THE ADDITION OF AN E PERFORMANCE hybrid powertrain to the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S SUV and Coupé pairing creates the very first performance hybrid SUV, bringing sporty benefits to every facet of the driving experience.
Customers can once again choose between the practically focused SUV model, with its rugged charm and nuggety stance, or a curvaceous Coupé with a track record of turning heads and winning hearts.
These identically specified Mercedes-AMG siblings offer astonishing levels of accessible performance, sprinting from zero to 100 km/h in as little as 3.5 seconds, yet also offering unprecedented efficiency, including the opportunity to utilise all-electric driving for trips around town.
The latest iteration of these range-topping models once again provides Mercedes-AMG SUV customers with a desirable step up from the well-received GLC 43 SUV and Coupé models.
“The Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV is an absolute success with our customers. Our two versions, with different characters for the sporty-urban lifestyle, are superior all-rounders and precisely tailored to individual customer wishes,” says Michael Schiebe, the CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
“With the E PERFORMANCE drive in the GLC 63 S, we are also launching the first performance hybrid SUV. The all-wheel-drive system, the active rear-axle steering, and the quick-shifting transmission enhance the emotionally appealing hallmark AMG driving experience.”
A technical masterpiece
The hybrid powertrain that combines a Mercedes-AMG-developed 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with an Electric Drive Unit (EDU) on the rear axle in the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE is a technical masterpiece.
The positioning of the compact EDU at the rear axle along with a lightweight, high-performance battery, in combination with a compact front-mounted combustion engine, ensures balanced weight distribution. This benefits driving dynamics and handling in equal measure.
The inherent design of the electric motor means its power can kick in straight away at full torque. The driver also experiences a noticeable performance increase thanks to an integrated, electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, helping the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE SUV and Coupé to accelerate out of bends with great agility.
The mechanical connection of fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive means that if slip occurs at the rear axle, the drive power of the electric motor can be transferred to the front wheels for extra traction.
Formula 1-inspired battery technology
The onboard lithium-ion energy storage system, inspired by technologies proven in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team’s Formula 1 hybrid racing cars, incorporates an AMG high-performance battery combining low weight with high power. As in F1, this power can be called up frequently in succession, increasing overall performance.
This 6.1kWh battery offers 80kW of continuous power, and 150kW of peak power, for up to 10 seconds. It can be charged by energy recuperation during braking and deceleration, or via a 3.7kW onboard charger using alternating current (AC) supply from a charging station, wallbox or household socket.
The battery is designed to aid fast power delivery and draw, rather than for extensive driving range. Emulating the basic operating strategy of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 racing car, maximum propulsion is always available when the driver calls it up by kick-down – to accelerate powerfully out of corners, or to overtake quickly. This electric power can always be called on and frequently reproduced, via high-recuperation performance and needs-based recharging.
The driver can also utilise an all-electric range of up to 14 kilometres. This allows the option of all-electric driving on shorter trips, e.g. from home to the outskirts of the city, or to a motorway entry.
The 400-volt battery pack is enhanced by an innovative direct cooling system. A high-tech coolant based on an electrically non-conductive liquid flows around all 560 cells to keep them within an optimum operating temperature window averaging 45° Celsius, no matter how often the battery is charged or discharged.
A bonus of this innovative hybrid drivetrain is that the electric motor can also assist in controlling traction as soon as a wheel signals too much slip. As a result, ESP does not have to intervene at all, or only at a later stage. This enables the combustion engine to operate at higher torque, improving agility and increasing efficiency.
Astonishing levels of performance
At the heart of the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE SUV and Coupé is the most powerful series-produced four-cylinder engine in the world. This advanced 2.0-litre unit produces a deeply impressive 350kW at 6725 rpm and 545Nm from 5250 to 5500rpm in its own right.
When combined with the 150kW and 320Nm output from a permanently excited synchronous electric motor fitted with a two-speed transmission, the new GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE variants can achieve an astonishing system output of 500kW and 1020Nm. Acceleration from standstill to 100km/h takes as little as 3.5 seconds and via the standard AMG Driver’s Package, overall top speed rises from 250 to 275 km/h.
This outstanding power delivery is channelled via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G nine-speed automatic transmission. A wet start-off clutch replaces the torque converter, reducing weight and optimising accelerator pedal input. Elaborate software calibration ensures extremely short shift times, as well as fast multiple downshifts if required. A double-declutching function in Sport and Sport+ drive programs delivers a particularly expressive shifting experience.
With AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive transmitting the drive power to the road, engine torque can be allocated continuously and as required, from a 50/50 split between the front and rear axles to up to 100 percent sent to the rear.
Along with 4MATIC+, both Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE variants are fitted as standard with an AMG high-performance composite braking system. With 6-piston fixed calipers at the front and 1-piston floating calipers at the rear, this results in very short braking distances, as well as maximum stability and fade resistance under heavy use.
