If the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 is too hot and the regular Mercedes-Benz GLC range is too tame, this’ll be just right.
Mercedes-AMG has been spied winter testing its next-generation GLC mid-sized SUV in Goldilocks AMG 43 guise.
Built on the same MRA 2 bones as the new C-Class, the new GLC draws inspiration from the current C- and S-Class models.
The high-performance AMG GLC range, including the AMG 63, is expected to follow sometime after the launch of the regular Mercedes-Benz GLC which’ll globally debut in the German autumn (September to November 2022).
While the GLC 43 is less powerful than the GLC 63, the next-generation model isn’t expected to be a slouch.
With this new model it’s expected Mercedes-AMG will downsize from its existing twin-turbo V6 to a turbocharged four-cylinder engine like the next GLC 63.
Mercedes-AMG has confirmed it’s re-engineering the A45 AMG‘s M139 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine for longitudinal applications and will use it as part of a plug-in hybrid powertrain in the AMG C-Class range.
From a base of 330kW of power, the fettled M139 can be combined with an electric motor developing up to 150kW and 320Nm of torque, though combined power and torque figures have yet to be released.
For reference, the A45 currently produces 310kW and 500Nm, while the current GLC 43 produces 287kW and 520Nm.
Exterior changes to the new-generation GLC range include a new LED light signature as well as smoother body panels in line with the latest Mercedes-Benz design language.
We’ve previously caught a glimpse of a new GLC without camouflage as it was being loaded onto a truck.
Down back there are new slim tail lights that appear to be heavily inspired by the C-Class, as well as rounded haunches with wheel arch extensions.
This camouflaged prototype is distinguishable from the GLC 63 due to its rounded (instead of squared-off) quad exhaust pipes, as well as smaller brakes.
The production-spec GLC 43 model will still have larger brakes though than regular GLC models.
Just like previously spied prototypes, there’s still a lot that’s hidden underneath the camouflage and we still haven’t got a proper look at the interior of the upcoming GLC yet.
Mercedes-Benz recently confirmed the new GLC has an interior that’s heavily inspired by the C-Class. It’ll have the same steering wheel, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen.
C-Class
AMG variants will have different steering wheels and dedicated AMG content as well.
The GLC will also be running the second-generation of MBUX infotainment software which offers a voice assistant that can be triggered by the phrase “Hey Mercedes”.
At this stage it’s unclear if the redesigned entry-level Mercedes-AMG GLC will be called the GLC 43 or the GLC 53.
Rumours have also previously circulated that Mercedes-AMG is changing the naming structure of its upcoming C-Class. If this turns out to be true, the naming structure would then flow on to the GLC.
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