Mercedes introduced the redesigned GLC last month and now attention is turning to the high-performance variants. While spy photographers have already snapped the upcoming GLC 43, we’re getting a better look at the range-topping GLC 63. Caught undergoing testing in Europe, the high-performance crossover has a wide Panamericana grille which is flanked by LED headlights. They’re joined by sportier side skirts and lightweight wheels that are backed up by a beefy braking system with red calipers.
The sporty styling continues out back as
the model has a unique rear bumper and a four-tailpipe exhaust system with
squared off tips. It’s also interesting to note the rear spoiler is
camouflaged, so it might be slightly different than the one found on the
regular model. Spy photographers didn’t get close enough to snap interior
pictures this time around, but previous shots have shown carbon fiber trim as
well as a flat-bottomed steering wheel. Other highlights will include
supportive sport seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and an
11.9-inch infotainment system with a portrait orientation.
The interior isn’t the only thing that is
all-new as the upcoming GLC 63 will feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain just
like the C63 E Performance. The latter model is slated to have a turbocharged
2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 470 hp. It will
be paired with a rear-mounted electric motor that develops 201 hp and this will give the car a combined output of 671 hp and 750 Nm of torque.
If those numbers carryover to the
crossover, the redesigned model will have 168 hp and 50 Nm of torque more than the outgoing GLC 63 S. That’s pretty impressive when
you consider the ‘old’ model rocketed from 0-96 km/h in
approximately 3.6 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 280 km/h.
