The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+ and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+ Coupé are the only vehicles in their segment to be powered by an eight-cylinder biturbo engine. The new, mid-size performance SUV and Coupé are available as basic and S-model variants: the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine puts out 476 hp or 510 hp with a max. torque of 650 or 700 Nm. The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).
The V8 biturbo engine is closely related to engine in the Mercedes-AMG GT, and is already used in numerous AMG Performance vehicles. A characteristic feature is that the two turbochargers are positioned not on the outside of the cylinder banks, but inside the cylinder “V”. The new GLC 63 4MATIC+ and GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ feature the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission, which made its debut in the Mercedes-AMG E 63 4MATIC+.
After the E-Class from Mercedes-AMG, the GLC, too, now comes with AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. This system features fully variable torque distribution to the front and rear axles to ensure optimal traction right up to the physical limit. An electromechanically controlled clutch connects the permanently driven rear axle fully variably to the front axle, which is steered by an electromechanical, speed-sensitive sports steering .
The GLC 63 is available with four AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs: “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport Plus” and “Individual”. Optionally available is the Performance exhaust system, which allows the sound to be modulated at the press of a button. For improved traction and driving dynamics, the GLC 63 4MATIC+ comes with a mechanical rear-axle limited-slip differential, while the GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ uses an electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential.
The GLC 63 4MATIC+ is shod as standard with 10-spoke light-alloy wheels 8.0 J x 19 (front) and 9.0 J 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). The dimensions for the GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ are 265/45 R 20 (front) and 295/40 R 20 (rear) on 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish in 9.5 J x 20 (front) and 10.0 J x 20 (rear). Braking includes 360-millimetre perforated and internally ventilated brake discs at front and rear, , while the GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ is fitted with 390-millimetre compound brake discs at the front.
As far as appearances go, the new GLC 63 4MATIC+ is the first Mercedes-AMG Performance vehicle to feature the Panamericana grille, which was previously reserved for the AMG GT family of sports cars. A wide front apron inspired by the design of a jet wing, with a large front splitter, differentiate the performance oriented models from their plebeian siblings. They further come with wider wheel arch claddings at front and rear, new side sill panels , along with a wide rear apron and diffuser in grained black. The S-model variant gets matt iridium silver trim fittings. The SUV also gets a spoiler lip on the roof, while the spoiler lip on the Coupé is familiar from the GLC 43 4MATIC. The exhaust system is terminated by two high-gloss chrome-plated twin tailpipe trims.
Inside, the GLC 63 gets sports seats in ARTICO man-made leather, combined with DINAMICA microfibre. The instrument panel is trimmed in black ARTICO man-made leather with contrasting topstitching. The cabin is also 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 air suspension, 3-stage ESP or optionally the button for the AMG Performance exhaust system with flap control.
The S-model variant comes with an even more extensive equipment package, including a Performance steering wheel in black nappa leather / DINAMICA microfibre, AMG badges in the front head restraints in combination with leather appointments and AMG instrument cluster with red highlights.
The SUV and Coupé variants of the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+ and GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ are also available at launch as an “Edition 1” special model. In both body variants, standard exterior embellishments include the Night package in high-gloss black, sports stripes on the sides of the vehicle in matt yellow or graphite grey (depending on the paint colour) and matt black 21-inch cross-spoke forged wheels with highlights in the form of yellow or high-sheen rim flanges.
Inside, the sports seats are upholstered in black nappa leather and reprise the colour yellow in the contrasting topstitching of the specific diamond pattern. Black nappa leather with yellow contrasting topstitching also adorn the door centre panels, armrests and centre console. Further yellow highlights adorn the instrument cluster, floor mats and Performance steering wheel with flattened bottom section in DINAMICA microfibre with 12 o’clock marking. Added to this is AMG trim in matt carbon fibre / bright aluminium with longitudinal grain. Optional for and exclusive to the Edition 1 special model is the AMG Performance seat with diamond design and contrasting topstitching in yellow.
The new mid-size performance SUVs celebrate their world premiere in April 2017. Start of sales is on 16 June 2017, while the market launch begins in September 2017.
