AMG has lengthy been synonymous with the V8 engine, charming fanatics with the uncooked power of excessive displacement and distinctive, baleful vocals that might nearly justify their costs single-handedly. Nonetheless, the most recent variations of the C63 and GLC63 have bucked that development, ditching their celebrated V8 for a four-cylinder hybrid. What offers?
Properly, issues are rosier than they appear, however the GLC63 can be a posh labyrinth of tech that requires endurance and experimentation to totally comprehend. You see, that is no unusual four-cylinder engine. It’s primarily based on the hand-built M139 from the CLA45 S, essentially the most highly effective series-production four-cylinder in the marketplace. AMG has enhanced it by incorporating an electrical exhaust-gas turbocharger derived from its Components 1 program.
This modern e-turbo makes use of a small electrical motor to spool up earlier than the exhaust gases stream in, successfully eliminating lag and enhancing energy supply. It operates just like the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit – Warmth) present in present F1 vehicles, however with out the ‘Generator’ operate. That’s left to the 150 kW rear-mounted electrical motor coupled with a 2-speed transmission, which may ship energy to each axles, in addition to harvest braking kinetic power to recharge the battery, very similar to the MGU-Ok unit that’s additionally utilized in F1.
This new M139l engine is supported by a 6.1 kWh lithium-ion battery working on a 400-volt system that was co-developed with Excessive Efficiency Powertrains (HPP), the identical crew answerable for the Mercedes Components 1 energy unit. Leveraging their experience, HPP designed the battery to be high-density and light-weight whereas incorporating motorsport-level cooling. Nonetheless, this hybrid configuration prioritizes efficiency over gas economic system, leading to a restricted electric-only driving vary of simply 14 km. In distinction, the GLC43 makes use of a a lot smaller e-turbo and an electrical motor powered by a 48-volt system as a substitute of the 400 volts used within the GLC63.
Fuel within the entrance, electrical within the rear – sound sophisticated? Properly, it’s, and having a reputation as complicated as Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Efficiency means it’s a significantly misunderstood road-going software of F1 expertise. AMG has defied its typical requirements to unlock this greater realm of efficiency and the headlining figures make it a lot simpler to digest: 671 hp, 752 lb-ft, and a 0-100 km/h time of three.5 seconds, three-tenths faster than the GLC63 it replaces, and sufficient to outsprint its complete cohort: BMW X3 M Competitors (3.8s), Maserati Grecale Trofeo (3.8s), Jaguar F-Tempo SVR (4.0s), and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio (3.8s).
The GLC63 is even faster than different PHEV efficiency automobiles just like the BMW M5 Touring (3.6s), however, as its Bavarian rival would perceive, these electronics are heavy, ensuing within the AMG’s curb weight of two,310kg, the identical as a Vary Rover Sport. But when they’ve already come this far, why didn’t AMG simply use the V8 hybrid setup that’s presently utilized within the S63 E Efficiency and GT63 E Efficiency? Maybe it wouldn’t match into the GLC’s extra compact platform, however it might have additionally remedied any considerations a couple of downsized engine.
Malevolent, thunderous tones have been changed by the gravelly, gritty noises of a four-cylinder. The GLC63 doesn’t attempt to conceal the truth that it sounds precisely just like the CLA45, particularly at full music when the needle bounces off the 7,000 rpm limiter and delivers most sonic impression. It’s nonetheless a lovely anthem, however one usually related to sizzling hatches and modified economic system vehicles. The GLC now has a pesky smooth limiter too, so you may’t flex your four-cylinder like you can with the outgoing V8s – maybe for the most effective.
Whereas it could not possess the uncooked power of its V8-powered predecessors, we are able to’t deny its effectiveness at extracting efficiency and unleashing velocity. AMG has thrown all the things at it: adaptive suspension, rear-wheel steering, lively anti-roll bars, dynamic engine mounts with magnetorheological fluid, and even eight selectable driving modes. The all-wheel drive system can ship as much as 100% of torque to the rear wheels, and the rear electrical motor additionally acts as a digital limited-slip differential, optimizing torque distribution between the 2 rear wheels for higher cornering.
The result’s hysterical point-to-point tempo. Turbo lag is nearly non-existent, and the powertrain packs super low-end thrust as if you happen to’ve simply engaged the afterburner, transmitting gentle vibrations to the cabin for that racecar expertise. Foot to the ground, the GLC63 accelerates as outrageously because the numbers recommend, and whereas the highest finish is price searching for out, we discover ourselves drawn to the beneficiant mid-range, the place torque feels eternal. Hilariously sufficient, we then realized that we had been solely using 80% of the facility.
