Mercedes-AMG has a long history of extracting extreme performance and power from otherwise unremarkable daily drivers. Same applies to Mercedes’ SUVs, where AMG has made its mark with rowdy V8 engines and unbelievable acceleration.
The compact GLC SUV entered its second generation in 2023, and for 2024, AMG gives it a pair of powerful electrified powertrains for the first time.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Front Quarter View
The 2024 AMG GLC comes in two flavors.
Entry-level model is the GLC 43, which gets a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid system. GLC 63 adds a rear axle-mounted electric motor for more power and quicker acceleration.
Both get an array of go-fast bits and neat upgrades like rear-axle steering to improve their performance over the standard model.
What’s New for the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC?
- AMG-massaged electrified powertrains
- Two variants available: GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance
- Powertrain leverages Mercedes’ Formula 1 technology
- Several upgrade packages are available, including appearance and tech options
- GLC 43 arrives in early 2024, followed by the GLC 63 S E Performance later in the year
2024 Mercedes-AG GLC Exterior
AMG’s handiwork brings massive performance, but the GLC’s exterior appearance didn’t change drastically with the upgrades. It’s slightly lower and rides on larger wheels, but the SUV’s body shape is similar to the standard model.
The SUV gets a unique grille, larger air intakes, and chrome accents. GLC 43 gets quad exhausts, while the 63 brings trapezoidal exhaust finishers. Mercedes-AMG badging is modest, and the rear liftgate is the most prominent indication that you’re looking at a hopped-up SUV.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Interior Dashboard
AMG GLC gets synthetic leather upholstery with unique stitching; Mercedes offers leather or Nappa leather upgrades.
The Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel features paddle shifters and a drive-mode selection dial, while AMG pedals and illuminated door sills cap off the interior space.
Mercedes will likely also equip features like ambient interior lighting, heated and power-adjustable front seats, and heated rear seats.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Specs
2024 AMG GLC comes in two flavors; both get a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The GLC 43’s engine pairs with a mild-hybrid system for a combined 416 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
GLC 63 S E Performance adds a rear axle-mounted electric motor and ups engine output for a combined 671 hp and 752 pound-feet of torque. An electric exhaust gas turbocharger assists that gargantuan output, the turbo shaft driven electrically while exhaust gas pressure builds. According to Mercedes, this reduces lag for quicker acceleration.
Both engines pair with a 9-speed AMG-tuned automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Rear-axle steering is standard, and owners can choose from a range of drive modes, including Track Pace. Mercedes leaned on its Formula 1 team for battery tech that decreases weight and improves power output.
According to the automaker, the battery has a high-tech cooling system that helps it remain at a constant safe operating temperature, enabling better power draw. The GLC 63’s 6.1-kWh battery aids its electric motor, which makes continuous 107 hp and 201 peak hp.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Safety
Mercedes will give the AMG GLC the same safety tech as its more sedate counterpart. That means standard forward automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning and a safe-exit system, adaptive high-beam headlights, and more.
As of this writing, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has evaluated the crashworthiness of the 2023 or 2024 GLC.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Technology
The 2024 AMG GLC gets a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. Mercedes includes wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an intelligent vehicle voice assistant.
The latest version of the MBUX infotainment software is more intuitive and less cluttered than earlier iterations. Mercedes reduced the number of taps needed to accomplish routine tasks, and the large touchscreen offers a responsive platform to interact with the SUV. A few upgrades are available, including navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and additional USB ports.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Competitors
Given its unique configuration and power, it’s surprising that the AMG GLC has a number of competitors. The Audi SQ5 is a similar size but far less powerful. BMW offers the X3 M40i and X3 M, with the top M model bringing similar performance.
Other, more direct competition could come from within Mercedes-AMG’s catalog, with SUVs like the GLB 35, GLC Coupe. Some might even consider the larger AMG GLE.