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MERCEDES-AMG GLC-Class Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 5
First production year: 2016
Engines: Plug-in hybrid, Gasoline
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance photo gallery

Mercedes-AMG expanded the range of the GLC Coupe lineup in 2023 when it introduced the GLC S E Performance version, an electrified model that aimed to provide similar performance to the previous GLC63 S but with improved fuel efficiency.

Mercedes-AMG was committed to lowering the emissions of its cars, and that’s why it started to create electrified, high-performance vehicles. As a result, after Mercedes-Benz introduced the GLC in the Fall of 2022, the performance marque of the three-pointed star brand started to work on the higher-spec versions of this model. As a result, in the Summer of 2023, it unveiled both the GLC43 and the GLC 63 S E Performance versions. The latter carried over the drivetrain from the AMG C63S, with which the GLC shared its platform.

The car manufacturer from Affalterbach reserved its rights to offer the GLC 63 S E Performance with a unique color, the high-tech silver magno. AMG installed its own badge on the hood and, lower, the specific Panamericana-style grille with vertical slats. These were available either with a chromed finish or black for the Night package II option. Lower on the bumper, in the apron, the A-shaped lower grille featured vertical and horizontal slats and was flanked by large scoops that vented the front rotors. From its profile, the side skirts and the big, 20” light alloy wheels. At the back, the car boasted a center-mounted diffuser under the bumper flanked by four rectangular exhausts.

Inside, the automaker placed carbon fiber trims around the dashboard that matched perfectly with the aluminum parts from the door cards and center console. Fronting the driver was a digital instrument cluster. In addition, atop the center stack, the automaker placed the MBUX infotainment unit with a portrait-mode touchscreen. The center console housed a few storage areas and the center armrest. Unlike the rest of the GLC range, this one featured additional menus and a “Supersport” style, allowing customers to display various contents vertically. Between the front occupants, the automaker placed a tall center console finished with piano-black trims and housing a storage compartment under the armrest. On the rear flat-folding (60/40), the bench seat was roomy enough for three adults but with limited legroom for the middle-seated one due to the center tunnel.

Mercedes-AMG ditched the formerly used 4.0-liter V8 and installed a turbocharged four-pot engine helped by an electric motor and a belt-driven starter generator (RSG). As a result, it provided 680 PS (671 HP), which was 170 PS (168 HP) more than its predecessor. The new unit sent its power in all corners via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT (multi-clutch technology) 9G gearbox and variable torque distribution between the front and rear axle. Furthermore, it also benefited from a wet-clutch system for the launch control.

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Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC photo gallery

At the time of launch, the AMG GLC 63 set the lap-record on the famous Nurburgring-Nordschleife (North Loop) track stopping the clock at 7.49.369 minutes and stealing the crown as the fastest SUV on the “Ring” from the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio.

While the SUV market grew, Mercedes-Benz launched its answer with the GLC and then added some spice with the AMG versions. The top of the line is the 63 4Matic S version, which blasts the roads with 510 HP and a top speed of 175 MPH (280 KPH). The “lesser” GLC 63 version, without the “S” mark, is electronically limited to 155 MPH (250 KPH). Both of them have the same base engine, the well-known 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, but the S version has almost 35 more HP than the non-S. Both variants are equipped with the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission. The suspension is pneumatically controlled with adaptive damping adjustments for a better roadholding and improved cornering speed.

Inside the cabin there is room for four passengers and trunk-space for over 500 liters, and the bucket-seats are a promise to hold their occupants on the fastest corners. The infotainment system has two large displays with 12.3” in front of the driver and 10.25 on the right, which will help the driver control the phone via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, or to improve lap-times via the AMG dedicated app.

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Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC photo gallery

After the 2019 facelift for the entire GLC range, the AMG 43 engine was installed in the compact-SUV from Mercedes. The result is a bold statement into a family SUV. Specific AMG-styling was brought to the vehicle, starting with the specific black and chrome grille, the front bumper with an apron and the dual chromed twin-pipes at the rear. From the side, the new AMG wheels can be easily remarked. There are five different alloy wheels sized between 19” and 21”.

