What's the news?
We expected the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic to remain the range-topping model for the GLC SUV and GLC Coupe line-ups, but turns out we were wrong, very wrong, as today AMG reveals the mighty GLC 63 4Matic+, powered by a version of the AMG GT's stupendous twin-turbocharged V8 engine with up to 510hp.
Exterior
The GLC 63 is the first of AMG's other models to adopt the new AMG GT's highly aggressive new Panamericana radiator grille style and it gives the SUV serious presence. That's enhanced by a new bumper design below with massive air intakes and AMG says it purposely left the heat exchangers visible, as that's how it is in motorsport. The side view is dominated by 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels (standard and S models, respectively, though 21s are on the options list), with their arches trimmed and extended in plastic. These link to a restyled side sill. At the back there's a much deeper bumper design with a working aerodynamic diffuser and AMG's signature quad squared exhaust outlets. The Coupe has the same prominent boot lip spoiler as that of the GLC 43 Coupe, while the GLC 63 SUV gets a subtle roof spoiler. The regular and S variants of the 63 are further differentiated by matt iridium silver detailing on the latter, though there are plenty of options to make your AMG GLC stand out further.
Interior
Inside, there are sports seats up front as standard, trimmed in a mix of Artico (Merc's man-made leather substitute) and Dinamica microfibre. Artico with contrasting stitching trims the dashboard too, while there are aluminium inserts elsewhere. The GLC 63 S models additionally gain an AMG Performance steering wheel and other detail upgrades.
Mechanicals
Behind the toothy new grille sits the formidable twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre AMG V8 engine we've come to love. It produces 476hp as standard, backed up by 650Nm, or 510hp in S guise, with maximum torque rated at 700Nm. The top speed is limited to 250km/h. The GLC 63 gets the Mercedes-AMG E 63's nine-speed automatic, dubbed the AMG Speedshift MCT, plus that car's 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. This always sends power to the rear axle and varies how much the front tyres receive depending on circumstances. At the back there's a mechanical limited slip differential in the standard GLC 63 and an electronically controlled item in the GLC 63 S. Allowing the driver to exploit all that to the full is a three-stage ESP stability control set-up, with on, off and 'Sport Handling Mode' settings.
The power steering is speed-sensitive and there's a variable rack to mix stability at the straight ahead with quicker responses in a turn. The assistance itself to the steering varies between Comfort and Sport modes depending on which of the AMG Dynamic Select settings are selected (they're Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual, while the S also gets a 'Race' mode). This also affects things like stop-start, coasting, throttle response, transmission speed and the exhaust sound. Additionally, it alters the characteristics of the three-chamber air suspension (in place of traditional steel springs) and the adaptive damping. The latter system has three discrete levels - Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.
Anything else?
As is AMG's wont, there will be a highly specified Edition 1 of the GLC 63 initially offered at launch. Skim through the gallery of images here and you'll identify it by its lurid yellow detailing. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4Matic+ gets its world debut later this month at the New York Auto Show before going on sale in the summer. No, we don't have Irish prices as yet...