Mercedes GLC AMG. World’s fastest crossover
Mercedes GLC AMG is a sports high-performance all-wheel drive version of the luxury compact crossover GLC of the German Mercedes-Benz brand, which has been produced since 2016. You could buy the first generation of the ‘charged’ crossover after 2019 restyling in Israel in 2020.
First generation
It has been produced from 2016 to the present. It was restyled in 2019 (data for 2020). The first GLC that replaced the GLK SUV in the Mercedes lineup was built on the modular platform that was used for the C-Class. Production was launched in 2015. Its charged AMG version was released in 2016. The car received the designation GLC 43. It was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that develops 362 hp and 520 Nm of torque. In only 4.9 seconds, it accelerates to 100 km/h and the maximum speed was limited to 250 km/h.
The next step in the development of the model range was the appearance of versions of the GLC 63 with a 4-liter V8 biturbo engine. In the initial modification, the engine developed 476 hp, its thrust was equal to 650 Nm. And the most powerful version with the ‘S’ index produced 510 hp. and 700 Nm. It allowed to accelerate to ‘hundreds’ in 3.8 seconds and go at a speed of 250 km / h. All motors worked in tandem with a 9-speed automatic transmission. All AMG versions are equipped with the AMG 4MATIC + all-wheel drive system, which distributes traction to the rear axle in a ratio of 31:69.
Compared to its usual counterpart, the Mercedes AMG GLC 63 chassis has been significantly redesigned. In the front double wishbone suspension, there are other steering knuckles with modified mountings for brake calipers and stiffer joints, the track is widened by 60 mm. The electric power steering rack with variable tooth pitch has been shortened. The rear ‘five-link’ with subframe is from E 63. All levers are made of aluminum, wheel bearings are reinforced, negative camber is more pronounced, and the track is 50 mm wider. Pneumatic struts are adapted to the increased weight.
The Mercedes AMG GLC 63 S accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. It has become the world’s fastest mid-size crossover!
The power and dynamics of the Mercedes AMG GLC 63 S are beyond the reach of competitors. The car accelerates from 0 km/h to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio which is similar in power and has a 2.9-liter V6 accelerates 0.1 seconds slower. The BMW X4 and Audi Q5 have generally less than 400 hp, the Porsche Macan has a 440-hp engine, but even with it, acceleration to 100 km/h took 4.4 seconds. It’s no wonder that when the GLC 63 S entered the market, it became the world’s fastest crossover, not only in its class but in general! This was the case before the appearance of the Lamborghini Urus with its 3.6 seconds of acceleration, but the Italian still plays in a different league both in terms of size and cost, but in the segment of mid-size crossovers, the ‘63-rd’ AMG has no equal. And it probably won’t be.
Restyling 2019
After the restyling, the GLC received a more recent design. It still crammed with the most modern technologies, confirming its right to be called one of the best compact SUVs. The bumper and grille were slightly changed, but the headlights were the most transformed in the restyled version of the crossover. The design of the LED lights has changed, but the shape has been retained. The new GLC sports an abundance of chrome trims in all versions.
The interior of the model has changed only in detail. Additional trims are available, a new steering wheel with touch buttons has been added, and a new MBUX user interface has been introduced that adds a fresh media system with a 7.0 or 10.25 screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Artificial intelligence is at the core, which is self-taught to understand even complex commands. You can control the system using your voice. The Energizing function has appeared, which synchronizes the control of musical system, microclimate, massage, as well as ventilation and heated seats.
The 2020 AMG GLC 63 S top model features matrix headlights, 20-inch wheels, air suspension, nappa leather upholstery, and many more features. The 2020 AMG GLC 43 is powered by a 390 hp 3.0-L V6 engine. It is 23 hp more powerful than its pre-styling version. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.9 seconds. There is a 4.0-L V8, boosted to 510 hp. under the hood of the 2020 AMG GLC 63 S. The ‘charged’ crossover accelerates to 100 km/h in less than 3.8 seconds with it. All engines are complemented by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G sports transmission. The 4Matic + all-wheel drive with a multi-plate clutch is in the front wheel drive.
