With 367bhp and a 0-62mph sprint time of 4.9 seconds, you’d think Mercedes’ AMG GLC 43 crammed enough punch into a premium family SUV.
However, Merc’s performance division always seems to think there’s always enough scope to crank things up another notch (as demonstrated by the GT-R), so from this summer, we’ll be getting this: the GLC 63.
We mentioned it briefly in our recent New York Motor Show 2017 preview because that’s where it is due to have its global unveiling, but now we’ve got more details.
The most extreme GLC so far will be available as a fastback coupe or a fuller-rumped model when it goes on sale in the UK this summer.
Extreme power
Powering the GLC 63 is a dazzling four-litre biturbo V8, which packs 469bhp and 650 Nm of torque in the standard GLC 63, hurtling it to 62mph in four seconds flat.
Meanwhile, an S version cranks up the power with 503bhp and 700 Nm of torque to hit 62mph in 3.8 seconds. Youch!
Top speed is capped at 155mph for both models, while both use a slick nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT sports transmission.
An exhaust system with flap technology ensures that the back-end soundtracks the V8 appropriately, while the interior delivers all the luxury you’d expect from a range-topping Merc, with Artico man-made leather covering the front sports seats and instrument panel.
The S model variant adds even more equipment, such as a performance steering wheel in black nappa leather, AMG badges in the front head restraints, as well as leather appointments and AMG instrument cluster with red highlights. Buyers can also choose to upgrade to 20-inch or 21-inch light alloy wheels.
SUV for the road and track
Even for Mercedes-AMG, the new GLC 63 was “quite a special vehicle”. That’s according to Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, who added: “It is no easy job designing an SUV to be highly sporty and dynamic while at the same time offering inherent extreme driving stability.
“This required us to put our heart and soul, along with our many years of SUV expertise, into the development of this vehicle. The result is an SUV that can be driven with high precision and agility and which, if required, is equally at home on a high-speed lap of the race track.
“With our V8 biturbo engine, we hold a decisive USP in the performance market. What is more, with SUV and coupe [body shapes], we offer the widest choice in the segment. Also, the technical closeness to our sports cars is visually underlined by the Panamericana grille, which was previously reserved for our AMG GT models.”
The GLC 63 is due to arrive in UK showrooms from September 2017, with orders being accepted from mid-June.
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