The new Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe: Stylish design meets sporty driving dynamics

• Two powerful model variants available
• First SUV coupe with exclusive AMG E PERFORMANCE hybrid technology
• Electrified AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with electric exhaust gas turbocharger
• AMG RIDE CONTROL chassis with adjustable damping and standard rear axle steering
• AMG-characteristic design features for the exterior and interior
• GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE Coupe and GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe both expected to arrive in Canada in 2024

A few weeks after the presentation of the new Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV, the performance and sports car brand is presenting the new GLC Coupe. It completes the successful midsize series from Mercedes-AMG and sets another highlight in the model portfolio with its combination of dynamic elegance and characteristic AMG features. Striking proportions and exciting surfaces underline its unmistakable appearance, complemented by the high-quality interior.

There are two powerful model variants to choose from: The GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE Coupe is the brand's first performance hybrid SUV coupe. It combines the AMG M139l 2.0-liter turbo engine with an Electric Drive Unit (EDU) on the rear axle to deliver 671 hp of combined system output and 752 lb-ft of combined torque. The entry-level model GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe is able to produce 416 hp and has an additional boost of 14 hp via the belt-driven starter generator at lower engine speeds. The standard rear-axle steering, AMG Performance 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque distribution, AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission with wet starting clutch and AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping contribute to the dynamic driving experience.

"With the new Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe, we are addressing customers who are looking for a sporty lifestyle and dynamic design coupled with impressive performance. The diverse and high-quality technical components guarantee the highest level of driving dynamics and pleasure. With the top model GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE Coupe, we now also offer our innovative hybrid drive in this segment, which guarantees an extensive range of driving experience."
Michael Schiebe, CEO Mercedes-AMG GmbH and head of business units Mercedes-Benz G-Class & Mercedes-Maybach

The sporty silhouette with a flowing transition to the rear is the main feature of the new Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe. The headlights connect to the top of the AMG-specific radiator trim and thus emphasize the width of the vehicle. The AMG front apron in jet wing design with large air inlets, vertical fins and additional flics sets striking, independent accents. Precise side edges emphasize the sporty proportions and the powerful wheel arches.

The wheel arch trim in the body colour and the AMG side skirt trim are harmoniously integrated into the elegant basic shape. The confident appearance is also emphasized by the wide track and flush-fitting wheels in 20- or 21-inch formats. Optional equipment includes entry-optimized running boards and numerous other packages.

The two-part taillights visually widen the rear view with a black, dark red connecting element. The AMG-specific rear apron in a diffuser look (GLC 43) or with an additional diffuser board (GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE) as well as the two double tailpipe trims (round on the GLC 43, trapezoidal on the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE) reinforce the powerful impression.

Characteristic AMG elements in the interior for a sporty, elegant appearance
In the interior, AMG seats in ARTICO / MICROCUT AMG microfiber with unique graphics and covers provide a sporty touch. Optional leather and Nappa leather upholstery with an embossed AMG coat of arms in the front headrests is available. The interior can also be fitted with optional AMG performance seats

The AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather is equipped standard on GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance (optional microfiber versions available). It is flattened at the bottom, perforated in the handle area and equipped with silver-coloured aluminum shift paddles. The two round AMG DRIVE UNIT buttons enable quick and precise operation of various driving dynamics functions and the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs. The sporty, luxurious atmosphere is rounded off by AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats and illuminated door sills with AMG lettering.

The MBUX infotainment system includes various AMG-specific displays and functions. These include the independent displays in the instrument cluster, in the portrait format multimedia central display in the centre console and in the optional head-up display. The AMG-exclusive "Supersport" style offers the possibility of displaying various content via a vertical structure. This includes a set-up menu that shows the current chassis or transmission settings. The driver can also have a navigation map or consumption data displayed in supersport style.

Also integrated is AMG TRACK PACE, the optional data logger for use on the racetrack. The software records more than 80 vehicle-specific data points, such as speed, acceleration, steering angle and brake pedal operation. The display of lap and sector times as well as additional training and analysis tools are also available.

AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder with electric exhaust turbocharger
The heart of the new Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe models is the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which combines innovative technologies and high performance with exemplary efficiency. The engine remains true to a tradition typical of the brand: it was not only completely developed at the company's Affalterbach location but is also manufactured there in accordance to the "One Man, One Engine" principle. Mercedes-AMG combines the craftsmanship of its highly qualified employees with the latest production methods of Industry 4.0 and a high level of digitalization.

