The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance SUV and Coupe have arrived in Australia, priced from $192,900 and $199,500 plus on-road costs respectively.
Packing the same 500kW/1020Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain as the related Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance sports sedan, the new GLC mid-size SUV heroes are positioned at least $5000 upstream of their sedan cousin, but a stark $56,500 upstream of the lesser Mercedes-AMG GLC 43.
The price premium shrinks marginally to $52,600 when referring to the GLC ‘Coupes’ and, for further reference, the preceding (V8-powered) GLC 63 S Coupe retailed from $190,270 plus ORCs.
The extra cash over the 43 variants predictably scores buyers a mountain of extra power and performance. The GLC 63 S E Performance stops the 0-100km/h clock in a claimed 3.5 seconds (versus 4.8sec), tops out at 275km/h and offers the ability to drive on electric power for up to 14km.
That 275km/h top speed comes courtesy of the AMG Driver’s Package, which is included as standard on Australian-delivered cars, but buyers wanting a ceramic composite braking system to match will have to cough up an extra $8300. The standard stoppers are still composite units and are clamped by fixed six-piston callipers at the front and floating single-piston units at the rear.
AMG Active Ride Control adaptive suspension is included as standard, along with an electromechanical anti-body roll system in place of rigid swaybars, as is a three-stage AMG speed-sensitive steering system supported by rear-wheel steering and 21-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels.
The big hoops help dress up the exterior in tandem with the standard AMG design makeover (power-domed bonnet, unique bumpers, skirts and spoilers) as well as the AMG Night Package II, which blacks out the grille and badges.
Inside, you’ll find Nappa leather-upholstered and heated seats, the latest MBUX multimedia system playing through a Burmester 3D surround sound system, augmented reality sat-nav, an AMG Performance multifunction steering wheel, head-up display, dual-zone climate control, smartphone integration, wireless charging pad and a panoramic sliding sunroof.
Driver-assist tech is headlined by adaptive cruise control, active lane keeping assist, blind spot assist, traffic light assist, adaptive high beam, a 360-degree camera, active parking assist and the PRE-SAFE collision preparation system.
Mercedes-Benz Australia said it’s anticipating the $6900 Performance Ergonomic Package to be popular with local buyers, adding an AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather and microfibre, AMG Performance front seats and multi-contour rear pews.
Those wanting even more uniqueness from their mid-size AMG SUV can temporarily opt for the $12,900 Edition 1 Package, which includes specific ‘MANUFAKTUR graphite grey magno’ bodywork with foiling, colour gradation and a large AMG logo on the flanks, plus an AMG Aerodynamics Package, light-alloy wheels with Edition 1 and AMG labelling, yellow brake callipers and an AMG-lettered fuel filler cap.
Edition 1 cabin upgrades include AMG Performance seats with yellow contrast stitching, illuminated doorsill panels, yellow seatbelts, carbon-fibre trim elements, a carbon-fibre and microfibre AMG Performance steering wheel, Edition-badged floor mats and an indoor AMG car cover with Edition logo.
How much does the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC cost?
43 SUV – $136,400
43 Coupe – $146,900
63 S E Performance SUV – $192,900
63 S E Performance Coupe – $199,500
* Prices exclude on-road costs