The second generation Mercedes-Benz GLA (X254) arrived this summer, casting a larger shadow than its predessor and featuring exclusively turbocharged four-cylinder engines, with multiple plug-in hybrid versions. And now that the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 and the all-out 2024 GLC63 are almost ready to debut, you can expect the same kind of downsized treatment, just dialed up to eleven.
No, Mercedes-AMG’s traditional V8 isn’t dead. However, this will be reserved for the upper tiers of the range, which includes machines like the G63, upcoming second-gen GT and others. As for the rest of the lot, the recently-revealed 2023 Mercedes-AMG S E Performance will lend its F1-inspired 670 hp turbo-four, plug-in hybrid powertrain to a long list of models, which includes the GLC63.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 specs
Based on what the sedan offers, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 will deliver a total of 671 hp (680 PS). These come from a 469 hp (476 PS) 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electrically-assisted, gas-driven turbocharger, as well as from a rear-mounted electric motor that makes 200 hp. The torque equation: 402 lb-ft (545 Nm) from the ICE and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) via the e-motor, for a total of 752 lb-ft (1,020 Nm).
Using to the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system engineered specifically for the plug-in hybrid, the car can run on gas or electricity separately or can mix these for some sweet, yet not-always-available performance numbers: 0-60 mph in 3.3s and an electronically limited top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h). Speaking of which, thanks to a 6.1 kWh battery pack, whose size penalty affects the trunk, not the rear seat, there’s an all-electric range of 8 miles (13 km).
The sedan is over 880 lbs (400 kg) heavier than its twin-turbo V8 predecessor, tipping the scales at 4,650 lbs (2,110 kg), and the crossover won’t get any lighter (on the contrary).
2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE43 specs
Once again, the C-Class lets us know what the 2024 CLE43 will offer. We’re looking at a below-max version of that 2.0L turbo, which features the lowest possible form of hybrid assistance, namely a 48V mild-hybrid system. However, the system still provides electrical assistance to the turbo to cut lag.
With 402 hp (408 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) on tap, the sedan can hit 60 mph in under 4.6 seconds and has an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). And these are the numbers you can also expect for the 2024 GLC43.
The exterior differences
Both the GLC63 and the GLC43 will come with meaner-looking exterior, starting with their Panamericana grilles. Naturally, the all-out 63 model will have even more air-hungry lower front air intakes, while those in the 43 will be slightly blocked. You can also expect some front fender vents for the former.
Both will pack more massive side skirts and specific AMG wheels, along with ducktail spoilers and rear diffusers. However, the easiest way to tell them apart is by the tailpipes.
As seen on the two test vehicle in the spy video below, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 (black vehicle) will feature quadruple exhaust tips, while the four tips of the 2024 GLC43 (the white one) are rounded.
The prototypes were caught on camera by CarSpyMedia while doing their thing in the Austrian Alps. And you’ll even see the GLC43 performing a full load test, with two engineers up front, three “dummy” weights in the rear and even a trailer.
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 and GLC63 will enter production next summer, being joined by the GLC43 Coupe and GLC63 Coupe.
Which model to pick between the sedan and the crossover?
While the occasions on which I would recommend a performance crossover over a go-fast sedan are rare, this is one of them, especially in the case of the GLC63 and C63.
With the cylinder cut and the added electric assistance having traded the cornering performance and the all-important soundtrack for extra efficiency and the possibility to meet the still-under-evaluation 2025 Euro 7 standard on the Old Continent, these new assets are better paired with the more practical crossover.
You can get more impressions on how the process changed the C63 in the second YouTube clip below. The vid puts Autotrader’s Rory Reid in control of the performance saloon, both on the street and on the track.
