2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E Performance unveiled with four-cylinder hybrid power, here next year

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E Performance plug-in hybrid performance SUV has been unveiled, ahead of first Australian deliveries expected next year.

The new GLC63 S ditches the twin-turbocharged petrol V8 for a high-power four-cylinder engine combined with plug-in hybrid assistance and Formula One-derived turbocharger technology.

The power output has risen by 33 per cent to 500kW – and the zero to 100km/h sprint is now dispatched in 3.5 seconds, quicker than a Tesla Model Y Performance electric SUV.

It is due in Mercedes-Benz Australia showrooms in the second quarter of 2024 (April to June), after the standard model arrives in showrooms this month.

Prices are expected to increase over the $188,000 plus on-road costs of the outgoing model – given the new GLC300 costs $11,000 more than its predecessor, and the new C63 sedan with the same four-cylinder hybrid system is estimated to be in line for a 20 per cent price hike.

Powering the new GLC63 S is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the A45 S hot hatch developing 350kW and 545Nm, combined with a 150kW electric motor on the rear axle and a 6.1kWh battery pack.

The combined outputs are 500kW and 1020Nm – up from 375kW and 700Nm in the outgoing GLC63 S – good for zero to 100km/h in a claimed 3.5 seconds (down from 3.8sec), and a top speed limited to 275km/h.

The turbocharger is assisted by an electric motor – similar to Formula One – which can spin up the turbo at low speeds when exhaust gases are insufficient, claimed to "maintain boost pressure at all times" and eliminate turbo lag.

The battery pack was designed in conjunction with the Mercedes-AMG Formula One team, and is intended for quick recharges and discharges during high-performance driving – with a high energy density and individually-cooled battery cells.

Its small 6.1kWh capacity means the AMG GLC63 S can travel just 12km on a single charge in electric mode – according to lab-testing procedures. The pack is claimed to deliver 80kW of continuous power, or up to 150kW in short bursts.

The power boost comes at the cost of weight, as Mercedes-AMG says the new GLC63 S tips the scales at 2310kg kerb – about 200kg heavier than the outgoing V8 model.

Power is sent to all four wheels through a nine-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission. The placement of the electric motor on the rear axle is claimed to let it apply power faster and "more directly into propulsion" – though electric assistance can also be sent to the front wheels if required.

The electric motor is connected to an "automated" two-speed gearbox – which shifts to second gear at 140km/h "at the latest" – and a limited-slip differential.

Under the skin, there is adaptive suspension, eight drive modes, an active anti-roll control system that uses electrically-controlled actuators to keep the body flat instead of traditional rigid anti-roll bars, speed-sensitive sports steering, and rear-wheel steering with up to 2.5 degrees of rotation.

Standard are 390x36mm front and 370x26mm rear composite brake discs with six-piston front and single-piston rear calipers.

The GLC63 S is differentiated from the standard GLC with a unique AMG 'Panamericana' front grille, larger front air intakes, new side skirts, a restyled rear bumper with trapezoidal exhaust tips and a diffuser insert, and a roof spoiler.

Inside, there is a choice of regular or AMG Performance sports seats with Artico synthetic leather-look and microfibre upholstery, or nappa leather trim with embossed AMG crests in the headrests.

Standard is an AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in nappa leather and microfibre, plus aluminium shift paddles, rotary drive mode selectors, AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats, and AMG-branded illuminated door sill plates.

There are unique AMG-specific screens in the instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen, including a 'Supersport' instrument layout, and an AMG Track Pace lap timer for race-track driving.

A special-edition Edition 1 model is available for a limited time in Europe, with black and carbon-fibre exterior trim packages, silver or grey matte exterior paint, an aerodynamic body kit, and yellow interior accents.

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S is due in Australian showrooms in the second quarter of next year (April to June).