Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Coupé revealed with 680 cv and 1020 Nm alongside GLC 43 Coupé

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the most hard-hitting version of the GLC Coupé to date, bringing across the same plug-in hybrid setup the German brand first introduced on the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance.

That model is the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Coupé, which arrives with a combined maximum output of 680 cv and a peak torque figure of 1020 Nm.

Even so, it will only manage 12 kilometres in fully electric driving, underlining that electrification here is focused squarely on performance rather than long-distance EV running.

It therefore makes sense to start with the powertrain, because for the first time since the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupé was launched, it no longer features a V8. In its place is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine (internal code M139L), boosted by a 48V electrically assisted turbo.

This turbo uses a small electric motor acting directly on the shaft linking the compressor and turbine, and it can spin at up to 175 000 rpm. Its main job is to sharpen low-rev response and to keep pressure in the intake system even when you lift off the accelerator.

Alongside that, the GLC 63 S E Performance Coupé also uses a 204 cv electric motor mounted on the rear axle, integrated into a two-speed transmission - with second gear engaging from 140 km/h - in a system Mercedes-AMG calls the Electric Drive Unit (EDU).

680 cv of power and 1020 Nm of torque

On its own, the electric unit can propel the GLC 63 S E Performance Coupé, at which point it runs as rear-wheel drive only. However, the real purpose is to enhance performance, because when the electric motor works together with the combustion engine, total system output rises to 680 cv and maximum torque is set at 1020 Nm, as noted above.

With those figures - and the standard main transmission, a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic (AMG Speedshift MCT 9G) - the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Coupé can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,5s and reach a top speed of 275 km/h.

The battery is positioned above the rear axle and has a 6,1 kWh capacity (of which 4,8 kWh is usable). It supports charging at up to 3,7 kW and allows the GLC 63 S E Performance to cover up to 12 kilometres on 100% electric power.

GLC 43 sits “halfway”

If the GLC 63 S E Performance is more than you need, there is always its younger “brother”, the GLC 43 Coupé, which serves as the entry point to the Mercedes-AMG line-up for this model.

The GLC 43 uses the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine as the GLS 63 S, but in this application the unit is tuned to 421 cv (versus 476 cv in the GLC 63 S). That gap is explained by the electrically assisted turbocharger, which is significantly more compact on the GLC 43.

And while the GLC 63 S is a plug-in hybrid, the GLC 43 is a mild-hybrid. It uses a small electric motor producing just 10 kW (14 cv) with a 48V system, resulting in a maximum output of 421 cv and a peak torque of 500 Nm.

On the subject of torque, it is worth noting that the GLC 43’s all-wheel-drive system splits torque permanently between both axles, with 31% sent to the front axle and 69% to the rear. In the GLC 63 S Coupé, torque distribution is variable, and it is possible to send all power to the rear wheels.

Predictably, performance differs too and is not as explosive as in the GLC 63 S. Even so, the GLC 43 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,8s and reach a top speed of 250 km/h.

In both versions, rear-axle steering is standard equipment, as is AMG Ride Control suspension with adaptive damping.

Styling to match

As is typical of Affalterbach’s models, the visual presence mirrors the “firepower” under the bonnet - and the latest Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupé pair is no exception.

Key highlights include the AMG-specific front grille, which emphasises the car’s width, bumpers with prominent air outlets, flared wheelarches, a rear spoiler and, of course, four substantial exhaust outlets: round on the GLC 43 versions and trapezoidal on the GLC 63 S.

Inside, AMG seats trimmed in synthetic leather immediately stand out, with leather and nappa upholstery also available. More aggressively shaped AMG Performance seats are offered as an option.

As for the AMG Performance steering wheel, it is finished in nappa leather in the GLC 43, while the GLC 63 S versions use a microfibre finish and include the AMG Track Pace function as standard (optional on the GLC 43). This system logs more than 80 vehicle-specific data points ten times per second, including speed, acceleration and steering angle.

And the price?

For the moment, pricing for the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupé and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Coupé in the Portuguese market has not yet been announced.