What's the news?
Mercedes has already announced that it is facelifting its regular GLC and related GLC Coupe models for 2019, so here come the high-powered versions of both - a quartet of SUVs that wear some form of 'GLC 63' badging, to signify mammoth V8 power. Lovely!
Exterior
Like the regular GLCs, the new 63 models have a new design of head- and taillights, while the most rapid GLCs gain fresh 90mm twin-tailpipe trims (either side) in a trapezoidal design. There are also optional 21-inch light-alloy wheels on offer, while Graphite Grey metallic joins the paint palette. Beyond that, it's the usual AMG signifiers: twin-louvre grille, big air intakes, solid-looking stance, wider wheel arches and beefier bumpers. On the GLC 63 S and GLC 63 S Coupe variants, five-spoke 20-inch alloys are standard, while there are various different bits of matte Iridium Silver trim to be spied.
Interior
The big change within comes in the form of the MBUX infotainment system, which is presented in the Mercedes-AMG GLC models on a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch centre-stack screen. This is augmented by the latest AMG 'Dinamica' microfibre steering wheel design, incorporating the necessary square 'Touch Control' buttons on its spokes to control MBUX, while there are also additional information displays to reflect the four SUVs' sportier characters - so Warm-Up, Set-Up, G-Force and Engine Data screens are incorporated. A new upholstery combination, of Magma Grey and Black with yellow contrast topstitching, is drafted in as an option, as are AMG Performance seats with air-cushion side bolsters that adapt to the contours of whatever body is sitting in them.
Mechanicals
Actually, the 4.0-litre biturbo V8 that powers all of the GLC 63, GLC 63 S, GLC 63 Coupe and GLC 63 S Coupe remains unaltered. That means in the models with 'just' a 63, they deliver 476hp and 650Nm, while the 'S' pair's outputs climb to 510hp and 700Nm. This is as they were before the facelift came into effect.
Performance, though, is not to be sniffed at: the GLC 63 and GLC 63 Coupe will do 0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds exactly, with their top speeds limited to 250km/h, while the S versions will dip to 3.8 seconds for the 0-100km/h run and their limiters are raised to 280km/h. The CO2 emissions of all four are anything between 275- and 283g/km.
What's changed this time around is that the electronically controlled locking differential is now standard on all models, whereas it was only fitted to the GLC 63 S cars before. Another drive programme, called 'Slippery', has been added to the AMG Dynamic Select system, while AMG Dynamics handling control has three 'agility forms' for the 63 and four on the 63 S. The S twins get the AMG Driver's Package as standard (hence the 280km/h maximum speed), while Trailer Manoeuvring Assist is chucked in for the people who are using their Mercedes-AMG SUVs as towcars.
Anything else?
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4Matic+ currently holds the record for the fastest lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife, banging in a time of 7m 49.369s. Tobias Moers, chairman of Mercedes-AMG, said: "The lap record on the North Loop has proven to impressive effect that the GLC 63 is right at the top of its segment in terms of vehicle dynamics. With our V8 biturbo, we hold a decisive USP in the competitive environment. With AMG Dynamics, we were able to hone the vehicle dynamics even more and also further increase the suitability for everyday use and the connectivity with MBUX. This makes the GLC 63 an all-rounder for every occasion."