More power, more equipment, more driving pleasure: The new Mercedes-AMG GLC replaces its highly successful predecessor with a host of innovations. The performance SUV is available in two performance levels and trim levels: as the entry-level model GLC 43 and as the first performance plug-in hybrid SUV GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain exclusive to Mercedes-AMG in the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE is a technical masterpiece. It combines the AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine with an Electric Drive Unit (EDU) on the rear axle for an exhilarating driving experience with high efficiency. In addition to the clearly noticeable thrust, the independent hybrid layout also ensures a balanced weight distribution – benefiting driving dynamics and handling in equal measure. The immediate response of the electric drive on the rear axle, the fast torque build-up and the rapid power delivery are very special features.
Depending on the drive program and driving conditions, the electric motor boosts power and torque according to the situation, thus conveying either a particularly comfortable or a performance-oriented driving experience. Electric-only mode is also possible. The electric powertrain and the high-performance battery with 400 volts are AMG exclusive in-house developments. Just like in Formula 1™, the battery is specifically designed for fast power output and draw with innovative direct cooling of the cells. The combined system output is 500 kW (680 hp), the combined maximum system torque 1020 Nm.
Another highlight is the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive for even more driving pleasure. Added to this is the standard active rear-axle steering, which combines agility and stability.
On the outside and inside, numerous AMG-specific details underscore the dynamic and high-quality character of the new Mercedes-AMG GLC variants in equal measure. In the exterior design, these include the AMG‑specific radiator grille with vertical struts and the AMG front apron with flics, sporty air intakes and chrome-plated trim element. Flics, large inlets and air curtains direct the airflow specifically to the various functions. Harmoniously integrated side sill panels, the diffuser-look rear apron (GLC 43) or additional diffuser board (GLC 63 S) and the two twin tailpipe trims (round on the GLC 43, trapezoidal on the GLC 63 S) round off the design.
In the interior, AMG seats in ARTICO man-made leather/MICROCUT AMG microfibre with distinctive graphics and upholstery add a sporty touch. Optional leather and nappa leather upholstery with embossed AMG crest in the front head restraints is available. The AMG Performance seats are also available as an option.
The AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather (GLC 43) or nappa leather/MICROCUT microfibre (GLC 63 S) is also fitted as standard. It is flattened at the bottom, perforated in the grip area and equipped with silver-coloured aluminium gearshift paddles. The two round AMG steering wheel buttons allow fast and unerring operation of various dynamic driving functions and of the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs. The sporty-luxurious atmosphere is rounded off by AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats and illuminated door sill panels with AMG lettering.
The MBUX infotainment system includes various AMG-specific displays and functions. These include special displays in the instrument cluster, on the portrait-orientation multimedia central display in the centre console and on the optional head-up display. The AMG exclusive “Supersport” style offers the option of displaying various contents via a vertical structure. This includes a set-up menu that displays the current settings of the suspension or transmission. In addition, the driver can have a navigation map or consumption data displayed in “Supersport” style.
Also integrated is AMG TRACK PACE (standard in the GLC 63 S, optional for the GLC 43), the data logger for use on the racetrack. The software records more than 80 vehicle-specific data such as speed, acceleration and steering angle ten times per second while driving around a race track. Also informative are the display of lap and sector times as well as additional training and analysis tools.
E PERFORMANCE Plug-in Hybrid with 500 kW (680 hp) system output and up to 1020 Nm system torque
In the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE, the M139l produces 350 kW (476 hp) at 6725 rpm. This makes it the most powerful series-produced four-cylinder engine in the world. The maximum combustion engine torque of 545 Nm is available at 5250–5500 rpm. In the performance hybrid, the 2.0-litre engine is combined with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor, a high-performance battery developed in Affalterbach and the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. The system output of 500 kW (680 hp) and the maximum system torque of 1020 Nm enable impressive driving performance: Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h takes just 3.5 seconds and only ends at an electronically governed 275 km/h.
The 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor is positioned at the rear axle, where it is integrated with an electrically shifted two-speed transmission and the electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential in a compact electric drive unit (EDU). Experts refer to this layout as a P3 hybrid. The lightweight high-performance battery is also located in the rear above the rear axle.