You see, BMW usually faces criticism for its intensive array of driving modes and settings, however AMG isn’t any completely different. It’s simply been offered in a extra beginner-friendly format with much less complicated nomenclature. It’s right here that we found a function known as Increase Technique, which has similarities to a setting that F1 drivers regulate on their steering wheel. This function tells the rear electrical motor to ship most output for as much as 10 seconds. Initially, once we activated Increase Mode utilizing the steering wheel, we didn’t discover any distinction. Nonetheless, upon consulting the handbook, we discovered that the function solely prompts when the gasoline pedal is pressed past the preliminary stopping level, generally known as the kickdown level. This motion engages a secondary swap, unlocking the total 100%, and the supplemental velocity is critical, like having your personal pedal-activated DRS button. We thought the GLC63 was fast earlier than. Now, it’s straight up biblical.
If you end up on a racetrack, the Observe Tempo app will select the most effective Increase Technique for you and point out when to activate the kickdown to maximise electrical increase and battery cost. Nonetheless, we would like a extra accessible button on the steering wheel, as a substitute of needing to modulate your foot on the kickdown swap, which does require some follow.
All of this may occasionally appear international or synthetic at first, however as you discover the settings and experiment with completely different dealing with and trip choices, you acquire a deeper understanding and appreciation of what AMG is making an attempt to supply. This expertise mirrors what F1 drivers should handle throughout a race, corresponding to battery cost, increase technique, tire life, and brake temperature. However suppose AMG had included a steering wheel with extra buttons and dials much like these on the Mercedes F1 wheel. In that case, it might have additional emphasised the connection between the 2 and probably resonated higher with their shoppers.
The GLC63 shouldn’t be solely spectacular on the straights, however it could actually carry ridiculous lateral masses into corners but stay fully flat and grounded. That is primarily as a result of non-compulsory however extremely beneficial AMG Energetic Experience Management ($4,600), which acts as an lively roll stabilizer. It reduces physique roll, enhances trip high quality, and sharpens dealing with and damping throughout cornering. Porsche makes use of comparable expertise known as PDCC, and the distinction on the street is palpable.
At low speeds, the GLC63 doesn’t really feel its weight, altering instructions on a dime with trustworthy front-end chunk and an accommodating yaw on throttle elevate. It scythes round corners as rapidly as a rear-engined Porsche 911 because of mild but articulate steering, however it’s solely while you start to pile on the velocity and expertise the burden switch that you just understand and recognize how a lot mass is being dealt with electronically. The GLC63 excels at minimizing pitching and rolling, offering a extra composed and comfy trip in comparison with the BMW X3 M. Solely sharper bumps are felt within the cabin. On smoother surfaces and when set to Consolation mode, we discovered the GLC63 to be a suitable and pleasing day by day driver.
Like different AMG EQ and E Efficiency fashions, the brakes are the weakest aspect, impacting each stopping confidence and pedal really feel. Modulating them requires appreciable effort and a spotlight, as they exhibit spring-like resistance on account of their setup: six-piston calipers chunk the entrance whereas a single-piston caliper, assisted by the electrical motor, handles the rears. This explains the inconsistent pedal really feel, making it tough to brake easily and cautiously. Tinkering with the 4 ranges of brake regeneration and every week of acclimatization suppresses however doesn’t fully treatment our apprehensions about it.
We want AMG would put extra effort into making the GLC63 stand out, as it’s hardly distinguishable from the GLC43 from the entrance. Each fashions function the identical vertical-slat grille, headlights, and an AMG badge on the hood as a substitute of the standard Mercedes star. The rear design can be comparable, with the GLC63 showcasing rectangular quad exhausts rather than the rounded ones discovered on the GLC43. Apart from the apparent badging and the “TURBO E Efficiency” label on the aspect fender, the one noticeable variations are the wheel designs, since each fashions share the identical paint colors, together with this placing Spectral Blue.
Will you commerce noise for velocity? Many shoppers appear hesitant to take action, and AMG has acknowledged these criticisms by planning to section out this four-cylinder hybrid to return to its V8 roots. It’s unlucky as a result of the GLC63 is an distinctive technical achievement that merely requires a complete understanding of its avant-garde options to understand its capabilities. Whereas it could lack the musical backdrop and grandeur of a standard AMG V8, its superior F1 expertise cleverly combines mechanical and digital wizardry to ship the efficiency anticipated from a top-tier AMG. The GLC63 does possess emotional worth, however it’s a special type of thrill, one which’s sadly been misunderstood.
Specs:
Mannequin: 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Efficiency SUV
Paint Kind: Spectral Blue Metallic
Base Worth: $109,500
Worth as Examined: $134,350
Wheelbase(mm): 2,888
Size/Width/Top (mm): 4,479 / 1,920 / 1,635
Curb weight (kg): 2,310
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder with electrical turbocharger, 6.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, rear-mounted 150 kW electrical motor
Horsepower: 671 hp @ 6,750 rpm
Torque: 752 lb-ft @ 5,250–5,500 rpm
Transmission: 9-speed automated (engine), 2-speed automated (electrical)
Engine & Drive Configuration: Entrance engine, AWD
Noticed Gasoline Consumption (L/100km): 13.7
Noticed Electrical Vary: 11 km
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV; 265/40ZR21 entrance; 295/35ZR21 rear
