Mercedes-AMG unveils GLC Coupe 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance: Take a look
With the new cars, the German company has officially phased out the big V6 and V8 engines. But don’t take the petit 4-cylinder lightly; it hides big numbers
It hasn’t been long since Mercedes-Benz launched the GLC SUV in India and the company has already unveiled the coupe variants of the GLC 43 and 63 S E trims, developed in collaboration with its in-house high-performance motoring specialist AMG. This isn’t the only news, however, as the new SUVs come with an all-new, four-cylinder powertrain. What’s significant here is the fact that the old V6 and V8 powertrains have been officially phased out. (Image: Mercedes-Benz)
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Now, the powertrains are the biggest change on the new coupes, so that’s what we will talk about first. The departure from the loud V6 and VD8 may be a bit disappointing to some, but the smaller engines should not be taken lightly. Both versions, the GLC 43 and the GLC 63 S, use the same turbocharged 2-litre engine but one features mild-hybrid technology while the other gets plug-in hybrid tech. The GLC 43’s powertrain is capable of producing 421 hp of maximum power and 500 Nm of torque. The starting generator, too, allows for a short 13 hp boost when running at low speeds. Mercedes-AMG claims the GLC 43 Coupe is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Transmission is handled by a 9-speed automatic and the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. (Image: Mercedes-Benz)
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Then comes the GLC 63 S E Performance coupe. This turbocharged engine gets assistance from a 204 hp electric motor. Combined with the 476 hp from the internal combustion engine, the whole system delivers 680 hp of maximum power and 1,020 Nm of peak torque. Mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and Affalterbach’s 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, the 63 is capable of a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 3.4 seconds. The top-speed has been electronically limited to 275 km/h. While the electric motor is capable of driving the car on its own, its range is limited to just 12 km. So, rather than fuel-efficient driving, the electric motor generally provides pure performance pleasure. (Image: Mercedes-Benz)
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In terms of design, the sloped roof is the major distinguishing factor between the coupe and the standard GLC. But since these are the AMG performance variants of the GLC, the coupes also get AMG specific styling cues. For example, there is an AMG-specific grille, a more aggressive front and rear bumper design, quad exhausts (round on the 43, trapezoidal on the 63), a new rear diffuser, AMG-specific side skirts and also new 21-inch alloys ranging from 19 to 21 inches in size. There’s not much else different in the new coupes. The lines are clean and the whole experience is muscular from the front and rear and extremely sporty in profile. (Image: Mercedes-Benz)
Over on the inside, the layout remains identical to the standard GLC coupe but AMG-specific touches such as the steering wheel, floor mats, sport seats and pedals have been added to mark the difference. Everything else remains the same with the 11.9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, but with AMG-specific graphics. (Image: Mercedes-Benz)
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At market launch, Mercedes-AMG will also have the GLC Coupe 63 S E Performance in an Edition 1 version. Now, of course, it’s unlikely that this variant will make its way to India, but it is worth mentioning nonetheless. Aside from the limited-edition colours, Graphite Grey Magno and High-Tech Silver Magno, the Edition 1 also gets the AMG aerodynamics package which includes the front splitter and an AMG Performance spoiler lip with black trim. On the inside, the Edition 1 gets black Napa leather with yellow stitching and accents. Of course, “Edition 1” has been embroidered into the headrests and can be seen in other places as well. (Image: Mercedes-Benz)
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As far as the launch goes, we’ve already told you the new-gen GLC has reached Indian shores, so the launch of the standard Coupe variant shouldn’t be too far off, either. Mercedes has historically sold the performance SUV in the 43 guise here as well, but currently, we aren’t sure which of the two AMG versions, or maybe even both, will make it here. For now, expect a 2024 launch and pricing north of the Rs 1-crore mark. One of the rivals to the GLC Coupe 43 and 63 could be the Porsche Macan. (Image: Mercedes-Benz)
Stanford Masters Journalist who writes on automobiles
