Second-Gen Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 And 63 Super-SUVs Unveiled

L-R: Second-gen (X254) Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance super-SUVs have bowed!

The Mercedes-AMG performance arm have finally completed work fettling with the new second-generation (X254) GLC crossover SUV, bringing forth two new performance variants for said model. Like its predecessor, the treatment has birthed a ‘lightly’ tuned GLC 43 variant, alongside a monstrous GLC 63 flagship.

On the powertrain front, both are now electrified to grow their output figures, but capacities and cylinder count have shrunk. Starting with the GLC 43, its predecessor’s 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo heart has been swapped out for a more modest 2.0-lite 4-cyl turbo mild-hybrid (MHEV) unit with an integrated starter generator.

Visually, the new GLC 43 is distinguished by the AMG-specific grille, aerokit, 19-inch wheels, and badges.

Said package in the GLC 43 develops 416 HP in total with an additional 13 HP supplied by its starter generator at lower speeds. In contrast, its V6-powered predecessor made do with just 385 HP. However, torque figures have dipped from 521 NM to just 500 NM now.

Paired with a slick 9-speed automatic box and all-wheel-drive (AWD), 0-100 KM/H sprint time has also improved from 4.9 seconds to 4.8 seconds. Added agility is granted through the adoption of beefier brakes, rear-axle steering, standard-equipped air-suspension suite, and AMG Ride Control adaptive damping.

On the onset, both the 43 and 63 versions look similar, but the latter flagship gets larger
20-inch wheels instead.

The downsizing is more apparent in the new GLC 63 S E Performance variant. As its name suggests, it harnesses a similar plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup as seen in the C63 S E Performance, which pairs AMG’s hand-built 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo from the A45 S hyper-hatch with a rear-mounted electric motor and 6.1 kWh battery.

Also primed with an electrically-spooled turbocharger, said package grants the GLC 63 S E Performance with total outputs of 670 HP and 1,020 NM of twist, both managed by a 9-speed automatic box and AWD. Altogether, 0-100 KM/H sprints are despatched at a rather rapid rate of 3.5 seconds.

The switch from a V8 to a new super-PHEV setup sees the GLC 63 deliver 670HP and 1,020 NM of twist to enable 0-100 KM/H in just 3.5 seconds.

As for the chassis, the GLC 63 S E Performance is also endowed with matching hardware to enhance agility. These include beefier brakes (6-pot front units here), rear-axle steering, air-suspension, and the AMG Ride Control adaptive damping suite

Mechanical bits aside, both the new GLC 43 and 63 performance variants get the usual AMG styling treatment inside and out. Highlights include the AMG-specific front grille, aerokit, and wheels (19-inch for the 43 and 20-inch for the 63) for the exterior, followed by a sportier cabin exuded by the AMG-specific sports seats and cabin trimmings present.

On board, the GLC 63 (left) and GLC 43 are treated with AMG-specific trimmings such as carbon fibre.

The cabin in both are also set apart from the base GLC thanks to the AMG-specific sports seats up front.

Apart from which, little else has changed from the base X254-gen GLC crossover like the new MBUX displays and the barrage of active driver assistances (ADAS). Both models will go on sale in both Germany and Europe first starting later this year.

Following these GLC-based performance models, Mercedes-Benz is also poised to release similar guises based on the second-gen (C254) GLC Coupe body later on, perhaps before the current year ends.