AFFALTERBACH, Germany: The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupé is offered in two powerful variants, including the GLC 63 S E Perfomance Coupé which is the brand's first performance hybrid SUV coupé with 500 kW (680 HP) system output.
There is also the entry-level model, the GLC 43 4Matic Coupé with 310 kW (421 hp) power and a short-term boost of 10 kW (14 hp) via the belt-driven starter generator (RSG).
The extensive standard equipment with rear-axle steering, all-wheel drive, AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission with wet starting clutch and AMG Ride Control suspension with adaptive damping supports the dynamic driving experience.
“With the new Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupé, we are addressing customers who are looking for a sporty lifestyle and dynamic design coupled with impressive performance. With the top model GLC 63 S E Perfomance Coupé, we now also offer our innovative hybrid drive in this segment," said Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG and head of business units Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Mercedes-Maybach.
The heart of the new Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupé models is the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.
The engine, known internally as M139l (l for longitudinal installation), is so far the only series engine in the world that is charged with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger via the additional 48-volt on-board electrical system, which also includes the belt-driven starter generator (RSG).
The system is a direct derivative of the technology that the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has successfully used in the premier class of motorsport for many years.
The new form of charging guarantees particularly spontaneous response across the entire speed range.
Compared to the GLC 43, the turbocharger in the GLC 63 S is significantly larger.
This enables a higher air flow and therefore more performance. In addition, the integrated electric motor is powered by the 400-volt high-voltage system.
In the GLC 63 S E Perfomance Coupé, the M139l produces 350 kW (476 hp) at 6,725 rpm. This makes it the most powerful series-produced four-cylinder in the world.
The maximum combustion engine torque of 545 Nm is at 5,250-5,500 rpm.
In the performance hybrid, the 2.0-litre engine is combined with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor, a high-performance battery developed in Affalterbach and the fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive.
The system output of 500 kW (680 hp) and the maximum system torque of 1,020 Nm enable impressive driving performance: acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h takes place in 3.5 seconds.
The propulsion only ends at an electronically limited speed of 275 km/h.
The 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor is positioned on the rear axle and is integrated there with an electrically switched two-speed transmission and the electronically controlled rear axle limited-slip differential in a compact Electric Drive Unit (EDU).
Experts refer to this layout as a P3 hybrid.
The high-performance battery in the GLC 63 S E Perfomance Coupé offers a capacity of 6.1 kWh, 80 kW continuous power and 150 kW peak power for ten seconds.
Charging takes place via recuperation or the installed 3.7 kW on-board charger with alternating current at a charging station, wall box or household socket.
The battery is designed for fast power delivery and absorption and not for the longest possible range.
Nevertheless, the electric range of 12 kilometres enables a practical operating radius.
In the entry-level model GLC 43 4Matic Coupé, the 2.0 litre four-cylinder in-line engine offers 310 kW (421 hp) at 6,750 rpm. The maximum torque of 500 Nm is at 5,000 rpm.
Depending on the situation, the system also briefly provides an additional boost of 10 kW (14 hp) from the belt-driven starter generator (RSG).
The second generation RSG functions as a mild hybrid, which, in addition to the temporary boost in performance, also enables functions such as coasting and recuperation for maximum efficiency.
The 48-volt technology also increases comfort, as the transitions between the start-stop and coasting functions are almost imperceptible.
The GLC 43 4Matic accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
The sporty silhouette with a flowing transition to the rear is the main feature of the new Mercedes‑AMG GLC Coupé.
The headlights connect to the top of the AMG-specific radiator trim and thus emphasise the width of the vehicle.
The AMG front apron in jet wing design with large air inlets, vertical fins and additional flics sets striking, independent accents.
Precise side edges emphasise the sporty proportions and the powerful wheel arches.
The two-part taillights visually widen the rear view with a black, dark red connecting element. The AMG‑specific rear apron in a diffuser look (GLC 43) or with an additional diffuser board (GLC 63 S) as well as the two double tailpipe trims (round on the GLC 43, trapezoidal on the GLC 63 S) reinforce the powerful impression.
In the interior, AMG seats in ARTICO man-made leather/Microcut AMG microfiber with unique graphics and covers provide a sporty touch.
There is also the standard AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather (GLC 43) or Nappa leather/Microcut microfiber (GLC 63 S).
The MBUX infotainment system includes various AMG-specific displays and functions.
The AMG exclusive “Supersport” style offers the possibility of displaying various content via a vertical structure.
This includes a set-up menu that shows the current chassis or transmission settings.
The driver can also have a navigation map or consumption data displayed in “Supersport” style.
Also integrated is AMG Track Pace (standard in the GLC 63 S, optional for the GLC 43), the data logger for use on the racetrack.
The software records more than 80 vehicle-specific data ten times per second while driving around a racetrack, such as speed, acceleration, steering angle and brake pedal operation.
The display of lap and sector times as well as additional training and analysis tools are also revealing.