The engine, known internally as M139l (l for longitudinal installation), is so far the only series engine in the world that is turbocharged with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger via the additional 48-volt on-board electrical system, which also includes the belt-driven starter generator (RSG). The system is a direct derivative of the technology that the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has successfully used in the premier class of motorsport for many years. The new form of turbocharging guarantees particularly spontaneous response across the entire rpm range. This leads to an even more dynamic driving experience while also increasing efficiency.

The functional principle of the electric exhaust gas turbocharger in detail
An approximately four-centimetre narrow electric motor is integrated directly on the shaft of the turbocharger between the turbine wheel on the exhaust side and the compressor wheel on the fresh air side. Electronically controlled, this directly drives the shaft of the turbocharger and thus accelerates the compressor wheel before the exhaust gas flow takes over the conventional drive.

This significantly improves the response behaviour right from idle speed and across the entire rpm range. The combustion engine reacts more spontaneously to accelerator pedal commands, and the overall driving experience is significantly more dynamic. In addition, the electrification of the turbocharger enables higher torque at low speeds. This also increases agility and optimizes acceleration from a standstill. Even when the driver eases off the accelerator or brakes, the technology can maintain the boost pressure at all times. This ensures a continuously direct response.

Compared to the GLC 43, the turbocharger in the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE is significantly larger. This enables a higher air flow and therefore increased performance. In addition, the integrated electric motor is powered by the 400-volt high-voltage system.

E PERFORMANCE Hybrid with 671 HP 680 HP system output and up to 752 lb-ft system torque
In the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE Coupe, the M139l produces 469 hp at 6,725 rpm. This makes it the most powerful series-produced four-cylinder in the world. The maximum combustion engine torque of 402 lb-ft at 5,250-5,500 rpm. In the performance hybrid, the 2.0-litre engine is combined with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor, a high-performance battery developed in Affalterbach and the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive.

The system output of 671 hp and the maximum system torque of 752 lb-ft enable impressive driving performance: acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.

The 201 hp electric motor is positioned on the rear axle and is integrated there with an electrically switched two-speed transmission and the electronically controlled rear axle limited-slip differential in a compact Electric Drive Unit (EDU). Experts refer to this layout as a P3 hybrid. The lightweight high-performance battery is also located in the rear above the rear axle. This compact design results in numerous advantages.

The electric motor acts directly on the rear axle and can therefore convert its power more directly into propulsion - for that extra boost when starting, accelerating, or overtaking. As is typical of the design, the power of the electric motor can be used at full torque, so that particularly agile starting behaviour is possible. In addition, thanks to the integrated, electronically controlled rear axle locking differential, the driver immediately experiences a noticeable increase in performance: the hybrid model accelerates extremely agilely out of corners, offers optimal traction and therefore greater driving safety.

If any slip occurs on the rear axle, the driving force of the electric motor is also transferred to the front wheels as needed for more traction. The mechanical connection of the fully variable all-wheel drive makes this possible via the cardan shaft and drive shafts of the front wheels. The positioning on the rear axle improves the weight and axle load distribution in the vehicle. This forms the basis for the convincing handling.

The AMG concept offers very high recuperation efficiency because the system allows only minimal mechanical and hydraulic losses from the engine and transmission. The automatically shifting two-speed transmission on the rear axle, with its specially calibrated gear ratio, ensures the spread from high wheel torque for agile starting to safe continuous performance at higher speeds. An electric actuator engages second gear at around 140 km/h, which corresponds to the maximum speed of the electric motor of around 13,500 rpm.

Inspired by Formula 1™, developed in Affalterbach: the AMG High Performance battery
The development of the lithium-ion energy storage is inspired by technologies proven in the Formula 1™ hybrid racing cars of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. The AMG High Performance battery combines high, often consecutively available power with low weight to increase the overall performance of the vehicle. Added to this is the rapid energy consumption and high power density.

107 hp continuous power and 201 hp at peak
The high-performance battery in the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE Coupe offers a capacity of 6.1 kWh, 107 hp continuous power and 201 hp peak power for ten seconds. Charging takes place via recuperation or the installed 3.7 kW on-board charger with alternating current at a charging station, wall box or household socket. The battery is designed for fast power delivery and draw rather than the longest possible range.

The innovation boost: direct cooling of the battery cells
The basis for the high performance of the AMG 400-volt battery is the innovative direct cooling: a high-tech coolant flows around all 560 cells and cools them individually. Every battery needs a defined temperature for optimal power delivery. If the energy storage device becomes too cold or too hot, it temporarily loses noticeable power or must be turned down so as not to be damaged if the temperature is too high. A uniform temperature control of the battery therefore has a decisive influence on its performance, service life and safety. The AMG system is designed to ensure even heat distribution in the battery.

