The restyled 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was unveiled in June, and soon the compact crossover will spawn its more daring GLC-Class coupe body style.
We’ve already spotted a prototype for the regular GLC-class coupé and today we’re looking at the fire-breathing GLC 63 Coupé from AMG. The regular GLC 63 will also be tested. We know this is the AMG because of the four square tailpipes at the rear, Panamericana grille up front, large perforated brake discs and lowered suspension.
For its next GLC 63 and GLC 63 Coupé, AMG will replace the current-generation V-8 with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that relies on a 4-cylinder engine for its internal combustion component. The new setup, characterized by E Performance branding, recently debuted in the redesigned 2024 C 63 S top-of-the-line model, now branded as the C 63 SE Performance to reflect its hybrid powertrain.
Mercedes-AMG E-Performance
The 4-cylinder is an upgraded version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4 found in AMG’s current crop of compact cars. By installing an electrically assisted turbocharger, the engine output of the new GLC 63 SE Performance is to be increased to 469 hp. There will also be an electric motor integrated with the engine in a mild hybrid configuration to power ancillary functions and act as a starter.
There is also a significantly more powerful engine (up to 201 hp) on the rear axle, which brings the combined output to a maximum of 671 hp. This rear engine is paired with its own 2-speed gearbox. A battery with a capacity of 6.1 kWh should ensure that a small electric range will be possible. A similar setup, albeit with a V8 engine, can be found in the 2023 GT 63 SE Performance 4-Door Coupe and 2023 S 63 E Performance.
While it has yet to be confirmed, we can expect the tamer GLC 63 E Performance and GLC 63 E Performance Coupé models to launch with a detuned version of the plug-in hybrid powertrain. Combined power should be around 550 hp in this case, which is still well above the 503 hp of the outgoing GLC 63 S-class.
2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63 SE Performance Coupé spy shots – Image rights: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
Another upgrade to look forward to will be rear wheel steering.
The GLC 43 and GLC 43 Coupé models are also coming. These models should come with the same setup as the 2023 C 43, specifically a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4 with electrically assisted turbocharger and mild hybrid configuration. The setup is good for 402 hp in the C 43.
Keep an eye out for the new GLC 63 SE Performance and GLC 63 SE Performance Coupé, which will go on sale in 2023 as 2024 models. The new GLC 43 duo should arrive around the same time.