Spy shot of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63S E Performance: from V8 to electric four-cylinder engine

Mercedes-Benz is about to unveil its new generation GLC-Class. Prototypes have been spotted for more than a year now, but today we have the first photos of the performance variant of the upcoming GLC 63 compact crossover developed by Mercedes-Benz AMG.

The current GLC 63 and the spicier GLC 63S are Motor Authority favorites thanks to their aggressive looks, track-hardened suspension, and of course, the V-8 lump under the hood.

The redesigned GLC 63 will replace the V-8 with a sophisticated plug-in hybrid powertrain that relies on a four-cylinder engine for internal combustion components. This new setup, denoted by the new E Performance brand name, has already been teased by AMG and will soon debut in the redesigned C63. [This four-cylinder engine is an upgraded version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 found in AMG's current compact cars. The addition of an electric turbocharger raises the GLC 63's engine output to 442 hp. The mild hybrid configuration also includes an electric motor integrated with the engine to power auxiliary functions and act as a starter motor.

In addition to these, a more powerful motor (up to 201 hp) is mounted on the rear axle, for a total output of up to 643 hp. This rear motor will be mated to a dedicated two-speed transmission. A battery with a capacity of 6.1 kilowatt-hours will ensure a modest electric range.

AMG's recently unveiled 2023 GT 63S E Performance four-door coupe uses a similar setup, albeit with a V8 engine.

For the GLC 63, a maximum of 643 hp is expected to be reserved for the GLC 63S E Performance range-topper. The more modest GLC 63 E Performance is expected to have around 550 hp, but that is still a significant increase from the 503 hp of the current GLC 63S.

Another upgrade we can look forward to in both variants of the redesigned GLC 63 will be all-wheel steering.

The redesigned GLC-Class is slated for 2022 as a 2023 model; the GLC 63 variant will arrive roughly six months after the regular crossover's launch. A redesigned GLC 43 (possibly renamed GLC 53) is also planned, which will feature hybrid power.