2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Hybrid: What to expect [Update]

  • First-ever Mercedes-AMG GLC with plug-in hybrid technology
  • May have an EV range of ~5 miles; performance to be the objective of electrification
  • Expected to accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 3.5 seconds
  • Likely to be launched in the U.S. in late 2023 or early 2024

Update: ‘Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe’ section added.

The next-gen Mercedes GLC line-up will include performance-oriented AMG variants. According to an Autocar report, a GLC 43 and a GLC 63 arrive in 2023. Both the AMG variants of the next-gen GLC will use the same four-cylinder gasoline engines as the latest C 43 and C 63 cars. Here’s what you can expect from the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Hybrid.

Design

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Hybrid render
TopElectricSUV.com’s exclusive rendering of the next-gen Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 with a sporty grille, bumper, badge, alloy wheels, brake caliper and other styling changes.

Motor1’s spy photographers spotted the all-new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 during testing. It sports the usual dose of AMG goodness like an exclusive (Panamerica) grille, lowered ride height, beefier brakes, sportier wheels, and more aerodynamic bumpers.

Our exclusive rendering (above) shows the next-gen GLC 63 with the new design. We’ve given it the AMG Panamericana radiator grille with a gloss black surround, an A-shaped lower grille, and large outer air inlets similar to the prototypes in spy shots. On the sides, the multi-spoke alloy wheels with red calipers, and black mirrors communicate the high-performance SUV’s character.

Spotted at the Nürburgring

A cleverly-disguised test mule of the next-gen GLC 63 was spotted undergoing rigorous high-speed trails at the famed Nürburgring test track in Germany. In the YouTube video uploaded by Carspotter Jeroen on January 13, 2023, the development prototype can be seen with pronounced side skirts, aggressive but sleek multi-beam LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof, a sporty roof-mounted spoiler, and an aggressively-sculpted rear bumper with AMG quad-exhaust tips.

Interior

Spy pictures (via CarBuzz) have revealed that the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Hybrid has subtle special touches across the cabin. The souped-up mid-size SUV sports the flat-bottom AMG Performance steering wheel with two AMG-specific round controllers featuring LCD displays (for AMG Dynamics, boost, recuperation, etc.). We expect a Nappa leather cover with perforation in the grip area to be available as an option. The head-up display, instrument cluster, and multimedia central display should have AMG-specific display styles and menus.

Spy shots have shown the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Hybrid featuring the second-generation AMG Performance Seats as well, with a backrest that tapers towards the bottom. The all-new sports seats’ side bolsters have weight-saving openings that additionally allow for better ventilation.

Other highlights may include contrasting stitching and inserts, carbon-fiber trim, and alloy pedals. While we’ve seen a black interior with yellow contrast stitching and inserts in the images, an option for a titanium grey interior with red contrasting color will likely be available. The black-red color scheme for the interior may swap the black seatbelts with red seatbelts. Rest assured, you’ll get plenty of options to customize the style, comfort and convenience, and performance features to your liking.

Specifications

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 AMG

According to the JESMB report dated November 2, 2021, the next-gen GLC 43 AMG will be a mild-hybrid model. It could get the same M139I 2.0-liter engine that debuted in the 2023 SL 43 AMG and now powers the 2023 C 43 AMG. The modified version of the M139 engine is the world’s first mass-produced engine with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger, a technology Mercedes-AMG derived from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.

Mercedes-AMG says it has integrated an electric motor on the turbocharger shaft between the turbine wheel and the compressor wheel on the intake side. This motor kicks into action before the exhaust gas flow is ready to take over. However, it continues to operate at speeds of up to 175,000 rpm, enabling a very high air flow rate. It improves the engine response directly from idle speed and throughout the rev range.

The electric motor of the exhaust gas turbocharger gets energy from the 48-volt on-board electrical system, which also feeds the car’s belt-driven starter-generator (RSG). In the U.S.-spec 2023 C 43 AMG, the M139l engine produces 402 hp at 6,750 rpm and 369 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm. The RSG assists with an additional 13 hp. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G 9-speed automatic transmission and the AMG Performance 4MATIC AWD system with a rear-biased, 31:69 torque split work together to send drive to the wheels.