This compact design has numerous advantages: The electric motor acts directly on the rear axle and can therefore convert its power more directly into propulsion – for that extra boost when moving off, accelerating or overtaking. The inherent design of the electric motor means that its power can kick in straight away at full torque, making particularly agile starting possible. In addition, the driver immediately experiences a noticeable performance increase thanks to the integrated, electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential: the hybrid model accelerates out of bends with great agility.
If slip occurs at the rear axle, the drive power of the electric motor is also transferred to the front wheels as needed for more traction. The mechanical connection of the fully variable all-wheel drive makes this possible by means of the propeller shaft and drive shafts of the front wheels. The positioning at the rear axle improves the weight and axle load distribution in the vehicle. This forms the basis for the compelling handling.
The AMG concept offers very high recuperation efficiency, as the system allows only minimal mechanical and hydraulic losses from the engine and transmission. The automated two-speed transmission at the rear axle with its specially calibrated gear ratio ensures the spread from high wheel torque for agile starting to safe continuous output at higher speeds. An electric actuator engages second gear at around 140 km/h at the latest, which corresponds to the electric motor’s maximum speed of around 13,500 rpm.
With the increase in performance due to the additional electric motor, the development team was also able to improve the efficiency of the entire vehicle in parallel – and achieve lower emissions as well as lower consumption.
Inspired by Formula 1™, developed in Affalterbach: the AMG high-performance battery
The development of the lithium-ion energy storage system is inspired by technologies proven in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team’s Formula 1™ hybrid racing cars. In the course of the development, the experts from the Formula 1™ engine shop High Performance Powertrains (HPP) in Brixworth exchanged ideas intensively with Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach.
The AMG high-performance battery combines high power that can be called up frequently in succession with low weight to increase the overall performance of the vehicle. Added to this are the fast energy draw and the high power density. This means that during a brisk drive in hilly terrain, for example, drivers can immediately call on the full power potential on uphill stretches, while recuperation is strong when driving downhill.
80 kW continuous output and 150 kW peak output
The high-performance battery in the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE offers a capacity of 6.1 kWh, 80 kW continuous power and 150 kW peak power for ten seconds. Charging takes place via recuperation or the installed 3.7 kW on-board charger with alternating current at a charging station, wallbox or household socket. The battery is designed for fast power delivery and draw, not for the longest possible range. Nevertheless, the electric range of 12 kilometres allows a practical activity radius, for example for quiet and all-electric driving from the residential area to the outskirts of the city or to the motorway.
The continual push for innovation: direct cooling of the battery cells
The basis for the high performance of the AMG 400-volt battery is its innovative direct cooling system: for the first time, a high-tech coolant based on an electrically non-conductive liquid flows around all 560 cells and cools them individually. Every battery needs a defined temperature for optimum power delivery. If the energy storage unit gets too cold or too hot, it temporarily loses noticeable power or has to be turned down in order not to be damaged if the temperature level is too high. The consistent temperature of the battery therefore has a decisive influence on its performance, service life and safety. The AMG system is designed to ensure even heat distribution in the battery.
The battery is always within a consistent, optimum operating temperature window averaging 45 degrees Celsius, no matter how often it is charged or discharged. It may well be that the average temperature is exceeded when driving at high speeds. The protection mechanisms are therefore set in such a way that the maximum power can be drawn from the battery in order to subsequently lower the temperature level again through direct cooling.
Operating strategy: electric power always available
The basic operating strategy is derived from the hybrid powerpack of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 racing car. As in the top class of motorsport, maximum propulsion is always available when the driver calls it up by kick-down – to accelerate powerfully out of corners or to overtake quickly. The electric power can always be called on and frequently reproduced via high recuperation performance and needs-based recharging.
Performance Hybrid Drive can control the traction of one wheel
The control of vehicle dynamics also benefits from the hybrid drive. Instead of braking intervention by ESP®, the electric motor can also control traction as soon as a wheel signals too much slip. To achieve this, the intelligent control system reduces the drive torque of the electric motor, which is transmitted to the wheel via the limited-slip rear differential. The result is that ESP® does not have to intervene at all, or only later. Advantage: The combustion engine can thus be operated at a higher torque. This improves agility afterwards and increases efficiency. In addition, the power otherwise “destroyed” during braking can be used to charge the battery.
