AMG® GLC 43 and AMG® GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE

When you see a new AMG® GLC at Mercedes-Benz of Plano, part of you is vaguely aware that it is a compact crossover which is the most popular vehicle size and type in the country. But any comparison with other crossovers ends there because the incredible degree of sophisticated engineering that went into the AMG® GLC model line so surpasses anything else in even the luxury compact crossover class, that they simply have no peers.

They Are Fast

The former Mercedes-AMG® GLC is replaced by two models, the AMG® GLC 43 and AMG® GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE. The latter is the first AMG® performance hybrid SUV. Both offer more power, more equipment, and more driving pleasure than their predecessor. The GLC 43 is powered by the AMG® M139l 2.0-liter inline-4 with an electric gas turbocharger that produces 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. 

 

But the numbers only tell part of the story. Turbocharged 2.0-liter engines are standard in this class, but this engine has been hand-built at the AMG® Affalterbach site, largely by a single master engine builder. Plus, its partially electrically driven turbocharger is exclusive of AMG® and comes courtesy of technology developed for the Mercedes-AMG® Petronas F1™ Team. Turbo-lag isn’t just diminished but replaced entirely with an electric motor that spins the turbo when engine rpm is low. The motor can spin the rotor at a speed up to 175,000 rpm until engine rpm exhaust flow can take over. It ensures that throttle response is instantaneous from a standstill, after throttle lift, such as coming out of a corner, and so on.

 

The GLC 63 S E Performance takes things a few steps further. The engine size remains the same, but it has a significantly larger turbocharger that is also driven by both electric motor and exhaust flow. Power increases to 469 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque, and that is before you consider the 201 horsepower, 236 lb-ft electric motor between the rear wheels. The permanently excited synchronous motor is powered by a 6.1 kWh battery that can be charged by a plug or from engine and braking operation. Again, other hybrids of this size may have rear-mounted motors, but they will not have an integrated 2-speed transmission. A second ratio is activated at about 87 mph, which keeps the electric motor’s maximum speed within 13,500 rpm. In addition, when other rear hybrid models encounter rear wheel spin, they simply reduce torque from the motors. The AMG® GLC transfers that power toward the front wheels instead to keep powering ahead.

 

The battery is designed for quick and high flow output, helped in part by temperature regulation. A high-tech coolant based on an electrically non-conductive liquid flows around all 560 cells and cools them individually. Managing the power on both models is the AMG® SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9G transmission, which replaces the torque converter with a wet start-off clutch. Weight and inertia are reduced, while shift changes are significantly faster. 

They Turn Fast

Of course, neither AMG® GLC model is intended to only perform in a straight line. Both are equipped with the AMG® RIDE CONTROL steel spring suspension with Adaptive Damping System. The latter continuously adjusts damping at each wheel based on the current driving style and road and surface conditions. The system logic will bias itself based on the preselected suspension settings. Conventional anti-roll bars always make an independent suspension a bit less independent by creating a direct connection between the suspension movements on each side. AMG® RIDE CONTROL removes this compromise by effectively altering the rigidity of the rollbar as needed. Thus it can be flexible when dealing with one-sided road imperfections, yet firm to control body roll in a fast curve.

 

Additional handling dexterity comes from the rear axle steering system. At slow speeds, the rear wheels can turn up to 2.5 degrees for greater slow-speed maneuverability. At speeds above 62 mph (depending on the AMG® DYNAMICS setting), the rear wheels turn in parallel to the front wheels up to 0.7°. This allows the vehicle to respond more directly but with greater stability to steering commands at high speed. 

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They Stop Fast

This being AMG®, naturally, the braking system is superlative with internally ventilated and perforated brake discs measuring 14.7 x 1.4-inch with 4-piston fixed calipers at the front and 14.2 x 1-inch with Single-piston floating calipers in the rear. The GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE is equipped with an AMG® high-performance composite brake system featuring front 6-piston fixed calipers ready to grip 15.4 x 1.4 in internally ventilated and perforated brake discs and 1-piston floating calipers at the rear with 14.6 x 1 in internally ventilated and perforated brake discs. The brake system impresses with short braking distances as well as maximum stability and fade resistance under heavy use. 

They Look Fast

The AMG® GLC models are distinguished by AMG®-exclusive vertical struts in the front grill along with other functional air intakes and aerodynamic details up front. Integrated side sill panels and dark 20-inch wheels look the business on the side. The rear of the GLC 43 has a diffuser-look rear fascia, while the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE has an additional functional diffuser board. GLC 46 has round twin tailpipe outlets, which change to trapezoidal on the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE.

 

The interior features AMG®-specific seat patterns in either MB-Tex/microfiber or optional Nappa leather with the AMG® crest on the headrests. The AMG® exclusive flat-bottom steering wheel is covered in Nappa leather in the GLV 43 and a Nappa leather/microfiber combination in the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE. The MBUX infotainment system also features several AMG®-specific displays and functions.

 

In short, both AMG® GLC models are the ultimate compact SUVs taking the genre further than it has ever been. This article just gave the highlights. So, if you really want to experience the ultimate of this genre for yourself, pay a visit to Mercedes-Benz of Plano.