Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 and GLC 63 Coupe pricing revealed

The distinctive grille, housing vertical slats and Mercedes-Benz’s signature three-pointed start, is incorporated in a uniquely styled front bumper closely resembling that of the recently introduced E63. Further changes include wider black plastic flares within the wheelarches, wider sills underneath the doors and a new rear bumper housing an integrated diffuser element and four trapezoidal chromed exhaust pipes.

Interior changes correspond with those in the C63, with unique instrument graphics, a flat bottom steering wheel, AMG sports seats and various AMG specific controls within the centre console.

By comparison, the twin-turbocharged 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine used by the Porsche Macan Turbo develops 434bhp and 516lb ft when fitted with an optional Performance Package, while the turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine of the BMW X3 M40i produces 355bhp and 343lb ft.

The GLC 63 and GLC 63 Coupé come as standard with the newer nine-speed variant of the wet-clutch automatic transmission, as launched on the E63.   

They also get the latest version of the 4Matic four-wheel drive system. The same as that of the E63, the new set-up, which remains exclusive to AMG models for now, uses an electromechanically controlled clutch to connect the permanently driven rear axle with the front axle and provide a fully variable apportioning of drive dependent on grip and traction.

Following the lead of other recent new AMG models, the GLC 63 and GLC 63 Coupé also have a Dynamic Select system, which provides four different driving modes: Comfort, Eco, Sport and Sport Plus. S models receive a fifth mode: Race. As well as providing variable properties for the throttle and gearbox mapping, the Dynamic Select system also provides the new AMG models with a coasting function on a trailing throttle at speeds between 37mph and 100mph in Eco mode.

AMG is yet to provide official acceleration figures for the GLC 63 and GLC 63 Coupé models, though insiders hint at a 0-62mph of around 4.0sec in S guise. Porsche claims a 0-62mph time of 4.4sec for the Macan Turbo Performance Package, while the BMW X3 M40i has a 0-62mph time of 4.9sec.

As with its rivals, Mercedes-AMG confirms a limited top speed of 155mph for its latest models.

Underpinning the GLC 63 and GLC 63 Coupé is a suspension system that combines the four-link arrangement from the C63 at the front with the multi-link set-up from the E63 at the rear – the latter featuring a wider track and greater negative camber than lesser GLC and GLC Coupé models.

Also included is an AMG-tuned version of Mercedes-Benz’s three-chamber Air Body Control system, offering three levels of damping stiffness: Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.