Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe 2019 first drive

Given its portly kerbweight of 1945kg, the biggest surprise with the GLC 63 S Coupé is just how quick and composed it can be. Factor in the raised driving position for a better view of the road ahead and our test car’s optional carbon ceramic brakes and the rate at which you can reel in twisting sections of road is astonishing.

Sport and Sport+ modes are best for quick road work, the tautening of the dampers and springs helping to offset the car’s highish centre of gravity and not inconsiderable mass. They also add some welcome heft to the otherwise mute steering, liven the throttle a little and put the gearbox on high alert - although you’ll probably still want to pop the shifts yourself using the paddles.

There's surprising turn-in bite, even in the patchily wet conditions we experienced, allowing you to carry more speed towards the apex than you’d think, while at the exit that trick all-wheel drive gives the impression that the rear axle is getting in on the action to rotate the car as you feed in the power. That said, be over-ambitious and understeer is the order of the day, with the front always giving up before the rear.

At this point, the stability control cuts in rather raggedly, even in its more relaxed modes and despite the wholesale retuning of the system - a reminder of the considerable forces at work here. Of course, you could switch it all off, but the thought of gathering up two tonnes of metal on the road brings on sweaty palms. This isn’t a car you throw around with abandon but rather a point and squirt device - devastatingly effective across the ground but not tactile and rewarding in the traditional sense.

Still, there are smiles to be had, and that’s largely down to the engine. This twin-turbo V8 really is a force of nature, with Mercedes claiming a totally believable and extremely rapid 3.8sec for the 0-62mph sprint. Yet it’s the instant, relentless muscle that hooks you, the car firing you out of each corner on an effortless wave of elastic torque. There’s so much twist from so little revs that you’d swear there's a massive electric motor hidden under the hood.

Pricing for the AMG models hasn’t yet been released, but if you reckon on about £70,000 for the standard GLC 63 through to £80,00 for the GLC 63 S Coupé, you’ll be there or thereabouts. As ever, the smaller and less practical Coupé versions are pricier to the tune of about £6000, so you’ve got to really like the looks.

What’s more, this isn’t exactly and empty market sector, with the new BMW X3 M and X4 M due to come on stream and the facelifted Porsche Macan Turbo and Jaguar F-Pace SVR just around the corner. Oh, and there’s also the hilariously good Alfa Romeo Stevio Quadrifoglio. Against this competition, the 63 S is good but not great. It arguably has the best engine of the lot (this 4.0-litre V8 really is one of greats) and is surprisingly capable when peddled with alacrity, but it lacks the edge and entertainment that make the Alfa, Jaguar and Porsche the paragons of the this sector.

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupé specification

Where Frankfurt, Germany Price £80,000 (est) On sale June Engine 3982cc, V8, twin-turbo, petrol Power 503bhp at 5,500-6,250rpm Torque 553lb ft at 1,750-4,500rpm Gearbox nine-speed auto, rear-wheel drive Kerb weight 1945kg Top speed 173mph 0-62mph 3.8sec Fuel economy 21.7mpg CO2 280g/km Rivals Jaguar F-Pace SVR, Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, Porsche Macan Turbo