The 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 wagon and Coupe have been revealed ahead of an Australian launch in December.
Available in two versions globally – the ‘standard’ GLC63 and hotter GLC63 S – the performance SUV twins feature the company’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 under the bonnet, producing 350kW or 375kW depending on model.
Both versions are equipped with the company’s nine-speed multi-clutch transmission, which we first saw in the AMG E63, sending drive to all four wheels via the company’s 4Matic+ variable all-wheel drive system with rear bias.
GLC63 models come equipped with a mechanical limited-slip rear differential, while the GLC63 S features an electronic limited-slip rear differential for improved traction through corners.
Australia is likely to get only the GLC63 S in both wagon and coupe forms – based on previous releases – which features the higher-output version of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 also seen in AMG C63 S models, developing 375kW of power at 5500 to 6250rpm and a healthy 700Nm of torque at 1750-4500rpm.
Thanks to the added traction of all-wheel drive, the GLC63 S is quicker than all versions of the AMG C63, accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds, on its way to an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h an hour.
Additionally, the GLC63 S is quicker to triple figures than the AMG A45 hyper hatch and CLA45 four-door coupe, along with established super-sports cars like the W12-powered Bentley Continental GT Speed.
Meanwhile, the ‘regular’ GLC63 sprints from 0-100km/h in a respectable 4.0 seconds flat, on its way to the same electronically-governed top whack of 250km/h.
Currently, the GLC63 is unique in its segment both in terms of powertrain and performance, with its closest rival currently being the recently-revealed Audi SQ5, which is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 and only manages a 5.4-second benchmark sprint.
Standard features include the AMG Dynamic Select switchable driving modes, offering Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual settings which alter the response of the engine, transmission, steering, suspension, all-wheel drive system and stability control.
Additionally, drivers can select ‘M’ mode, which switches the transmission to full manual mode – with gearshifts exclusively controlled by the steering-mounted paddle shifters. Meanwhile, the GLC63 S gets a Race mode – taking the mode count to five – tuned for maximum performance.
The GLC63 range is also equipped as standard with AMG air suspension, which the company says ensures high levels of camber stability, driving dynamics and steering precision.
Filling the arches are 19-inch 10-spoke light alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55 front and 255/50 rear tyres on GLC63 models, while GLC63 S variants get larger 20-inch five-twin-spoke light alloy wheels painted in titanium grey wrapped in 265/45 front and 295/40 rear rubber. Several other wheel and tyre packages are available as cost options, up to 21 inches in diameter.
Behind the wheels are 390mm perforated and internally ventilated disc brakes front and rear.
In terms of design, GLC63 models are distinguished from their lesser GLC brethren primarily from the Panamericana front grille – making it the first Mercedes-AMG Performance model to feature the design worn by the AMG GT sports car family.
Other sporty design highlights include a new front splitter, wider wheel arch claddings, new side sill panels, rear diffuser, roof spoiler lip, and squared quad-exhaust tips.
Inside, the GLC63 gets standard sports seats trimmed in Artico man-made leather and Dinamica microfibre, along with a black Artico dashboard trim with contrasting stitching. Aluminium trim is used throughout the cabin, while S models add a black nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre performance steering wheel with 12 o’clock marking, AMG badging in the front headrests and an AMG instrument cluster with red highlights.
Optional extras include an adjustable AMG performance exhaust system, the black-themed AMG Night package which adds high-gloss and matte black highlights, AMG carbon-fibre exterior package which adds a carbon-fibre spoiler lip and mirror caps, along with the AMG Performance Studio interior which includes carbon-fibre and nappa leather treatments throughout the cabin.
At market launch, the company is also offering the Edition 1 special-edition (below), in similar vein to the C63, which includes the Night package as standard, side stripes in yellow or matte graphite grey, matte-black 21-inch cross-spoke forged alloy wheels – which can be optioned with yellow or high-sheen rim flanges. Other exclusive appointments include black nappa leather sports seats with diamond-pattern yellow stitching, yellow highlights on the door centre panels, armrests, centre console, instrument cluster, floor mats and flat-bottom steering wheel with yellow 12 o’clock marking. Matte carbon-fibre and bright aluminium trims add further contrast to the cabin.
The 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 and GLC63 S will make their global debut this month – likely at the New York motor show – ahead of sales commencing worldwide on June 16 and a market launch commencing September 2017.
Australia
The AMG GLC63 has been confirmed for a December arrival in Australia – though whether we get one or both versions is still unclear – with final pricing and specifications to be revealed closer to launch.
Currently, the AMG GLC43 kicks off at $102,400 before on-road costs for the wagon and $109,900 before ORCs for the coupe. It’s likely the V8-powered GLC63 range will be priced similarly to the AMG C63 range, which starts at $155,615 before on-roads for the sedan and climbs to $179,900 for the cabriolet.
Stay tuned to CarAdvice for updates in the coming months.
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