High-Performance Mercedes-AMG GLC63 Debuts With Bi-Turbo V8

Mercedes couldn’t wait until the New York Auto Show to introduce the new Mercedes-AMG GLC63 and GLC63 Coupe models.

For the first time in the Mercedes-AMG lineup, there is now a midsized SUV powered by an eight-cylinder biturbo engine. Both the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 and GLC63 Coupe will make their public debut at the 2017 New York Auto Show, sporting a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine with 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Those that want even more of a thrill from their SUV can opt for the GLC63 S Coupe with 503 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All three models feature an air spring suspension with adaptive, adjustable damping, AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution, a rear-axle limited slip differential and a high-performance braking system.

All that performance is good enough to send the GLC63 and GLC63 Coupe to 60 mph from a standstill in 3.9 seconds, while the GLC63 S Coupe does the sprint in 3.7 seconds.

The model is also unique as it’s the first one to receive the AMG Panamericana grille, which was previously seen only on the AMG GT family of sports cars.

All models have their powerplants paired to an AMG Speedshift MCT nine-speed transmission that originally made its debut on the Mercedes-AMG E63 S. The transmission promises to offer extremely short shift and response times. There is also an exhaust system with flap technology for variable engine sound, with the flap controlled automatically depending on the AMG Dynamic Select drive program. Available as an option is the AMG Performance exhaust system, which allows the exhaust sound to be modulated at a press of a button.

2017 New York Auto Show Coverage

Along with the Panamericana grille, the exterior of both models are further differentiated by more aggressive styling featuring a wide front bumper that Mercedes-AMG says is inspired by the design of a jet wing. Wider wheel arch claddings add emphasis to the models’ muscular looks while new side sill panels make them appear to sit lower on the road. Out back is a wide rear bumper and a diffuser finished in grained black, while the trim on the diffuser board is Matte Iridium Silver. The GLC63 SUV gets a spoiler lip on the roof, while the spoiler lip on the GLC63 Coupe and GLC63 S Coupe is the same found on the AMG GLC43 Coupe. The exhaust system has been finished with two high-gloss, chrome-plated twin tailpipe trims.

Inside the cabin, it’s both luxurious and sporty with MB-Tex man-made leather combined with DINAMICA microfiber. The instrument panel features the same leather cladding, while the GLC63 S Coupe gets additional contrast topstitching. The high-performance version also comes with an AMG Performance steering wheel and an AMG instrument cluster with red highlights.

Along with the AMG Performance exhaust system, optional extras for all models include the AMG Night package, AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber package, 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels and the AMG Performance Studio interior.

The Mercedes-AMG GLC63 and GLC63 Coupe models will arrive dealerships by early 2018 and pricing will be announced closer to its launch.

“For us, the new GLC63 is a quite special vehicle. It is no easy job designing an SUV to be highly sporty and dynamic while at the same time offering inherent extreme driving stability and efficiency. This required us to put our heart and soul, along with our many years of SUV expertise, into the development of this vehicle,” said Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “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 unique selling point in the performance market. What is more, with both SUV and Coupe variants available, we offer the widest choice in the segment. The technical closeness to our sports cars is visually underlined by the Panamericana grille, which was previously reserved for our AMG GT models.”

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