Coupes, at least by the classic definition, are cars with two doors, not SUVs with four doors and a hatchback. Mercedes-Benz disagreed with that thinking and, several years ago, began marketing sleek 4-door cars and SUVs with the coupe name. The German luxury sport automaker now offers a handful of models with the title, including the GLC, which is getting updated AMG versions for 2024. The new variants come in two flavors and are Mercedes’ first AMG SUV coupes to feature hybrid technology.
The new SUV coupe comes in GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance configurations, both deriving massive power from a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Mercedes promises tons of standard equipment, including rear-axle steering and adaptive dampers, which will give the new SUV solid footing to compete against heavy-hitters like the Audi SQ5 and BMW X3 M.
The new GLC Coupes are not a radical departure from the styling we’ve seen from the model for years. AMG touches bring beefier wheel arches and a more aggressive stance than the standard model, and the two SUVs get a reworked front fascia to set them apart. Wheel sizes range from 19 to 21 inches, and the AMG GLC Coupe gets unique side panels with an aerodynamic shape.
Mercedes reshaped the GLC Coupe’s headlights, and they now connect to the grille. Around the back, the new two-piece taillights impart a wider look. The 43 variant gets a “diffuser-look” rear fascia, while the 63 gets a real diffuser and double-twin tailpipes.
The two SUV coupes get AMG sport seats wrapped in synthetic leather and suede, and buyers can opt for leather or Nappa leather with an embossed AMG logo. More aggressive AMG Performance seats are available. The GLC 43 is available with a Nappa leather-wrapped flat-bottom sport steering wheel, while the 63 gets it by default. Both models get sport pedals and illuminated door sills.
Mercedes-AMG designates engine specs with its model numbers, and the 63-level vehicles typically have rowdy V8 engines. As it did with the recent C 43 overhaul, AMG is giving the GLC Coupes a 4-cylinder engine in its place. Both models get a turbocharged, 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder, but output levels vary. The 43 sees 416 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, which, according to Mercedes, is good for a 4.7-second zero-to-60-mph time and a 155-mph top speed. The GLC 63 S E Performance adds an electric motor to the rear axle for a combined system output of 671 hp and 752 pound-feet of torque—from a 4-cylinder engine.
While those are staggering numbers, the turbocharger is just as impressive. Rather than relying solely on exhaust gases, the AMG GLC Coupe has a small electric motor that spins the turbo at low rpm before there’s enough gas pressure to take over. According to Mercedes, this significantly reduces turbo lag—the feeling of being “pushed” forward as the turbo spools up from exhaust gases. Depending on the vehicle setup, that process can take a few seconds, costing precious time on the track and in acceleration testing. Mercedes says the system also helps maintain constant boost pressure during braking and throttle lift for better responsiveness.
Beyond that complex system, the GLC 63 S E Performance’s hybrid battery drew inspiration from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team’s car. It features a fast power draw and is more energy-dense than other batteries its size. It has a 6.1-kWh capacity, and you must plug the SUV in to recharge it. Mercedes says it designed the system for performance and power delivery rather than range. The automaker did not disclose the SUV’s all-electric driving range.
Both AMG GLC Coupe SUVs get a 9-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with a wet start-off clutch. The 43 gets five selectable drive modes, while the 63 gets eight, and the standard adaptive suspension system responds to the different drive modes. Rear-axle steering comes standard, offering up to 2.5 degrees of steering angle. At speeds under 62 mph, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the fronts, tightening the turning radius. They turn in the same direction at higher speeds, which Mercedes says brings better stability and more responsive steering.
Mercedes didn’t outline the new SUVs’ safety equipment, but you can expect them to get the same features as their non-AMG counterparts. The list will likely include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning and safe-exit assist, adaptive high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, active parking assistance, and more. Mercedes also offers highway driving assistance features, including hands-free systems.
The AMG GLC Coupes get a large, vertically oriented touchscreen running the latest iteration of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system. It brings a long list of standard features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, USB-C inputs, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more. Users can interact with the system through voice, touch, gesture, and touchpad, and, based on JD Power expert reviews, the newest interface is responsive and easy to use.
The Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupes will compete against other high-performance family haulers, including the BMW X3 M. It’s a very engaging and brutally quick SUV that does all the right things and makes all the right noises. The Audi SQ5 is notably tamer than the Mercedes and BMW but has a deluxe interior and a zipped-up driving experience that’s more comfortable than the other two.
Mercedes-Benz is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of September 27, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Your Test Driver, and others.
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