- The AMG GLC Coupe siblings enter a new generation, with the GLC43 Coupe arriving for 2024 and the more powerful GLC63 S E Performance Coupe joining the party a year later for the 2025 model year.
- Both the eight- and six-cylinder engine options are gone, with a set of turbocharged four-cylinders taking their places.
- The GLC43 produces 416 horsepower, and the plug-in-hybrid GLC63 cranks that figure to 671 hp.
Mercedes-AMG is here to answer the call for those who require a little less utility and a lot more sport from their sport-utility vehicles. The AMG GLC Coupe enters a new generation, with the GLC43 arriving for 2024, and the more powerful GLC63 S E Performance entering the market for the 2025 model year.
Last year’s AMG GLC43 Coupe was powered by a raucous turbocharged V-6, while the AMG GLC63 that departed after 2021 was powered by a wild twin-turbocharged V-8. The beating heart of the new generation drops a few cylinders in favor of the same four-cylinder powertrains found in the latest AMG C-class sedans, as well as the new generation of AMG GLC-class SUVs.
2.0-Liter Turbo Four Power
The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder referenced internally as the M139 produces 416 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque in the GLC43, and pairs with the same 48-volt hybrid system found in the more mainstream Mercedes models. The turbocharger features an electric motor on the shaft that links the compressor and turbine wheels, and can spool up the turbo before the exhaust gases arrive, essentially eliminating turbo lag.
The higher-octane GLC63 S is powered by the same engine, though the engineers over in Affalterbach fit a larger turbocharger to the 63, meaning the engine is good for an additional 53 ponies. It also pairs with a rear-mounted 201-hp electric motor operating through a two-speed transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. Combined, the system makes 671 horsepower, more than making up for the lost cylinders—at least on a spec sheet.
Both the GLC43 and GLC63 S pair their powertrains with AMG’s 9-speed automatic with a clutch pack in place of the torque converter. According to Mercedes, the lesser GLC43 is capable of a sprint to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the mighty GLC63 S manages to complete the run in just 3.4 seconds.
Like the square-backed GLC63 S, the coupe version features unequal-length control arms at each corner, and steel springs that are paired with adaptive dampers. It also features active roll stabilization help reduce body roll. Plus, the brakes have been upgraded, with 14.7-inch discs up front and 14.2-inch rotors in the rear.
Like the other AMG-ified cars, the new AMG GLC Coupe differentiates itself from the standard Mercedes examples through an AMG-specific grille and special bumper. A roof-mounted spoiler, aggressive exhaust tips, and diffuser mark changes to the rear.
The inside of the AMG cars features an AMG steering wheel finished in Nappa leather and seats wrapped in Mercedes’ MB-Tex faux leather. Sport seats and Nappa leather front seats with an embossed AMG logo in the headrests are both optional. And floor mats, door sills, and display numerous AMG logos, lest you forget what you’re in.
Associate News Editor
Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1.
After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf.