Under the hood, there is a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine, fed via two turbochargers. The improvements made to this new version of the older powerplant can be translated into a surplus of 23 hp to a total of 390 hp and 520 Nm (383.5 lb-ft) of torque. The performance resulted is as good as that of a sports car. The 0-100 kph (62 mph) acceleration time is 4.9s and the top speed is limited to 250 kph (155mph).

On the inside, the seats are sporty and supportive for keeping the passengers inside during hard cornering. The trunk is enough for five adults going into a holiday with its 550 liters.

One of the main new features of the vehicle's infotainment system is the MBUX unit, which can be operated via touch-controls from the steering wheel, gestures or even by voice-commands using the “Hey Mercedes” phrase. As expected, this MBUX is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

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Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 (X253) photo gallery

After introducing the Mercedes-AMG as a separate brand, the German carmaker with a three-pointed star badge unleashed the power in all models and versions, and the GLC couldn't be spared from the AMG treatment.

Mercedes-AMG didn't take any shortcuts when it made the GLC 63. It took a standard GLC, dropped a bi-turbo V8 under its hood, and enhanced the rest of the vehicle to match the enormous power developed by the hand-crafted engine.

With a front fascia that resembled the Panamericana model, featuring 14 vertical double-slats on the grille, the GLC 63 didn't even try to hide its performance. That image was complemented by the aggressive look of the lower apron, which sported the A-shaped center grille flanked by massive air intakes that cooled the standard 19" light-alloy wheels. As an option, the carmaker also offered a set o 20" and additionally, a 21" set.

Inside, Mercedes-AMG installed sport bucket seats with high bolstered areas and an option for sport seats. At the front, the customers were spoiled with aluminum or carbon-fiber trims, depending on the options. Moreover, the driver benefited from a sport, flat-bottom steering wheel. The paddle shifters were standard, and also the metallic badge showed the AMG lettering on the lower side of the rim.

Under the hood, the 4.0-liter bi-turbo powerplant was somewhat related to the one found in the magnificent Mercedes-AMG GT. It was offered in a few power versions. While the GLC 63 provided 476 hp (350 kW), the top-of-the-line GLC 63+ provided 510 hp (375 kW). Both versions were paired as standard to a nine-speed automatic gearbox, and both of them were limited to 250 kph (155 mph).

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Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 (X253) photo gallery

The horsepower war extended on all classes and all sizes, and Mercedes-AMG built the GLC 43 with one purpose: to deliver sports car performance in a compact SUV package.

Competing against Porsche Macan and BMW X3 M, Mercedes-AMG worked on the GLC SUV to enhance its performances. The result was a powerful vehicle that could rocket from zero to 60 in less than five seconds. But that wasn't all about the compact, premium car.

Compared with its non-AMG sibling built by Mercedes-Benz, the AMG 43 featured a new front fascia with a single-slat chromed bar on the 3D pattern design grille. Its front bumper was different and sported the more comprehensive, A-shaped signature lower mesh-grille from AMG, while the side scoops received two horizontal slats. On its sides, the GLC 43 revealed a set of high-gloss, high-sheen 19" alloy wheels with a twin-spoke design. At the back, on the lower side, four squared exhausts completed the AMG package.

Inside, the GLC 43 featured high-bolstered sport bucket seats at the front with black, ARTICO artificial leather and microfiber, and red, contrast stitching. At the back, the bench for three received the same treatment. In addition, as part of the AMG package, the carmaker added red seatbelts for all five occupants.

Under the hood, AMG installed a twin-turbo V-6 engine that provided 367 hp delivered to all four corners via a 9-speed automatic transmission. The air suspension contributed to increasing the cornering speed. In addition, the GLC 43 fuel efficiency was improved by a cylinder deactivation system.

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