Mercedes-Benz GLC Engine Lineup Overview: Efficiency Meets Performance

In the ever-evolving landscape of luxury SUVs, Mercedes-Benz continues to set benchmarks for combining efficiency with performance. The popular Mercedes-Benz GLC lineup, encompassing the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, GLC 300 Coupe, and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe, has received considerable improvements in the last 18 months, with more changes coming. These models have received significant powertrain enhancements, further elevating the driving experience while adhering to increasingly stringent fuel efficiency standards. Luxury sport utility vehicles in Brampton looking for the complete package in their next vehicle including the precise combination of pure power and advanced engineering will find exactly what they are looking for in the new GLC lineup.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV was redesigned for the 2023 model year, followed by the GLC 300 Coupe version introduced for the 2024 model-year. Moreover, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 performance SUV will get its own redesigned later this year, with 2024 models getting multiple improvements designed to enhance performance and efficiency.

In fact, Mercedes-Benz has focused on refining the engines across the GLC range, ensuring that each model not only meets but exceeds expectations in terms of power delivery, fuel economy, and overall refinement. This article provides an in-depth look at the performance and efficiency improvements across the redesigned GLC lineup including the new GLC 300, GLC 300 Coupe, and upcoming high-performance AMG 43 and AMG 63 S E PERFORMANCE models.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300: The Pinnacle of Electrified Efficiency

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 models for 2023 and 2024 are at the forefront of the shift towards more sustainable and efficient luxury vehicles, thanks to their advanced powertrain technology. At the core of this innovation is the use of systematically electrified four-cylinder units, embodying the fusion of performance with eco-friendly driving.

These engines are part of Mercedes-Benz's FAME (Family of Modular Engines) engine family, designed to offer flexibility and efficiency across the international production network. The integration of a 48-volt mild hybrid system is a key feature, providing intelligent support at low rpm ranges through a second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG). This ISG not only facilitates impressive power delivery but also enables significant fuel savings through functions such as "gliding," boost, and recuperation.

The result is an engine that produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, augmented electrically for gas-free boosts, thereby enhancing the turbo engine's performance. The start-stop function and transition from "gliding" with the engine off to dynamic propulsion are almost imperceptible, thanks to the swift and comfortable start enabled by the ISG. This meticulous engineering ensures an exceptionally smooth ride, setting a new benchmark for driving comfort and efficiency in the luxury SUV segment.

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC: A Symphony of Power and Precision

The redesigned 2024 GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe represents a significant leap in the realm of performance SUVs, powered by a formidable 2.0-liter four-cylinder in-line engine. This engine, boasting a nominal output of 416 hp at 6,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 369 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm, sets the stage for an exhilarating driving experience. The incorporation of a belt-driven starter generator (RSG) adds a temporary boost of 14 hp, enhancing the vehicle's dynamic capabilities while ensuring maximum efficiency through coasting and recuperation functions.

The second-generation RSG serves as a mild hybrid system, smoothing the transitions between the start-stop and coasting functions, making them nearly imperceptible. This system, alongside the 48-volt technology, propels the GLC 43 4MATIC from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h. The balance of sporty performance, efficiency, and comfort is a testament to Mercedes-Benz's engineering prowess, offering drivers an unmatched luxury SUV experience.

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE: The Apex of Hybrid Power

The GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE Coupe stands as a monumental achievement in hybrid technology, featuring the M139l engine – the most powerful series-produced four-cylinder engine in the world. With an output of 469 hp at 6,725 rpm and a maximum torque of 402 lb-ft at 5,250-5,500 rpm, this engine shatters expectations. The performance hybrid system combines this engine with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor, resulting in a total system output of 671 hp and a maximum system torque of 752 lb-ft.

This powerhouse accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in a mere 3.5 seconds, thanks to the electric motor's direct action on the rear axle, which translates power more efficiently into propulsion. The positioning of the electric motor and the high-performance battery on the rear axle not only enhances agility and acceleration but also optimizes weight distribution for improved handling.

Moreover, the system's high recuperation efficiency and the two-speed transmission on the rear axle ensure a broad range from high wheel torque for agile starts to safe continuous performance at higher speeds. This hybrid configuration underscores Mercedes-Benz's commitment to innovating high-performance, efficient, and exhilarating driving experiences.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, GLC 43 4MATIC, and GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE models for 2023 and 2024 stand as testaments to the brand's dedication to merging efficiency with performance. Each model, with its unique blend of advanced powertrain technologies, offers a distinct driving experience that caters to the diverse preferences of luxury SUV enthusiasts, setting new standards in the segment.

Comparing the Performance of 2023 and 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Models

As mentioned previously, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 in both traditional SUV and Coupe forms has been redesigned this year while the new AMG 43 and AMG 63 S E PERFORMANCE models will introduce their new powertrains later this year. To help you better understand the key differences in power output and efficiency, we compare the new models with their previous versions in the tables below.

2023-2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 vs 2022 GLC - Power And Efficiency Comparison

This first table highlights the improvements in torque in the new GLC 300 and GLC 300 Coupe.

Below, you can see just how more efficient the new GLC 300 is compared to the previous model despite the additional torque.

Although we don’t have fuel economy specs on the AMG models just yet, we can see that horsepower is significantly higher in the new GLC 43. 

The GLC has always stood out for its luxury, comfort, performance, and capability. The new generations take all of these features to the next level, giving owners a no-compromise experience in every way.