Like everyone else in the automotive industry, Mercedes-Benz is jumping on the downsizing bandwagon, and that includes their high-performance subsidiary AMG (Aufecht, Melcher, and Großaspach).

After dropping the V8 engine from the C63, Mercedes-AMG is at it again. The newly launched GLC 43 4MATIC and GLC 63 S E Performance gets a turbocharged four-cylinder engine – dropping its respective V6 and V8 engines. Fortunately for enthusiasts, it will come with special, innovative technology in order to live up to its AMG heritage.

"The Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV is an absolute success with our customers. Our two versions with different characters for the sporty-urban lifestyle are superior all-rounders and precisely tailored to individual customer wishes. With the E PERFORMANCE drive in the GLC 63 S, we are also launching the first performance hybrid SUV. The all-wheel-drive system, the active rear-axle steering, and the quick-shifting transmission enhance the emotionally appealing hallmark AMG driving experience," said Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH and Head of business units.

Both the GLC 43 4MATIC and GLC 63 S E Performance use the 2.0-liter M139L engine. It is the only production engine in the world to date that is turbocharged with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger and is a direct derivative of the technology that the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.

In the GLC 43 4MATIC, the engine makes 421 PS and has an additional boost of 14 PS via the belt-driven starter-generator in the lower speed range. It also has standard rear-axle steering, the AMG Performance 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque distribution, and the AMG Ride Control suspension with Adaptive Damping System.

Aside from getting a bigger turbocharger, the top-trim GLC 63 S E Performance combines the AMG 2.0-liter engine with an Electric Drive Unit (EDU) on the rear axle - making it a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) just like the all-new C63 revealed last year. It provides an extra power boost while ensuring a balanced weight distribution. The electric motor boosts power and torque depending on the drive program and driving conditions. Electric-only mode is also possible. The electric powertrain and the high-performance battery with 400 volts are AMG-exclusive in-house developments. The combined system output is 680 PS and 1,020 Nm of torque.

On the body of both models are AMG-specific equipment radiator grille with vertical struts and the AMG front apron with flics, sporty air intakes, and chrome-plated trim element. Other exterior features include integrated side sill panels, the diffuser-look rear apron (GLC 43) or additional diffuser board (GLC 63 S), and the two twin tailpipe trims (round on the GLC 43, trapezoidal on the GLC 63 S).

Inside, both models have AMG seats in Artico man-made leather/Microcut AMG microfiber with distinctive graphics and upholstery. Optional leather and Nappa leather upholstery with embossed AMG crest in the front head restraints are available. The AMG Performance seats are also available as an option.

Inside the GLC 43 is an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather while the GLC 63 S gets Nappa leather/MICROCUT microfiber. Its MBUX infotainment system includes various AMG-specific displays and functions like special displays in the instrument cluster, on the portrait-orientation multimedia central display in the center console, and on the optional head-up display.

AMG Track Pace is standard in the GLC 63 S and optional for the GLC 43. It is a data logger for use on the racetrack. The software records more than 80 vehicle-specific data such as speed, acceleration, and steering angle ten times per second while driving around a race track. Also informative is the display of lap and sector times as well as additional training and analysis tools.

The AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission with a wet start-off clutch is standard on both models. It has a double-declutching function in the "Sport" and "Sport+" drive programs, a RACE START function, and an ECO start/stop function that is activated in the "Comfort" drive program. AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with Adaptive Damping System.

To ensure sporty driving dynamics and high long-distance comfort, it also has AMG Ride Control steel spring suspension with Adaptive Damping System. Drivers have a choice of three different damping maps ("Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport+").

Other drive enhancements and features like Active Roll Stabilization (GLC 63 S E Performance only), Three-stage AMG speed-sensitive steering and standard rear-axle steering, and AMG sports braking system and AMG exhaust system with sporty engine sound are standard equipment.

With the all-new GLC C43 and C63 getting the downsized electrified turbocharged engines, we can expect more Mercedes-AMG vehicles to get a similar treatment.