Operating strategy: electrical power always available
The basic operating strategy is derived from the hybrid power pack of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 racing car. As in the premier class of motorsport, maximum propulsion is always available when the driver accelerates powerfully out of corners or to overtake quickly. The electrical power can always be accessed and frequently reproduced through high recuperation performance and demand-based recharging.

Performance hybrid drive can regulate the traction of a wheel
Further advantages of the hybrid drive arise for vehicle dynamics control. Instead of ESP® braking intervention, the electric motor can also regulate traction as soon as a wheel signals too much slip. To do this, the intelligent control reduces the drive torque of the electric machine, which is transferred to the wheel via the rear axle locking differential. As a result, ESP® does not have to throttle the combustion engine, enabling the engine to be operated at higher torque. This improves agility and the otherwise reduced power can be used to charge the battery

GLC 43 4MATIC: 416 hp of power and 369 lb-ft of torque enable sporty driving performance
In the entry-level model GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe, the 2.0 litre four-cylinder in-line engine offers a nominal output of 416 hp at 6,750 rpm. The maximum torque of 369 lb-ft is at 5,000 rpm. Depending on the situation, the system also briefly provides an additional boost of 14 hp from the belt-driven starter generator (RSG). The second generation RSG functions as a mild hybrid, which, in addition to the temporary boost in performance, also enables functions such as coasting and recuperation for maximum efficiency. The 48-volt technology also increases comfort, as the transitions between the start-stop and coasting functions are almost imperceptible. The GLC 43 4MATIC accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission with wet starting clutch
Power is transmitted in both Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe models via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission (MCT = Multi-Clutch Transmission), in which a wet starting clutch replaces the torque converter. It reduces weight and, thanks to its lower mass inertia, optimizes the response to accelerator pedal commands, especially when sprinting and when changing loads. The elaborately coordinated software ensures extremely short switching times and, if necessary, quick multiple downshifts. In addition, the double-declutching function in the "Sport" and "Sport+" driving programs delivers a particularly expressive shifting experience. The RACE START function is also applied, which guarantees optimal acceleration from a standstill. In the "Comfort" driving program, the ECO start/stop function is activated automatically, the "Glide" function can be activated in "Individual".

In the GLC 43, the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive has a permanent power distribution between the front and rear axles of 31 to 69 percent (rear: 61% / front: 39%) The rear-biased design ensures increased driving dynamics, including higher lateral acceleration and improved traction when accelerating. In the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE, the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive transfers the drive power to the road, including drift mode for even more driving pleasure.

AMG DYNAMICS standard part of the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs selection
The AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs (five for the GLC 43, eight for the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE) enable a wide range of vehicle characteristics from comfortable to dynamic. The individual driving programs offer an individual driving experience, precisely tailored to different driving conditions.

As part of the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs, the integrated driving dynamics control "AMG DYNAMICS" is added. It expands the stabilizing functions of the electronic stability program ESP® with interventions in the steering characteristic curve and in ESP® additional functions. When cornering dynamically, for example, a brief brake intervention on the inside rear wheel creates a defined yaw moment around the vertical axis for spontaneous and precise steering.

The extent and effectiveness of these interventions depend on the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT program selected, whereby the driver can determine the set-up himself in "Individual". The ESP® can be adjusted in three levels. "On" is the standard selection, which offers a high level of safety, adapted to the sporty character of the overall vehicle. While "Sport" allows higher drift angles, "Off" allows the system to be switched off completely for a particularly sporty driving style on closed racetracks.

AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping adjustment
Both models are equipped with the AMG RIDE CONTROL steel spring suspension with adaptive damping adjustment. It combines sporty driving dynamics with high long-distance comfort. The basis for this is the front axle with specially developed steering knuckles and ball joints of the spring link as well as the rear axle, which also has dynamically designed elasto-kinematics. Building on this, the adaptive adjustment damping continuously adapts the damping on each individual wheel to the current requirement - always considering the pre-selected chassis level, the driving style and the condition of the road surface. In addition to improving rolling and driving comfort, this also leads to an increase in driving safety. There are three different damper maps to choose from ("Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport+").

Active roll stabilization
Another feature makes a decisive contribution to the AMG-specific tuning for high driving dynamics: the active roll stabilization AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL (standard on the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE). Instead of using conventional, rigid transverse stabilizers, the system compensates for body movements electromechanically. For this purpose, the transverse stabilizers on the front and rear axles are divided into two parts. In the middle there is an electromechanical actuator in which a three-stage planetary gear is integrated. If the road surface is uneven or the driving style is moderate, the actuator actively separates the stabilizer halves from each other, which increases driving comfort. During dynamic use, for example on a winding road, the halves connect and are twisted against each other.