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 AMG

The next-gen GLC 63 AMG should get the M139l 2.0-liter engine with plug-in hybrid tech, just like the 671-hp 2023 C 63 S E Performance AMG. There will likely be three different electrical assistance systems for the engine: an electrified turbocharger that’s significantly larger than that of the GLC 43 AMG, a belt-driven starter generator that starts the combustion engine and powers ancillary components (AC, headlights, and more), and a traction motor that can power front wheels as well as the front wheels if the vehicle needs more traction.

In the 2023 C 63 S E Performance AMG, the engine produces 469 hp at 6,750 rpm and 402 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,000-5,500 rpm. The electric motor, integrated with an electrically shifted two-speed transmission and the electronically controlled LSD in a compact electric drive unit (EDU) at the rear axle, develops 201 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. A 0-60 mph sprint should take just 3.3 seconds (est.), while the top speed is 174 mph (electronically limited).

An AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G 9-speed transmission and a fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system transfer send drive to the wheels in the 2023 C 63 S E Performance AMG. However, it is possible to drive the car in an EV mode using solely the electric motor, at speeds of up to 81 mph. Electric power comes from a tiny 6.1 kWh battery pack that weighs 196 lbs. and lies in the rear above the rear axle. The officially expected WLTP electric range is just 13 km (8 miles), and the GLC 63 AMG, being an SUV, will probably have an even shorter electric range.

Video Source: YouTube/CarSpyMedia

Despite switching from a big V8 to an electrified inline-four engine, the AMG GLC 63 should continue being an absolute hoot. The spy video (embedded above) courtesy of professional car spotter CarSpyMedia, shows a next-gen AMG GLC 63 prototype (the black-colored SUV) executing quick but precise hairpin turns, complete with tires screeching and popping exhaust. There’s also a next-gen AMG GLC 43 (the white-colored SUV) in the clip, testing out its trailering capabilities.

Price & Release Date

The hottest version of the GLC could arrive in the first markets in the summer of 2023. In the U.S., Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the AMG GLC will be unavailable for the 2023 model year. The next-gen AMG GLC will likely go on sale across the Atlantic as an MY2024 SUV in late 2023 or early 2024.

The next-gen Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV could be priced at around USD 63,000. For those who prefer a sedan, the Mercedes-AMG C 43 Sedan is available at dealerships for USD 59,900 (excl. 1,150 destination and delivery charge). The more performance-focused Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV E-Performance plug-in hybrid EV could be priced at well over USD 80,000.

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe

As before, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 will have a Coupe derivative that is an SUV up until the B-pillar and a fast-sloping coupe at the back. Sitting a little lower than the SUV, it will be better at aerodynamics, and its more fluidic shape will also contribute to this aspect.

The GLC 63 Coupe’s lower body and more planted stance should lead to slightly better handling. We think it’ll be a little bit quicker to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph, as well, probably by 0.1 seconds. The top speed will likely be the same, though – 155 mph (standard)/174 mph (with an optional package). Needless to say, a premium for the more distinctive body style will obviously apply, so expect to shell out a few thousand more for the same level of equipment and nearly identical performance. Check out the hot-new SUV-coupe being pushed to its limits at the Nürburgring below:

Video Source: YouTube/CarSpyMedia

TopElectricSUV says

At Affalterbach, thrill doesn’t have to be at the cost of efficiency. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Hybrid could be one of the quickest mid-size SUVs in the U.S., offering exhilarating performance and driving dynamics with a downsized, electrified engine.

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Hybrid FAQs

What is the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Hybrid release date?

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Hybrid could be launched in the U.S. in late 2023 or early 2024.

What will be the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Hybrid price?

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV Hybrid could close be priced around USD 80,000.

Which models will be the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Hybrid rivals?

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Hybrid will compete with the BMW X3 M, which costs USD 80,000.

Featured image: Next-gen Mercedes-AMG GLC rendering by TopElectricSUV.