Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 and GLC 63 Coupe officially unveiled

After a taste of the slightly warmed-up V6-engined Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, here’s the real deal for those looking for uncompromised performance in their SUVs. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 and GLC 63 Coupe have been officially unveiled today ahead of their debut at the upcoming New York International Auto Show.

Both models are powered by AMG’s familiar biturbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine that develops 350kW and 650Nm in standard form and 375kW and 700Nm in the more potent S guise. The powerplant is paired with a 9-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission first seen in the new Mercedes-AMG E 63.

Driving all four wheels via the company’s 4MATIC permanent all wheel drive system with variable torque distribution, the AMG GLC 63 rivals supercar in its sprint from 0 to 100km/h with a time of just 3.8 seconds. Even more astonishing, the GLC 63 S accomplishes the same feat 0.1 second quicker at 3.7 seconds.

Drivers are able to tailor the drive experience through four available drive modes: Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. In the Coupe, a fifth mode, Race, is also available for drivers to extract the maximum performance from their sports SUV.

The GLC 63 rides on an air suspension with multi-chamber air springs for optimum handling and stability. The stiffness of the air springs can be adjusted over a wide range by activating or deactivating individual air chambers, making for perceptibly enhanced comfort and handling. There are three degrees of spring tuning, depending on the selected drive program and current driving status. The spring rate is hardened automatically in the event of sudden load changes, fast cornering, heavy acceleration or heavy braking, this effectively reducing roll and pitch while stabilising the SUV.

Rolling stock comes in the form of a 10-spoke alloy wheels measuring 8.0 x 19 (front) and 9.0 x 19 (rear) painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and with tyres of size 235/55 R 19 (front) and 255/50 R 19 (rear). S versions feature 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels measuring 9.5 x 20 (front) and 10.0 x 20 (rear) wrapped in 265/45 R 20 (front) and 295/40 R 20 (rear) rubber.

Also available are the optional 21-inch forged wheels measuring 265/40 R 21 on 9.5 x 21 on the front axle and 295/35 R 21 on 10.0 x 21 wheels on the rear axle.

For improved traction and driving dynamics, the GLC 63 comes with a mechanical rear-axle limited-slip differential, while the GLC 63 S uses an electronic rear LSD for even quicker responses. Both differentials reduce the slip on the inside wheel when cornering, without control interventions by the brakes.

Visually the GLC 63 and GLC 63 Coupe are distinguishable from their lesser siblings through the new Panamericana grille that first debuted on the Mercedes-AMG GT R, beefier front and rear bumpers, wheel arch extensions, new side sills, black rear diffuser and quad exhaust tips.

Inside the performance SUVs feature leather upholstery, sport seats with Dinamica microfiber seat inserts. The instrument panel is trimmed in black Artico man-made leather with contrasting topstitching. The high-grade look is underlined by aluminium trim. The touchpad is flanked by the AMG Dynamic Select switch and numerous AMG-specific controls, such as the button for the 3-stage AMG Ride Control suspension, 3-stage ESP or optionally the button for the AMG Performance exhaust system with flap control.

The 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 and GLC63 Coupe will premiere at the 2017 New York auto show next week.