Mercedes-AMG reveals go-fast GLC Coupes, here late 2024

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance Coupes have been revealed, ahead of an Australian release in a little over 12 months time.

Due in Australia during the fourth quarter of 2024 – some six months after its SUV counterparts – the AMG GLC Coupe range will follow the related AMG GLC SUV in offering exclusively four-cylinder engines.

The flagship 63 S E Performance, for instance, uses the same 500kW/1020Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid drivetrain as the new C 63 and GLC 63 SUV.

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe

Gone is the singing six, replaced with the M139l 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo – similar to the engine used in the AMG A45 hyper hatch.

Teamed with a 48V mild-hybrid system and an electric exhaust gas turbocharger, the AMG GLC 43 puts out 310kW (6750rpm) and 500Nm (5000rpm).

Mercedes-AMG says “depending on the situation, the system also briefly provides an additional boost of 10 kW (14 hp) and 150Nm from the belt-driven starter generator (RSG)”.

On the flipside, the 48V MHEV technology also enables coasting and energy recuperation functions to increase efficiency, whilst also smoothing out the start-stop function.

AMG quotes a 0-100km/h time of 4.8 seconds for both the GLC 43 SUV and Coupe, with top speed electronically limited to 250km/h.

Drive is sent to an AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive system via the company’s AMG Speedshift MCT 9G automatic transmission (MCT = Multi-Clutch Transmission), where a wet starting clutch replaces the conventional torque converter – reducing weight and optimising accelerator response.

The all-wheel drive system runs a permanent 31:69 front:rear torque split for a more traditional rear-drive bias, while the standard AMG Ride Control adaptive damping system offers Comfort, Sport and Sport+ settings.

Inside you’ll find standard AMG seats in an Artico man-made leather and Microcut AMG microfibre combination, with Nappa leather upholstery optionally available in overseas markets – local specifications will be confirmed closer to launch.

An AMG Performance steering wheel also sits ahead of the driver, trimmed in Nappa leather as standard for the AMG GLC 43. The flat-bottom design also includes perforated sections “in the handle area” and comes as standard with silver aluminium paddle shifters.

AMG-specific displays and functions are included in the MBUX 2.0 touchscreen infotainment system as well as the digital instrument cluster, with AMG’s Track Pace telematics system optionally available for the 43 (standard on the GLC 63).

Both AMG GLC Coupe models come as standard with speed-sensitive steering and active rear axle steering. The latter operates with a maximum angle of 2.5 degrees, with the rear wheels turning opposite to the fronts up to this degree at speeds up to 100km/h.

“This leads to a virtual shortening of the wheelbase, which in turn results in significantly more agile turning, less steering work and increased manoeuvrability,” Mercedes-AMG says in its media release.

At speeds over 100km/h, the rear wheels will turn at up to 0.7 degrees parallel to the fronts, which has “a positive effect on driving stability, leads to a quicker build-up of lateral force when changing direction and thus to a more direct reaction of the vehicle to steering commands”.

Mercedes-AMG says the “response behaviour” of the rear-wheel steering system depends on the selected AMG Select drive mode.

Rounding out the AMG GLC 43 highlights are AMG sports brakes with 370mm front and 360mm internally ventilated and perforated discs, featuring four-piston fixed calipers on the front axle and one-piston floating units at the rear.

Ahead of the brakes, 19-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard to European versions of the GLC 43, shod in 235/55 front and 255/50 rear tyres. Expect Australian models to pick up larger rims as standard, though.

The usual AMG exterior accoutrements also feature, with an aggressive body kit running the perimeter of the vehicle, and the 43’s rear specifically characterised by rounded quad tailpipe trims nestled in a rear diffuser treatment.

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Coupe

Headlining the range is the new GLC 63 S E Performance Coupe, boasting the aforementioned 500kW and 1020Nm plug-in hybrid system.

In the GLC 63, the M139l 2.0L engine is boosted to 350kW (6725rpm) and 545Nm (5250-5500rpm) courtesy of a significantly larger turbocharger, teamed with a 150kW electric motor integrated with an electrically switched two-speed transmission and electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential.

“The electric motor acts directly on the rear axle and can therefore convert its power more directly into propulsion – for that extra boost when starting, accelerating, or overtaking,” says Mercedes-AMG.

“The automatically shifting two-speed transmission on the rear axle, with its specially co-ordinated ratio, ensures the spread from high wheel torque for agile starting to safe continuous performance at higher speeds.”

“An electric actuator engages second gear at around 140 km/h at the latest, which corresponds to the maximum speed of the electric motor of around 13,500 rpm.”

In addition to the aforementioned drive units, there’s a 6.1kWh lithium-ion battery offering 80kW of continuous power and a 150kW peak which can be available for up to 10 seconds.

“The battery is designed for fast power delivery and absorption and not for the longest possible range,” Mercedes-AMG says, with an official quoted EV driving range of 12 kilometres. Further, the battery features direct cooling and can be charged via recuperation or using the 3.7kW onboard charger.

Zero to 100km/h takes a claimed 3.5 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 275km/h. Fuel consumption, meanwhile, is rated at 7.5L/100km on the combined cycle.

The flagship model features the fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system, which allows for as much as 100 per cent of torque to be sent to the rear axle.

AMG has upped stopping power with 390mm front and 370mm rear high-performance composite brakes, featuring six-piston calipers up front and a one-piston floating unit at the rear.

The AMG GLC 63 S also builds on the 43’s standard adaptive damping and rear-axle steering with optional AMG Active Ride Control, which is Mercedes-AMG-speak for active roll stabilisation.

Externally the AMG GLC 63 is distinguished by its trapezoidal tailpipe finishers and an additional diffuser board in the rear bumper compared to the GLC 43. Different wheel designs are also shown in the supplied imagery.

The AMG performance bucket front seats shown here are optional in Europe but will likely be standard-fit for the Australian market as a point of differentiation from the GLC 43 locally, though final specifications are to be confirmed.

Globally, the GLC 63 S comes standard with a Nappa leather and Microcut microfibre steering wheel.

Edition 1

At market launch the AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Coupe will be available with an Edition 1 launch package, featuring special graphite grey magno or high-tech silver magno exterior paint.

The Edition 1 will be available “for one year after market launch”, distinguished by matte black 21-inch AMG forged wheels in cross-spoke design and high-sheen rim flanges, as well as yellow-painted brake calipers in addition to the special paint options.

Further exterior additions include the AMG aerodynamics package which dons a larger front splitter in high-gloss black with side flics, an AMG Performance rear spoiler lip in black, and more flics on the rear air outlets in high-gloss black.

An AMG tank cap in silver chrome with AMG lettering “emphasises the special position of the edition,” with the AMG Exterior Night I and II packages also fitted as part of the Edition 1 spec sheet.

Inside, the Edition 1 scores black Nappa leather AMG performance seats with yellow stitching and Edition 1 logos in the front headrests, bolstered by yellow seatbelts and “exclusive” AMG carbon trim elements with yellow thread.

The yellow stitching extends to the AMG Performance steering wheel, and there’s yellow-illuminated AMG lettering in the sills.

Rounding out the first-edition touches is an Edition badge in the cabin, specific AMG floor mats with yellow stitching and Edition 1 labelling, as well as a tailor-made AMG Indoor Car Cover with Edition 1 logo.

Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest in the lead up to the Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe’s arrival in the latter stages of 2024.

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