The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 EV prototype for 2026 has been taken to cold weather testing near the Arctic Circle. This spy video reveals a couple of clips of the pure electric AMG SUV during some tests side by side with the current Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 EV Prototype Starts Winter Testing With EQE 53 SUV Near The Arctic Circle
A successor to the Mercedes EQC was caught winter testing near the Arctic Circle alongside a Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV. Spotted by CarSpyMedia, the two crossovers are seen driving around a snowy track, with the EQC successor possibly benchmarking against the larger SUV. At the moment, all information indicates this new crossover will be called the GLC EV, and that this version is most likely a Mercedes-AMG.
The GLC EV is set to replace the EQC crossover which we never received in the US. The most attractive of the Mercedes electric crossovers, dealers asked for a US version, but it was killed off due to lackluster sales before it had a chance to make it stateside.
Electric AMG Performance
Camouflage makes it difficult to see exterior details, but it can’t hide the beefy front brakes with massive calipers and slotted and drilled rotors. Combined with the fact that it’s being tested alongside a high-performance crossover, this hints that it may be a high-performance model similar to the EQE.
The AMG EQE SUV sports a permanently excited motor on each axle, creating 617 horsepower and 701 lb-ft of torque or 677 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package. This lets you scoot the 5,930-lb crossover from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, making it the perfect high-performance family hauler. It’s also an expensive one, starting at $109,300 for 2024.
Set To Compete Against The IX3
The GLC EV platform has yet to be revealed, but it could use the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) that will be on the upcoming electric CLA since the brand announced this new platform will underpin four models. The architecture is electric first but allows for internal combustion technology if the company plans to continue offering PHEVs as a part of its strategy.
It’s good that the company is planning something with more performance because BMW is doing the same with the upcoming 2025 Neue Klasse iX3 crossover. The first of the Neue Klasse models to reach the public, this SUV is set to have short and long-range versions and will be built in Europe first. This makes it a costlier option since it’s not eligible for the tax credit, but it could eventually be produced in a North American factory.
