2023 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S coupe spied

Mercedes-AMG has been snapped testing the upcoming plug-in hybrid flagship of the GLC SUV range.

The GLC63 coupe is expected to share its plug-in hybrid powertrain with the C63 S sedan.

The new C63 S combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 350kW and 545Nm on its own. The engine features an electrically-driven turbocharger to slash lag, and a nine-speed multi-clutch transmission.

The rear axle is home to a 150kW electric motor, hooked up to a 6.1kWh battery pack with 13km of EV-only range.

Combined, they make 500kW and 1020Nm, and enable fully-variable all-wheel drive with Drift Mode.

The 100km/h sprint take a claimed 3.4 seconds, and flat out you’ll be doing 280km/h.

Beyond the PHEV powertrain, the new GLC is expected to look more aggressive than its predecessor. The wheels fitted to this test car share plenty with those on the C63, and the ducktail spoiler at the base of the sloping tailgate is larger than that of the current car.

Up front, it doesn’t mess too much with the formula laid down by its predecessor. There’s a Panamericana grille with prominent vertical strakes, swollen bumpers with broad air intakes, and a more prominent splitter than the standard GLC.

The traditional AMG quad exhaust tips are present and correct, too.

Although AMG variants of the GLC haven’t been revealed, the regular range has been. The wagon will arrive in Australia in the second quarter of 2023, with power from a single engine option.

The GLC 300 4Matic petrol will be the only GLC offered locally at launch, packing a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 190kW of power and 400Nm of torque. It’s all-wheel drive, and sprints to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds.

A 48V mild-hybrid system has a starter-alternator producing 17kW and 200Nm, designed to deliver smoother start/stop and provide a jolt of extra power under acceleration.

A less powerful GLC 200 is available abroad, along with a pair of diesel engines, none of which will feature locally at launch.

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