Sound on! I have taken a new spy video of the next generation Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe during some hot laps on the Nürburgring. AMG will replace the outgoing generation’s V-8 with a plug-in hybrid powertrain relying on a turbo-4 engine for its internal-combustion component.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupé Prototype S E Hybrid Performance SUV Caught Testing At Nürburgring
The redesigned 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was revealed last year and in March the compact crossover spawned its more rakish GLC-Class Coupe body style.
AMG versions of both crossovers are still out testing, and the latest spy shots and video show the new GLC 63 Coupe. The regular GLC 63 is also out testing. We know this is the AMG because of the four square-shaped exhaust tips at the rear, Panamericana grille up front, large cross-drilled brake rotors, and lowered suspension.
For its next GLC 63 and GLC 63 Coupe, AMG will replace the outgoing generation’s V-8 with a plug-in hybrid powertrain relying on a turbo-4 engine for its internal-combustion component. The new setup, signified by E Performance branding, made its debut recently in the redesigned 2024 C 63 S range topper, now branded the C 63 S E Performance, to reflect its hybrid powertrain.
The engine is an upgraded version of the 2.0-liter turbo-4 found in AMG’s current crop of compact cars. Thanks to the addition of an electric-aided turbocharger, output from the engine is boosted to 469 hp for the C 63 S E Performance, and the same should be true for the GLC 63 S E Performance. An electric motor will also be integrated with the engine in mild-hybrid configuration to power ancillary features, as well as serve as a starter motor.
On top of all this, a much more powerful motor (up to 201 hp) will reside at the rear axle to take combined output to a maximum 671 hp. This rear motor will be mated to its own 2-speed transmission. A 6.1-kwh battery will ensure a small electric range will be possible. A similar setup, albeit with a V-8 engine, features in the 2023 GT 63 S E Performance 4-Door Coupe and 2023 S 63 E Performance.
Though it’s yet to be confirmed, we can expect tamer GLC 63 E Performance and GLC 63 E Performance Coupe models to be launched with a detuned version of the plug-in hybrid powertrain. Combined output in this case should hover around 550 hp, which is still up significantly on the 503 hp of the outgoing GLC 63 S grade. Both versions should get rear-wheel steering.
GLC 43 and GLC 43 Coupe models are also coming. These models should come with the same powertrain as the 2023 C 43, specifically a 2.0-liter turbo-4 complete with an electric-aided turbocharger and a mild-hybrid configuration. The setup is good for 402 hp in the C 43, and should deliver the same in the GLC 43 duo.
Look for the new GLC 63 S E Performance and GLC 63 S E Performance Coupe to start sales in late 2023 or early 2024. The new GLC 43 duo should arrive about the same time.
