two-speed transmission, for a mind-bending total of 671bhp. The benchmark 0-62mph sprint is done in 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 171mph possible.
The e-motor has an electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle, and Mercedes-AMG says the battery is designed for performance, not range – so there’s only seven miles of zero-emissions driving possible.
Both powertrains in the new 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLC are all-wheel drive (albeit with different power-shuffling abilities: the 43’s 4Matic can distribute power 31/69 front/rear, while the 63 can split it 50/50 with its 4Matic+ system) and both use a turbocharger with an electronic wastegate.
Both go-faster GLCs have adaptive dampers via AMG’s Ride Control tech and rear-wheel steering. Go for the 63 and you’ll benefit from active roll control.
As well as an angry body kit and bigger, sportier wheel designs, the AMG GLC models feature some sportier settings within its MBUX infotainment software including the brand’s Track Pace app that monitors lap times and some new instrument cluster designs. Thin, sporty AMG Performance seats are an option.