Exceptional ride control with AMG-developed active suspension
An AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension system with Adaptive Damping combines sporty driving dynamics with good long-distance comfort. The Adaptive Damping System continuously adapts at each individual wheel to the current demand, taking into account the preselected suspension level (Comfort, Sport and Sport+), the driving style and the condition of the road surface.
The AMG active ride control system is unique to the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE variants within the GLC range. Instead of using rigid anti-roll bars, this system compensates body movements electromechanically.
This not only reduces rolling movements when cornering, but also allows more precise tuning of the steering and load cycle behaviour. Ride comfort is also increased when driving in a straight line.
Body movement can be actively and optimally adjusted to the driving conditions, allowing the driver to intensively experience hallmark AMG driving characteristics in terms of dynamics, precision and feedback.
Standard rear-axle steering
A three-stage AMG speed-sensitive steering system features a variable steering geometry ratio that adapts to the selected drive program. At high speeds, the steering power assistance decreases; at low speeds it is steadily increased. As a result, comparatively little steering effort is required at low speeds, as well as when manoeuvring and parking, while the best possible control over the vehicle is maintained as speeds rise.
Active rear-axle steering is standard on GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE variants, operating with a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees. This enables the rear wheels to turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels at speeds of up to 100km/h (variable, depending on the AMG DYNAMICS setting). This leads to a virtual shortening of the wheelbase, which in turn results in significantly more agile turn-in. Less steering effort and improved manoeuvrability are also experienced at lower speeds, with the turning circle noticeably reduced when turning or parking.
At speeds above 100km/h (variable, depending on the AMG DYNAMICS setting), the rear wheels turn in parallel to the front wheels, up to a maximum of 0.7 degrees. This virtual extension of the wheelbase leads to a faster build-up of lateral force when changing direction, and a more direct reaction to steering commands.
Exclusive features round out a stunning specification
With their innovative, efficient and powerful hybrid drivetrain and a host of performance-focused technologies developed by Mercedes-AMG, the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE SUV and Coupé are clear leaders of a GLC range that also includes SUV and Coupé variants of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC.
The GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE SUV and Coupé pairing is further distinguished by exclusive features including eye-catching 21-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels, the AMG Night Package II featuring a darkened grille and black chrome badges, AMG TRACK PACE for data-logging of track-focused driving activities, Mercedes-AMG exterior and interior enhancements, and supple AMG Nappa leather upholstery.
In addition, these hybrid models include an onboard alternate current (AC) charging system, an eight-metre straight charging cable for domestic sockets, and an acoustic presence indicator.
These exclusive extras build on the feature-packed specification of the GLC 43 model, which includes the latest generation of the MBUX multimedia system, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, navigation with augmented reality (AR), AMG Performance Sound, an AMG Performance multifunction steering wheel fitted with two AMG rotary controllers, powered and heated front seats with four-way lumbar support, head-up display, two-zone climate control, smartphone integration, wireless charging, and a panoramic sliding sunroof.
A comprehensive suite of safety features includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Light Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, a parking package with 360-degree camera and active parking assist, and the PRE-SAFE accident anticipation system.
An optional extra for GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE variants that is expected to be popular is the Performance Ergonomic Package, including an AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather and MICROCUT microfibre, AMG Performance front seats, and multi-contour front seats.
Another favourite option for true performance enthusiasts is an AMG high-performance ceramic composite braking system.
Stunning AMG Edition 1 Package for a limited time only
To celebrate the launch of the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE SUV and Coupé, Mercedes-AMG is offering an optional AMG Edition 1 Package for a limited time.
This creates an even more distinctive presence, with a host of exterior enhancements including MANUFAKTUR graphite grey magno paint, foiling with colour gradation and large AMG logo on the flanks, an AMG Aerodynamics Package, light-alloy wheels with Edition 1 and AMG labelling, brake calipers in yellow, and an AMG fuel filler cap in silver chrome with AMG lettering. An AMG Indoor Car Cover is included with an Edition logo.
Inside, a swathe of upgrades includes AMG Performance seats, upholstery in AMG Nappa leather in black with yellow contrasting topstitching and Edition Badge in the head restraint, AMG illuminated door sill panels, seat belts in yellow, carbon-fibre AMG trim elements, an AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in carbon fibre design and MICROCUT microfibre, and floor mats with the Edition Logo and yellow topstitching.
Adding the AMG Edition 1 package to either GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE variant deletes the standard aluminium-look running boards.
Pricing
The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE SUV is priced at $192,900 (plus on road costs) and the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE Coupé at $199,500 (plus on road costs).
The Performance Ergonomic Package is one of several available optional packages, adding a further $6900, while the ceramic composite braking system costs an additional $8300.
The eye-catching Edition 1 Package adds $12,900.