Mercedes finally did it, stuffing their sonorous 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 under the hood of the GLC and GLC Coupe.
The new 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+ and GLC 63 4MATIC+ Coupé are the first of a new breed of super high-performance mid-sized crossovers, which will compete in the future with BMW’s X3M. The 400hp Porsche Macan Turbo is also on Merc’s radar.
Powering this dynamic duo, or rather trio, since the GLC 63 Coupe also comes in a more potent ‘S’ flavor, is AMG’s ever-present 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 that can be found from the C63 sedan all the way up to the AMG GT supercar.
In this application, the handcrafted lump produces 469hp (476PS) with a peak torque of 479 lb-ft (650Nm) in the GLC63 SUV and GLC63 Coupe, and 503hp (510PS) and 516 lb-ft (700Nm) in the GLC63 S Coupe.
All models come with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission featuring a start-off wet clutch that replaces a traditional torque converter, sourced from the Mercedes-AMG E63 S. The latter also provides the performance-orientated AMG 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system with an electromechanically controlled clutch and a limited-slip rear differential that can swiftly change front-to-rear torque distribution.
Mercedes says acceleration from 0-60 mph takes just 3.9 seconds in the GLC63 SUV and Coupe (0-100km/h in 4.0s), and 3.7 seconds (0-100km/h in 3.8s) in the GLC63 S Coupe, with top speed limited to 155mph (250km/h) on all models.
It’s possible for the driver to change the characteristics of the SUV through four AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs “Comfort,” “Sport,” “Sport+” and “Individual” on the GLC63, with the GLC 63 Coupe models offering an addition “Race” mode, in which all driving parameters are configured for maximum performance.
Elsewhere, Mercedes added a new AMG suspension system featuring fully-supporting multi-chamber air springs and three stage adaptive damper control (Comfort, Sport and Sport+) and a speed-sensitive sports steering with two modes (Comfort and Sport).
Separating the AMG models from their regular GLC and GLC Coupe siblings are a series of bespoke touches and features starting from the Panamericana grille that was previously reserved for the AMG GT. All three models get AMG-specific front and rear bumpers, a roof spoiler and a performance exhaust with quad pipes. The GLC and GLC Coupe 63 ride on 19-inch rims shod in tires size 235/55 front and 255/50 rear, while the ‘S’ model gets 20-inch wheels on 265/45 R 20 tires at the front and 295/40 R 20 at the rear.
Interior updates include different trims, model-specific instrument panel readings, and sport seats, though you’ll have to pay extra to get them in real leather since Mercedes used their MB-Tex man-made leather combined with DINAMICA microfiber as standard.
If that’s not enough, as always, Mercedes offers many other pricey options such as forged, staggered fitment wheels with even wider tires, an exterior carbon fiber package, and an exhaust system with a flap control at the push of a button among others.
The new AMG GLC 63s will have their world premiere in New York next week, but sales won’t start until early 2018.
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