Mercedes GLC Finally Gets the Real AMG Treatment

The new GLC-Class lineup has already received a light touch of AMG goodness in the Mercedes-AMG GLC43. But we all know this isn’t a true AMG model, as the Affalterbach geniuses best work comes in the form of eight or more cylinders. Today, Mercedes-AMG finally announced the full-blown GLC63 and GLC63 Coupe.

Of course, the first thing will stand out is the sportier exterior. It will begin with the new Panamericana grille and its vertical slats, a wide front bumper, a large front splitter, and wider wheel arch cladding. The sides will get new sills that make the GLC63 look lower to the ground. The rear end will boast a wide bumper, a grained-black rear diffuser with a Matte Iridium Silver trim, a lip spoiler, and high-gloss-chrome exhaust tips.

Inside, the AMG goodies will keep on coming. Buyers will find sport front seats wrapped in synthetic leather-and-DINAMICA microfiber, a synthetic-leather-wrapped instrument cluster, high-grade aluminum trim, and more. The GLC63 S Coupe will get a little extra in the form of an AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather and an AMG instrument panel with red highlights.

2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 SUV (European model shown) (Credit: © Mercedes-AMG)

Under the hood is where the magic happens in GLC63, as it will boast a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 that cranks out 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. In the GLC63 S Coupe, AMG turns this V-8 up to 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. This descendant of the AMG GT’s 4.0-liter engine pairs with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT nine-speed auto transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Altogether, this powertrain launches the GLC63 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and the GLC63 S Coupe in 3.7 seconds.

Handling the corners with confidence is a new AMG suspension system with multi-chamber air springs.

The driver can tune their GLC63 by way of the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT system, which has four modes: comfort, sport, sport plus, and individual. The comfort mode will deliver a balanced feel and boast start/stop and coasting mode to help with fuel economy. The latter will work by decoupling the engine from the powertrain when cruising at 37-99 mph. Sport and sport plus will, of course, deliver better pedal response, faster gear shifts, throttle blips on downshifts, and more.

2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 Coupe (European model shown) (Credit: © Mercedes-AMG)

In the GLC63 Coupe and S version, there will be a race mode, which adjusts the entire vehicle for maximum performance.

The 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 and GLC63 Coupe lineup will debut at the 2017 New York Auto Show. Additional details, including price and release date, will come later.