Mercedes-AMG Announces A Pair of Hybrid GLCs On The Horizon
Mercedes-AMG’s SUV offerings have ranged from odd to mind-blowingly powerful and quick. There has never been a performance hybrid model in AMG’s catalog until now, however, but that’s changing with the 2024 AMG GLC 43 and the 2025 GLC 63 S E Performance.
The 43 gets a mild-hybrid system with a hand-built turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 416 horsepower. Mercedes-AMG promises a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds for the “lesser” GLC. The turbocharger is an electric exhaust gas unit that is said to be the only one of its kind in the world. The 63 S E Performance adds a 201-horsepower electric motor in the back for a combined 671 horsepower and 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds.
Both SUVs get styling updates, including a new grille and more aerodynamic bodywork for better cooling and performance. Cabin updates include a new sport flat-bottom steering wheel, and AMG touches throughout.
While a pair of quick hybrid SUVs don’t sound like big news in 2023, the turbocharger setup makes them noteworthy. It borrows tech and engineering tricks from Formula 1 and works to reduce turbo lag, that even the most advanced systems suffer from. The mild hybrid system in the 43 and the rear axle-mounted electric motor in the 63 also show that hybrids don’t have to focus solely on fuel savings and can be used to boost performance.
[Image: Mercedes-Benz]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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Mild hybrid? I'm mildly interested. (Get it? lol)
I do like the electric turbocharger. Runs on 48 volts?
I would like to see some hybrid Mazda GLCs.