Mercedes-AMG’s newest GLC is a plug-in hybrid with 671 hp

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Mercedes-AMG has unveiled its new GLC models, including its first-ever AMG performance model that’s also a plug-in hybrid — and that, with a four-cylinder engine, makes 200-plus more horsepower than the turbocharged V8 it replaces. The new SUVs will feature standard rear-axle steering, rear-biased all-wheel-drive, and adaptive-damping suspension.

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The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 will go on sale in Canada in the first quarter of 2024; while the GLC 63 S E Performance will follow in the third quarter as a 2025 model year, with pricing announced closer to launch.

The GLC 43 features a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with electric turbocharger, producing 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque — and with a boost of 13 horsepower at lower engine speeds from its belt-driven starter-generator. The automaker says it’s the world’s only production engine with an electric exhaust-gas turbo, which provides immediate response across the engine’s rpm range. Zero to 100 km/h takes 4.8 seconds, with an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. As with other AMG engines made at the company’s site in Affalterbach, Germany, it is built entirely by one person. It is fitted to an AMG nine-speed automatic transmission.

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The same engine is under the hood of the GLC 63 S E Performance, but with a larger turbocharger with higher air-flow rate. On its own, it creates 469 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque – which AMG says makes it the most powerful series-production four-cylinder in the world – but that’s just the beginning. There’s an electric drive unit on the rear axle, and when gas and electricity work together, the GLC 63 makes a combined 671 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque, with zero to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. The all-wheel-drive system uses a driveshaft between the front and rear axle, and if the rear wheels slip, the electric motor’s drive power can be transferred forward to give the front wheels more power.

While the electric unit is primarily used to increase performance, the vehicle can drive on electricity alone in certain conditions. Its 6.1-kWh battery gets plugged in and charged through a 3.7-kW onboard AC charger — and it also grabs extra juice via the regenerative braking system. Since it’s meant more for power bursts than for long-range driving assistance, the high-recuperation system ensures that there’s always some electric assist for hard acceleration.

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The new models stand out from the regular GLC with their AMG-specific grille and front fascia, diffuser-style rear fascia, side sill panels, and twin tailpipes that are round on the 43; and trapezoidal on the 63.

Inside, standard or available features include performance sport seats, Nappa leather or faux-leather-and-microfibre upholstery, AMG sport pedals, illuminated door sills, and a leather- or microfibre-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with aluminum paddles and drive mode dials — five modes for the 43, and eight for the 63.

The infotainment system includes AMG-specific functions and displays which can be shown horizontally or vertically within the screen. An optional AMG Track Pace data logger records speed, acceleration and steering angle ten times per second, and shows lap times along with training and analysis tools.