The new generation of Mercedes-AMG GLC products both are missing cylinders but not missing horsepower.
In line with AMG’s latest powertrain developments, the all-new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC and the all-new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance are both powered by electrified 4-cylinder engines. This is of course the inevitable ‘next step’ on the road to the demise of the internal combustion engine and there is no one really to blame. Manufacturers must comply to regulators and regulators are elected or appointed by citizens, who want the best for the environment ultimately. Rather than scoff at the loss of cylinders, we should instead take a second to understand and appreciate the technical achievement of AMG in extracting so much performance from such a small powerplant.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC
The all-new model now comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with a belt-driven starter generator (BSG). The petrol motor itself is good for 421hp at 6750rpm and 500Nm of torque at 5000rpm. On occasion, the BSG can boost power by an additional 14hp. This mild hybrid set-up is mainly there to recuperate energy and carry out gliding functions all in the name of maximum fuel efficiency.
This new GLC 43 4MATIC gets from 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds. For context, the outgoing model came with a 3.0L V6 twin turbo with 385hp and 521Nm of torque, which gave it a century sprint time of 4.9 seconds. So there’s a marginal improvement in performance with a huge reduction in fuel use.
The 9-speed AMG Speedshift MCT 9G returns here but with a wet start-off clutch instead of a torque converter. This reduces weight and makes response quicker. In the GLC 43, there’s permanent power distribution between front and rear axles at 31% and 69% respectively.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance
Just like BMW with the XM, Mercedes-AMG with the GLC 63 S E Performance has presented a plug-in hybrid as its performance SUV king. That being said, its all-electric range is just 12km, so we suspect most people won’t bother plugging it in at home.
This is the ultimate GLC model and it fittingly carries the most powerful series-production four-cylinder engine in the world – the M139l. This 2.0L is mated to a permanently excited synchronous electric motor at the rear axle for some incredible figures. While the petrol engine itself is good for 476hp at 6725rpm and 545Nm between 5250-5500rpm, the total system output with the electric motor is good for 680hp and 1020Nm of torque. This gives it a 0-100km/h time of just 3.5 seconds.
Once again, for context – the outgoing GLC 63 S came with a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 good for 503hp and 700Nm of torque. 0-100km/h in that model took 3.8 seconds. Again, this represents a massive improvement in performance and a technical marvel of engineering from AMG.
There are other things to note about this new electrified AMG GLC 63. For one, the electric motor is packaged with a two-speed transmission and electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential. A lightweight 6.1 kWh high-performance battery is placed at the rear as well, right above this rear axle.
Having an electric motor directly drive the rear axle allows for instant acceleration, like in a pure EV. The electric motor can also transfer drive power to the front wheels if the rear wheels start to slip. This is because there is a mechanical connection between the two axles by means of propeller shafts and drive shafts. Engine torque can be allocated continuously as required as from 50% to both axles all the way to 100% rear-wheel drive. AMG’s experience in F1 allowed them to design a system that has high recuperation efficiency.
What do you think of the new GLC AMG range? Impressed or disappointed?
