2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupé Is a German Rocket

• Mercedes-AMG is back with another round of turbocharged, electrified SUVs, this time relying on a stylish sloped roof.

• Known as the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic Coupe and 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Coupe, the pair is intended to help the GLC retain its No.1 seller status for Mercedes in 2024.

• Powered by an F1-derived, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, output figures range from 416-671 hp and 369-752 lb-ft of torque.

Earlier this year, we wrote about a pair of new Mercedes-AMG GLC SUVs, boasting electrified powertrain options and new interior technology. In and of itself, this is exciting news for consumers and the company alike, as GLC units were the most popular Mercedes models in 2022. That's over 65,000 units sold last year.

But perhaps more alluring than the regular GLC is the sleek GLC Coupe variant. Frankly put, it is better looking than its square-shaped sibling (in our opinion at least), and Mercedes-AMG knows just how much looks matter. But the real story of the Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe refresh lies within its powerplants.

Just like the GLC SUV, the GLC Coupe comes in two variants, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic Coupe and the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Coupe, with the names giving insight into the respective propulsion configurations. And its F1-derived powerplant is a testament to the ingenuity of Mercedes-AMG engineers.

That's because the AMG M139l 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine gets the addition of a 6.1-kWh lithium-ion battery and a 201-hp, 236-lb-ft of torque permanently excited synchronous electric motor in GLC 63 form.

That's good for a combined 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque in the hybrid electric GLC 63 S. On the flip side, the battery-less version of the M139l engine still makes a strong 416 hp and 369 lb-ft in the internal-combustion-only GLC 43.

These whopping power numbers aren't just a result of electrification or a large, ultra-laggy turbo, either. In fact, AMG says the electric exhaust-gas turbocharger in both models is derived from F1 technology. In terms of driver experience, the electric motor-driven turbo is able to produce peak boost from idle. Zippy.

Power is sent through all four wheels in both models, thanks to 4Matic all-wheel drive and a rear-biased torque distribution system. However, the GLC 63 S E Performance also benefits from an electrical motor with a speed-variable two-speed transmission and an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential.

These computerized systems enable instantaneous full torque delivery from a standstill or while rolling, but aren't purely focused on straight-line acceleration. Rather, the rear-installed electric motor on the GLC 63 S E Performance can transfer torque to the front wheels during rear-wheel slippage, providing a sort of torque vectoring.

Keeping your sloping roof SUV charged shouldn't be an issue, either, as Mercedes-AMG offers a 3.7-kW onboard charger compatible with Level 1 and Level 2 charging. All told this plug-in hybrid electric technology offers a measly 7.5 miles of all-electric range, indicating that electrification is here for power, not efficiency in the case of the GLC 63 Coupe.

Such exorbitant power figures and minimal range from the GLC 63 indicate a tiered approach by Mercedes, offering some entry-level value in the form of the 2024 GLC 43 4Matic Coupe. Sure, the top speed is limited to 155 mph, instead of 170 mph, but when are any of us going that fast? In reality, a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds is plenty enough.

While both models employ the AMG nine-speed Multi-Clutch transmission, the non-electrified GLC 43 has a permanent power distribution between the front and rear axles of 31% to 69%, respectively. Additionally, the suspension setup is nearly identical between the two models.

A set of electronically controlled, continuously adaptive dampers is standard, in addition to a set of model-specific steering knuckles and suspension joints. Similarly, tuneable steering ratios and active rear-wheel steering (2.5 degrees of oppositional steering at low speeds) are standard on both versions.

In fact, the only difference is an electromechanical, two-piece anti-roll bar and beefier brakes (six-piston front calipers as opposed to four) found on the GLC 63. Naturally, this hybrid-electric model gains some stopping power through its regenerative braking capabilities, too.

A massaged front fascia, rear diffusers, and twin tailpipe trimmings make up the markings of AMG design for 2024, though three model year-specific visual packages are also available. Namely, Mercedes offers two different Night Packages, aimed at those who enjoy high-gloss black paint, deeply tinted windows, and Dark Chrome trim.

An exclusive Edition 1 version of the 2025 GLC 63 S E Performance will also be available in 2024. However, it's not just some limited-edition colorways (graphite gray magno or high-tech silver magno) that make the Edition 1 interesting. Specifically, an AMG aerodynamics package with black trim and a black and yellow interior leather scheme make up the major changes.

Mercedes-AMG has yet to reveal a price range or production timeline for the GLC Coupe, though we expect the GLC 43 to be priced at around $72,000. However, the pricing of the hybrid-electric GLC 63 S E Performance is more up in the air, as Mercedes-AMG hasn't previously sold such a trim in GLC Coupe format. That said, previous, non-electric GLC 63 S iterations sold for around $84,000.

Do you think the stylish nature of coupe-like SUVs outweighs the impractical reality for buyers? Please share your thoughts below.