Mercedes-AMG GLC63: The Controversial Switch to a 4-Cylinder Engine

July 18, 2023, 2:59 p.m
PiataAuto.md editors

The thing we were all waiting for and intuited happened. After the AMG 63 version of the C-Class W206 debuted with a 4-cylinder engine, now the GLC SUV, with the AMG 63 index, debuts with the same propulsion system architecture. In fact, we could have thought of a change of heart by those from Mercedes, given that fans are dissatisfied in large numbers with the new C-Class W206 AMG, and in all comparative tests with BMW M3 or Audi it is placed at the tail of the ranking. But it seems that the Germans have stubbornly followed their original plan, which not many AMG fans seem to want. So the new Mercedes-AMG GLC63 is equipped with only 4 cylinders, instead of the superb 4.0 liter V8 engine of the previous generation.

The propulsion system is practically identical to the one on the C-Class AMG and has the 2.0-liter turbo engine, with the code name M139l. It squeezes 476 hp from its displacement, thanks to an electric turbocharger, which uses an electric motor to spin and thus avoid initial turbo lag. In such a configuration, the engine is the most powerful in the world in the 4-cylinder category, but this also applies to the C-Class AMG.

On the rear axle there is also an electric motor of 204 HP, or 150 kW, which has its own 2-speed gearbox and is integrated in the rear differential. And because there is a mechanical connection in the all-wheel drive system, this electric motor can also propel the front wheels and reverse action on the cardan shaft. By the way, the rear gearbox, dedicated to the electric motor, changes the second gear at around 140 km/h.

The total power of the system is 680 HP, and the torque is 1,020 Nm. This ensures the SUV an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, and a maximum speed of 275 km/h. For comparison, the previous generation reached an electronically limited 270 km/h, and the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h was 3.8 seconds, with only a V8 engine, without any electric motor. And with a sound they give great sensations, as I mentioned in test drive of that generation.

How much did the new GLC AMG end up weighing because of its complex hybrid system? It’s an essential question, but the sedan weighs 2,111 kg empty, so very heavy for a sedan of this size. Well, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63S weighs 2,310 kg empty, so another 200 kg more thanks to the larger body.

What was the need for all the hybridization in the case of this AMG model, with the abandonment of the V8 in favor of a small engine? In order to be able to approve an average combined consumption, theoretically deduced, of 7.5 liters/100 km, together with a consumption of 12.7 kWh/100 km of electricity. But, in real life, you’ll probably only achieve such consumption if you’re going slow and steady at 110-120 km/h on a freeway in Switzerland that weaves through tunnels instead of climbing. Those who will dare to use this AMG as an AMG, will most likely have a completely different consumption.

0

1,646

NEWS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

TEST DRIVE YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

2023-07-18 11:59:14
#MercedesAMG #GLC #63S #SUV #switched #4cylinder #engine #electric #motors #CClass #W206 #PiataAuto.md #website #car #world #Moldova