The system not only reduces rolling movements when cornering, but also enables more precise co-ordination of steering and load change behaviour. It also increases ride comfort when driving in a straight line as one-sided road imperfections are balanced out. Movements of the body can be actively and optimally adapted to the driving condition. This allows the driver to experience the hallmark AMG driving characteristics in terms of dynamics, precision and feedback even more intensively.

In order to meet the high performance requirements, the system is based on an additional 48-volt partial electrical system. Another advantage compared to conventional hydraulic-based systems is the significantly faster response. Added to this is the lower weight of the components compared to hydraulic solutions.

Three-stage AMG speed-sensitive steering and standard rear-axle steering
The steering layout of the Mercedes-AMG GLC models also contributes to increasing dynamics and comfort. The three-stage AMG parameter steering has a variable steering geometry ratio that adapts to the driving program selected. At high speeds, the steering power assistance decreases; at low speeds, it increases continuously. As a result, comparatively little effort is required at low speeds as well as when maneuvering and parking, while the best possible control over the vehicle is maintained when driving faster. In the "Sport" and "Sport+" suspension settings, the driver also receives significantly more feedback about the driving condition via the steering wheel.

Active rear axle steering is also standard. It operates with a maximum steering angle of 2.5°. Up to this degree, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels at speeds of up to 100 km/h (variable depending on the AMG DYNAMICS setting). This leads to a virtual shortening of the wheelbase, which in turn results in significantly more agile turning, less steering work and increased maneuverability. For example, the turning circle is noticeably reduced when turning or parking. At speeds of more than 100 km/h (variable depending on the AMG DYNAMICS setting), the rear wheels turn parallel to the front wheels - up to a maximum of 0.7°. This virtual extension of the wheelbase has a positive effect on driving stability, leads to a quicker build-up of lateral force when changing direction and thus to a more direct reaction of the vehicle to steering commands. The response behaviour of the rear axle steering depends on the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive program.

AMG sports brake system and AMG exhaust system with sporty engine sound
The AMG sports brake system guarantees outstanding deceleration values and the best controllability in the GLC 43. Internally ventilated and perforated brake discs measuring 370 x 36 millimetres with 4-piston fixed calipers are mounted on the front axle, and 360 x 26 millimetres at the rear with 1-piston floating calipers.

In keeping with the extreme performance values and associated performance, the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE comes standard with the AMG high-performance composite brake system with 6-piston fixed calipers at the front (internally ventilated and perforated brake discs 390 x 36 mm) and 1-piston floating calipers at the rear (internally ventilated and perforated brake discs 370 x 26 mm) are used. The braking system impresses with very short braking distances as well as maximum stability and fading stability under heavy use. It also scores points with its long service life and particularly spontaneous response.

Numerous equipment packages make the Mercedes-AMG GLC models more individual
The AMG Exterior Night package contains the painted exterior mirror housings, the inserts in the AMG side sill panels, the beltline trim strip, the window surrounds, and the trim strip in the rear bumper in high-gloss black. There is also heat-insulating, dark-tinted glass from the B-pillar and the two black chrome-plated double tailpipe trims of the AMG exhaust system.

The AMG Stealth Package also adds dark chrome accents to the fins of the radiator grille as well as the badging on the fenders and rear of the vehicle, including the star at the rear

The AMG Exterior Carbon Package includes elements in high-quality visible carbon for the A-wing of the AMG front apron, the inserts of the AMG side skirt panels and the trim strip in the AMG rear apron. With the AMG optics package, the GLC 43 looks even sportier: the front splitter in high-gloss black with flics on the sides and the rear diffuser with diffuser board are optical borrowings from motorsport. There are also additional flics for the air outlets in the rear apron in high-gloss black.

Contact:
Koert Groeneveld, phone: +49 (0) 160 8614747, koert.groeneveld@mercedes-benz.com
Jochen Übler, phone: +49 (0) 176 30914191, jochen.uebler@mercedes-benz.com
Lena Kastner, phone: +49 (0) 176 30994440, lena.kastner@mercedes-benz.com

Mercedes-Benz Canada:
Zak Paget, zakary.paget@mercedes-benz.com

Further information about Mercedes-AMG is available at www.mercedes-amg.com.
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Technical Data

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE Coupe