Facelifted GLC 43 and 63 are AMG’s latest SUVs with hybrid power
Smaller four-cylinder engines and electric motors are among the highlights of these updated performance SUVs
Mercedes-AMG has revealed the facelifted GLC 43 and GLC 63 models, which adopt downsized engines plus hybrid power.
Ditching the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine from their predecessors, these new models have a smaller 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine.
The 43 version makes 416 bhp, 31bhp up from before and 500 Nm of torque. Serving as the mild-hybrid element is the new belt-driven starter generator, enabling the AMG-lite version to gain a temporary boost of 14 bhp and 150 Nm. As a result, the GLC 43 goes from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds before topping out at an electronically limited 155 mph.
Mercedes says this helps to improve fuel economy, with the GLC 43 returning up to 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the motorway.
As for the GLC 63 S E Performance, power is dialled up to 461 bhp, which is claimed to be the most powerful four-cylinder engine ever installed on a road-going car. Thanks to a "significantly larger" turbocharger compared to the GLC 43’s, the 63 delivers up to 545 Nm of torque from the engine alone. With a rear-mounted electric motor, the car generates an extra 201 bhp and 320 Nm of torque.
In terms of 0-62mph, the GLC 63 S E Performance cuts the sprint time to just 3.5 seconds, while its top speed is limited to 171 mph.
Regarding range from its 6.1-kWh battery pack, Mercedes says the car allows for a claimed electric-only range of 7.5 miles.
The four-cylinder engine is paired to a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and up to eight driving models are available on the 63 model. Both SUV’s also come equipped with adaptive steel spring suspension and rear-wheel steering.
Stopping power comes from six-piston callipers at the front for the flagship 63, while the 43 model has four.
Externally, both SUVs look similar, but the 63 boasts an Edition 1 spec, which rides on forged 21-inch wheels finished in matte black plus some exclusive accents.
Expected to hit the market late this year or early in 2024, the GLC 43 will start at over £70,000, while the GLC 63 will have a price tag of £100,000 and above.