Merc-AMG turns up the heat with GLC43 and GLC63 S E

If the 6.2s century sprint of the Merc's latest GLC SUV (in the GLC300 variant) doesn’t feel quick enough for you, what Mercedes-AMG has just pulled the covers off is sure to tantalise.

Stuttgart's high performance division has just revealed souped up versions of the GLC SUV – in the form of the GLC43, and the hybrid GLC63 S E Performance. Enhancements provided as standard across the range promise a dynamic driving experience, regardless of which variant you go for.

Standard equipment already found on the GLC43 includes rear-axle steering, and AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with an Adaptive Damping System

Firstly, both the GLC43 and GLC63 S E Performance get rear-axle steering, as well as permanent all-wheel drive (in the form of 4MATIC on the GLC43, and 4MATIC+ on the GLC63 S E Performance) which has a rear-axle bias in distributing torque.

Additionally, AMG's SPEEDSHIFT MCT nine-speed transmission with a wet start-off clutch, and the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with Adaptive Damping System come with both cars out of the box.

While the heart of the action is shared in the shape of AMG's M139L, 2.0-litre inline-four engine - augmented by an electric exhaust gas turbocharger - both variants are aided by electrification to varying degrees.

The GLC43's 2.0-litre inline-four engine is aided by a starter-generator that gives the car an additional boost of 13bhp in the lower speed range

In the entry-level GLC43 4MATIC, said engine produces 412bhp, but also gets an additional boost of 13bhp via a belt-driven starter-generator in the lower speed range. Maximum torque of 500Nm is available at 5,000rpm.

On the other hand, the plug-in hybrid GLC63 S E Performance's engine combines with a compact Electric Drive Unit (EDU) on the rear axle to take performance a few notches higher. With a similar powertrain to what we first saw on the C63 S E Performance, Mercedes-AMG is calling this the world's first proper hybrid performance SUV. 

Merc is calling the GLC63 S E Performance its first ever hybrid performance SUV 

Within the EDU resides a 150kW electric motor, integrated with an electrically shifted two-speed transmission and the electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential. A Formula One-inspired 6.1kWh battery designed for fast power output accompanies the setup, and can be charged either via recuperation or an alternating current with the 3.7kW onboard charger.

With the EDU, total output is bumped to 671bhp - and a whopping system total of 1020Nm of peak torque. Acceleration from rest to 100km/h takes just 3.5s as a result, and the GLC 63 S E Performance will reach an electronically limited top speed of 275km/h.

A highly compact EDU on the GLC 63 S E Performance's rear axle integrates an electric motor with an electrically shifted two-speed transmission and electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential

Mercedes says since the electric motor acts directly on the rear axle, it can convert its power more directly into propulsion for an extra boost when moving off, accelerating or overtaking.

Nonetheless, in the instance of a slip at the rear axle, the motor’s drive power can still be transferred to the front wheels for more traction. The rear axle positioning of the EDU is also said to improve the weight and axle load distribution in the vehicle, for more compelling handling.

But it's not just performance that this system contributes to; Mercedes is also saying that this revolutionary concept offers high recuperation by minimising mechanic and hydraulic losses from the engine and transmission.

Twin trapezoidal tailpipes, flanking the car's bumper, as well as an additional diffuser board, help distinguish this from the entry-level GLC43

Naturally, you'll want your AMG-tuned GLC SUVs to be distinguishable from 'run-of-the-mill' variants.

Both the GLC43 and GLC 63 S E Performance come with an AMG‑specific radiator grille with vertical struts, and an AMG front apron with flics, sporty air intakes and a chrome-plated trim element. There also functional modifications for directing airflow specifically to the cars' various functions.

To differentiate the variants, the GLC43 gets a diffuser-look rear apron, with rounded twin tailpipes flanking the bumper. On the other hand, the GLC 63 S E Performance gets an additional diffuser board at the rear, and is framed by trapezoidal twin tailpipes on each lower end.

On the inside, expect Mercedes' dual-layered AMG Performance steering wheel (with the same dedicated button for the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs - you can turn the ESP off), supportive AMG seats in faux leather or microfibre, as well as an MBUX infotainment system with AMG-specific displays and functions.

Both variants get the latest AMG steering wheel, as well as the MBUX infotainment system decked out in AMG-specific graphics

The more manic GLC 63 S E Performance even gets an integrated AMG TRACK PACE as standard for track days. The data logging software records more than 80 types of vehicle-specific data including speed, acceleration and steering angle ten times per second while driving around a race track.

It also displays lap and sector times as well as additional training and analysis tools.

For more individualisation, Mercedes-AMG is offering the two performance SUV variants in three exterior packages, comprising the AMG Exterior Night Package, AMG Night Package Exterior II, and AMG Carbon Exterior Package.

The 'Edition 1' pack is reserved solely for the GLC63 S E Performance, and uses bright yellow accents all over for a racier look

But the one you'll want to get for extra exclusivity is the Edition 1, offered solely for the higher-end GLC 63 S E Performance for one year from its market launch, with its 'Edition 1' logos and widespread use of eye-catching yellow accents.