A few months ago, Mercedes-Benz revealed the electric GLC. It can produce up to 483 horsepower, but once AMG gets hold of it, it could make nearly double that, according to a new report.
Unnamed “sources” have told Autocar that AMG wants the GLC to sprint from zero to 62 miles per hour in under three seconds. The SUV will allegedly have three axial-flux motors, one in the front and two in the rear, producing over 900 horsepower combined, and it’ll be able to reach a governed top speed of 155 mph.
The AMG version will utilize the AMG Electric Architecture (AMG.EA), which Mercedes previewed with the GT XX Concept, a 1,340-horsepower, 223-mph super sedan revealed earlier this year.
A key to the car’s performance will be the battery, which will use cylindrical cells rather than prismatic ones and feature direct cooling. This allows the coolant to flow directly around each cylinder, which the SUV needs to sustain a high-performance output.
Photo by: Mercedes-AMG
Automakers might be pulling back on their electrification efforts, but many are continuing to invest in battery technology. The electric AMG GLC will likely serve as a rival to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, which should deliver similar power and capabilities.
When the AMG GLC does arrive, it’ll recreate the sounds and feelings of a combustion-powered car, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. The GLC will also have fake gearshifts and simulated sounds, a new iteration of Skeuomorphism.
The high-performance GLC should also feature an assortment of AMG-specific visual upgrades, like unique fascias and active aerodynamics. Inside, it’ll have sport seats and AMG touches throughout.
Next year will be vital for Mercedes-AMG. The GT XX Concept previews a new performance sedan for the company, which it’ll follow with an SUV. The automaker previewed it last December, and it might have over 1,000 horsepower when it arrives.