Active roll stabilisation as standard on the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE
Another feature makes a decisive contribution to the AMG-specific set-up for high driving dynamics: AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL active roll stabilisation as standard in the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE. Instead of using conventional, rigid anti-roll bars, the system compensates body movements electromechanically. For this purpose, the anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles are divided into two parts. In the centre is an electromechanical actuator in which a three-stage planetary gear is integrated. When the road surface is uneven or the driving style is moderate, the actuator actively separates the stabiliser halves, which increases driving comfort. During dynamic use, for example on a winding road, the halves join together and are twisted against each other.
Moreover, the system not only reduces rolling movements when cornering, but also allows more precise tuning of the steering and load cycle behaviour. In addition, it increases ride comfort when driving in a straight line because stimuli by one-sided road bumps are balanced out, for example. Movements in the body can be actively and optimally adjusted to the driving conditions. This allows the driver to experience the hallmark AMG driving characteristics in terms of dynamics, precision and feedback even more intensively.
To meet the high power requirements, the system is based on an additional 48-volt on-board sub-network. Another benefit compared with the usual hydraulic-based systems is the significantly faster response. Added to this is the lower weight of the components compared to hydraulic solutions.
Numerous equipment packages make the Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV models even more individual
The AMG Exterior Night Package includes the painted exterior mirror housings in high-gloss black, the inlays in the AMG side sill trims, the shoulderline trim strip, the window surrounds and the trim strip in the rear bumper. Added to this are heat-insulating dark-tinted glass from the B-pillar and the two black chrome-plated twin tailpipe trims of the AMG exhaust system.
With the AMG Night Package Exterior II, dark chrome is added: the fins of the radiator grille in dark chrome as well as the model badges on the wings and on the rear, including the star at the rear.
The AMG Carbon Exterior Package includes elements in high-quality visible carbon for the A-wing of the AMG front apron, the inserts of the AMG side sill panels and the trim strip in the AMG rear apron. The AMG Styling Package makes the GLC 43 look even sportier: The front splitter in high-gloss black with flics on the sides and the rear diffuser with diffuser board are visual borrowings from motorsport. Furthermore, there are additional flics for the air outlets in the rear apron in high-gloss black.
Edition 1 at market launch
The GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE can be ordered as an exclusive Edition 1 in the exterior colours graphite grey magno or high-tech silver magno for one year from its market launch. A charcoal magno car film visually stretches the vehicle’s sides. The 21-inch AMG forged wheels in cross-spoke design are finished in matt black. The rim flanges with high-sheen finish provide an attractive contrast. This also applies to the yellow-painted brake callipers of the AMG high-performance composite brake system.
The AMG Aerodynamics Package enhances the dynamic visual impression. The aerodynamic elements include the larger front splitter in high-gloss black with flics on the sides, the AMG Performance air flow break-away edge in body colour and additional flics for the air outlets in the rear apron in high-gloss black. The AMG Exterior Night Package and the AMG Exterior Night Package II are also on board. The AMG fuel filler cap in silver chrome with “AMG” lettering emphasises the special status of the edition.
The interior is characterised by the contrast of black and yellow. The AMG Performance seats are particularly refined with upholstery in black exclusive nappa leather with yellow decorative topstitching and “Edition 1” logos in the front head restraints. They follow the sporty look just like the seat belts in yellow and the exclusive AMG trim elements carbon with yellow thread. The AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre with yellow decorative topstitching and the AMG door sill panels with yellow illuminated “AMG” lettering are a perfect match. The finishing touches are the exclusive Edition badge in the interior and specific AMG floor mats with yellow decorative topstitching and “Edition 1” labelling.
To protect the valuable vehicle, each customer receives a customised AMG Indoor Car Cover with “Edition1” logo. With its breathable outer panelling made of tear-resistant synthetic fibre fabric and antistatic inner fabric made of flannel, it protects the vehicle in the garage from dust and scratches.
