There’s a new AMG in town! Yesterday, Mercedes unveiled its new range of high-performance GLC models, with the AMG-spec GLC 43 and 63. Just like the GLC offerings, the SUV now gets a hybrid powertrain, at the cost of its older V6 and the V8 motor. As per the company, the tech behind its electric turbocharger has been borrowed from its F1 team…which doesn’t exactly reassure us if we were to take a look at the grid standings.
However, the numbers tell a different story. As mentioned earlier, gone is the turbocharged, mild-hybrid V6 motor in favour of a 2.0-litre inline-four engine, with mild-hybrid assistance, pushing the power figures from 390PS to 435PS. This translates to a nought to 100kmph sprint done in 4.8 seconds, compared to the earlier 4.8 seconds. While that doesn’t sound like much, it should be noted that you do get the benefit of consuming less fossil fuel and the addition of rear-axle steering.
Apart from the GLC 43, the higher-spec GLC 63 S E Performance unit has also gotten a similar set of upgrades along with a bigger turbocharger and PHEV drivetrain. Power figures here stand at 680 PS and 1020Nm, an increase from the V8’s output of 510PS and 700Nm. In comparison, the updated model now does 0-100kmph in 3.4 seconds, an incremental upgrade over the earlier number of 3.8 seconds.
Both the GLC 43 and 63 get AMG-specific elements such as the Panamericana grille with slightly revamped interiors with a Napa leather-clad steering wheel and more. Other highlights include 19-inch wheels on the GLC 43, with cast iron brake rotors and four-piston callipers. While the 63 gets bigger 20-inch units with 90 mm carbon ceramic brakes and six-pot callipers. The latter also gets a bigger version of the rear diffuser seen on the 43, along with quad tailpipes.
The German carmaker additionally offers two different optional packages – the Night and Carbon package, which blacks out the chrome bits of the SUV, and the AMG Styling Package, which adds aero bits for increased performance. There’s also a third Edition 1 launch model, limited to the first year of production, that features yellow brake callipers, yellow seatbelts and interior stitching.
As much as we’d like to see the two AMG-branded SUVs coming to India, there’s been no official confirmation from Mercedes’ side.
Image Credits – Mercedes-AMG
