2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and 63: Coupe models confirmed for Oz

Mercedes-AMG has revealed hotted-up versions of the GLC coupe range, and they're due in Australia at the end of 2024.

Following the confirmation of the wagon-bodied GLC 43 and 63 S for Australian shores in the second quarter of next year, the respective coupe versions will follow suit.

The rivals for the BMW X4 M40i, X4 M, Audi SQ5 Sportback, and Jaguar F-Pace SVR will pack AWD, performance-oriented suspension, and electroshocked four-cylinder powertrains.

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Like the wagon versions, the GLC 43 gets a mild-hybrid four-cylinder producing 310kW/545Nm while the 63 S E Performance uses the same setup as the C 63 sedan – that means 500kW and 1020Nm for the medium SUV.

Pricing and features are yet to be confirmed but don't expect much change from $160K for the GLC 43, while the 63 will likely push $200,000 before on-road costs.

Our original story, below, continues unchanged.

July 2023: Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and GLC 63 S confirmed for Australian release

Mercedes-AMG has revealed hardcore versions of its new GLC medium SUV, and they’re confirmed for Australian release in the second quarter of next year.

Sitting at the top of Mercedes’ most popular vehicle range, you can expect AMG versions of the GLC to carry heft price tags – think over $150K for the 310kW AMG 43 with the 1020Nm AMG 63 S E Performance plug-in hybrid likely cresting $200K.

The saddest news for fans of exhaust sounds is that, like the C63 sedan, the GLC is now exclusively powered by various electrically-boosted four-cylinder engines rather than a selection of four- six- and eight-cylinder motors.

Beneath them will sit the sole non-AMG trim, the GLC 300 that Alex Inwood reviewed earlier this month, which costs $104,900 before on-road costs. Rivals for the AMG GLC include the BMW X3 M Competition and M40i, Maserati Grecale, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi SQ5, and Volvo XC60 T8.

Power, efficiency and performance

Just like the AMG C43, the GLC 43 employs a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine and 10kW electric supercharger for improved response at low revs. It sends 310kW/500Nm to all four wheels via a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The GLC 43’s AWD system is rear-biased, with a default torque split of 31:69 per cent front to rear.

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The even more pumped and blacked-out GLC 63 S E Performance's powertrain is mind-bogglingly complex. A hand-built 2.0-litre AMG ‘M139l’ engine installed longitudinally produces 350kW/545Nm on its own. On the rear axle is a 150kW permanently excited synchronous electric motor that brings combined outputs to 500kW and 1020Nm.

For all its extra firepower over the V8 (125kW and 320Nm of it), Mercedes claims the GLC 63 is capable of a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.5 seconds – just three tenths quicker than before – with a top speed electronically limited to 275km/h.

The GLC 63's all-wheel drive system can apportion drive from 50:50 front-rear all the way to 100 per cent rear if required.

A 6.1kWh battery designed to be charged and discharged rapidly gives the GLC 63 a modest electric-only driving range of 12km. New direct cooling technology helps the 560-cell lithium-ion battery achieve peak performance.

The result of all this electrification? The GLC 43 is rated between 9.8-10.2L/100km in the WLTP combined cycle (against the old six-pot’s 10.4l/100km ADR figure), and the 63 S E Performance 7.5L/100km in the same test – quite an improvement over the last-gen V8-powered GLC 63’s 12.1L/100km rating.

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Suspension and chassis

The GLC 43 has five drive modes, and the GLC 63 a total of eight (both with customisable Individual modes), tweaking personalities from laid back to maximum attack.

The engine and gearbox response, damper setting, and ESC parameters are all affected by the drive selector – there’s even a fully off mode for the stability control for racetrack use.

All GLC models roll on steel springs, while AMG variants get upgraded to three-mode adaptive dampers. The flagship GLC 63 builds on this with an active anti-roll system powered by the 48-volt electrical system to keep the SUV flatter during hard cornering without sacrificing ride comfort.

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Pricing and availability

Mercedes Australia is yet to confirm pricing for AMG GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance models, however, we anticipate the 43 will start at $150K (the discontinued car is $136,000) and the 63 over $200K (up from $188,000).

Local Mercedes-AMG GLC arrivals will begin in the second quarter (April-July inclusive) of 2024.