Mercedes-Benz redesigned the GLC-Class for the 2023 mannequin yr, and on Tuesday the automaker revealed a pair of efficiency variants developed by the AMG skunkworks.
The efficiency variants are the most recent variations of AMG’s GLC 43 and GLC 63 nameplates, each of that are set to reach for the 2025 mannequin yr solely with electrified 4-cylinder powertrains.
The powertrains are the identical discovered within the associated AMG fashions primarily based on the C-Class sedan, and within the GLC 63 sees the addition of the S E Efficiency tag to suggest AMG’s most potent hybrid expertise.
Within the GLC 63 S E Efficiency, a peak output of 671 hp is generated from a 2.0-liter turbo-4 with an electric-aided turbocharger and mild-hybrid system up entrance and a single electrical motor on the rear of the automobile. That is over 200 hp greater than what the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 delivered within the outgoing GLC 63 S and sees the electrified compact SUV dash to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and on to a ruled prime pace of 171 mph, in keeping with Mercedes.
Nevertheless, there’s extra to the story than these numbers counsel. The powertrain is designed to ship energy and torque the place it’s wanted. For instance, the rear electrical motor is ready to ship its full torque instantly to assist off the road acceleration, and due to a 6.1-kwh battery the SUV can be in a position to drive on electrical energy alone for brief distances. The 400-volt battery is much like the batteries utilized in Method 1, enabling it to ship excessive energy outputs and recharge rapidly, thanks partly to direct cooling of the cells.
Additionally including to driving expertise is a completely variable mechanical all-wheel-drive system, rear-wheel steering, and a quick-shifting 9-speed automated transmission.
There’s a weight penalty for all of this expertise. Mercedes hasn’t talked about a curb weight however the determine is prone to be greater than the 4,654 kilos of the C 63 S E Efficiency sedan. One benefit of the added weight of the electrified system is best weight distribution in comparison with the V-8-only outgoing technology.
Issues are a lot less complicated within the GLC 43. The compact SUV has the identical 2.0-liter turbo-4 and mild-hybrid combo present in the C 43 sedan. The setup additionally options an electric-aided turbocharger and mild-hybrid system, although the turbocharger is far smaller in comparison with the one within the GLC 63 S E Efficiency.
Peak output is 416 hp, which is routed to all 4 wheels by way of a 9-speed automated and rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. The mix is nice for 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.7 seconds and a ruled prime pace of 155 mph, in keeping with Mercedes.
Mercedes’ newest GLC-Class Coupe can be set to obtain GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Efficiency variants, although the automaker hasn’t mentioned when these extra physique types will arrive. It is doubtless they may also be accessible as 2025 fashions.
