2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Gets A Mild Makeover, Coming Next Year

People who think full-size SUVs don’t fit their needs and would rather get something more compact yet just as stylish, can easily turn to the likes of Mercedes-Benz and purchase a GLC.

But what do you do if you also want a reasonably-sized crossover that can thrill you and your passengers whenever you floor the throttle in a straight line? The answer to that question is of course to go for an AMG derivative, like the 63 or the 63 S, which are the two most potent versions.

Even though GLC 63 hasn’t even been with us for that long, Mercedes is already planning ahead, testing a restyled prototype on the Nurburgring Nordschleife, which allows them to get the car up to speed, while also gauging its handling and cornering capability.

Same old vibe

There’s nothing wrong with how the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 looks right now, whether it be the regular model or the Coupe version. It’s a muscular crossover with an aggressively-styled front end, plus a conservative yet beefy rear.

Of course, all of that is 2016-worthy news, which means that changes will be made moving forward. Judging by these images, the restyled GLC 63 will get slightly smaller headlights and new taillight graphics, something we knew to anticipate ever since we saw this facelifted GLC prototype back in April. That one however didn’t have production taillights on – at least not these new ones with the square graphics.

New tech for a new-ish car

Like the regular model, the GLC 63 version will also gain a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster inside, a new three-spoke steering wheel, an upgraded head-up display and a new 10.25-inch infotainment system screen with a new interface, plus the touchpad controller with haptic feedback.

Also upgraded will be its range of safety and driver-assistance systems, which is always a must.

As for engines, we’re not sure what Mercedes is planning in that department, but since the current GLC 63 S flagship already puts down a whooping 510 PS (503 HP) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft), it’s possible that overall performance will remain the same. Of course, if Mercedes-AMG feel like adding a little more horsepower, we would not mind one bit.

Mercedes should launch the updated AMG-powered GLC 63 by the end of next year as a 2020 model.