2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Packs Up to 671 HP, 752 LB-FT of Hybrid Power

The GLC 63 S E Performance has an engine half the size of the old one, but 169 more horsepower and 236 more pound-feet.

Mercedes-AMG has turned its attention to the brand's latest GLC SUV. The German hot-rodders on Monday revealed two GLC flavors: the GLC 43 4MATIC+ and (deep breath) GLC 63 S E Performance.

Neither of these powertrains is new in the Affalterbach realm, but their pairing with the next generation of Merc's best-seller sure is. The compact SUV got a thorough refresh for 2023, and the AMG models not only bring more power, but a whole host of performance upgrades to worry the BMW X4 M, Porsche Macan GTS, and newcomer Maserati Grecale Trofeo.

The milder option is the GLC 43. Under the hood is the AMG M139l 2.0-liter four cylinder, which uses an electric turbocharger to produce 416 hp on its own. In addition, a starter-generator adds 13 hp at low speeds, filling in the gaps between shifts of the nine-speed, wet-clutch transmission. The standard all-wheel drive system sends 61 percent of the power to the rear axle, which now benefits from an active steer system for greater agility and stability.

The result is an SUV capable of hitting 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.8 seconds.

Then there's the 63 S. Sure, the number doesn't represent anything anymore, as like the C 63, the GLC uses an evolution of the same M139l engine, spitting out 469 hp and 402 lb-ft on its own. On top of that, it pairs a compact electric drive unit on the rear axle, which adds 201 hp and 236 lb-ft to the mix—though only in 10-second bursts. It pulls power from a 6.1-kWh battery pack.

The whole package sends the power to the wheels via a fully variable AMG AWD system, with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential on the rear axle. The entire setup is fiendishly complex, but it boils down to huge, simple numbers: 671 hp and 752 lb-ft.

Curiously, Mercedes quotes the longer run to 62 mph (100 km/h) for this fire-breathing GLC: just 3.5 seconds. So pretty darned quick, then. The 63 is also capable of driving on nothing but electric power, though Mercedes is quick to couch that, focusing on the performance and response aspects of the electric motor.

In addition to rear-wheel steering, both AMG models benefit from the AMG Ride Control adaptive damping suspension system as well. The GLC 43 has five drive modes; the 63 S bumps that up to eight. The more powerful model also gains AMG Active Ride Control, which is an active roll stabilization system. Upgraded brakes are part of the equation as well. The GLC 43 utilizes 14.7-inch front discs with 14.2-inch rears; the GLC 63 S bumps those up to 15.4 and 14.6 inches, respectively.

Naturally, AMG has set these hot rods apart from the regular GLC with a smattering of visual (and functional) upgrades inside and out. An AMG-specific grille is the obvious tell, with the traditional vertical slats and larger air openings below. There are also new side sills, and two different diffuser treatments around back. Quad exhaust tips are the name of the game here: the 43 sports a quartet of roundies, while the 63S goes for squircles. There are of course massive alloy wheels to fit those big brakes too, and a dual-plane roof spoiler.

The central touchscreen runs the latest version of MBUX, with several AMG-unique additions. This includes the "Supersport" design, as well as AMG Track Pace. The latter tracks over 80 data points 10 times a second for later analysis.