Mercedes has just taken the covers of its newest performance SUV, the AMG GLC 63 and 63S 4MATIC+. The SUVs have been unveiled at the 2019 New York motor show, in both SUV and SUV-coupé body styles. The AMG variants of both the SUVs are based on the recently revealed facelifts of the GLC and the GLC Coupé.
Design-wise, both cars come equipped with a new grille, sportier front and rear bumpers, marginally flared wheel-arches and quad-exit exhausts. Mercedes also offers a set of 21-inch alloy wheels and Graphite Grey Magno matte-paint finish as optional extras.
On the inside, both cars benefit from the updated interior of the facelifts as they get Mercedes' latest MBUX infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a touchpad, voice and (optional) gesture control. They also get some AMG-specific interior bits like the AMG steering wheel, sports bucket seats with yellow inserts, carbon fibre trim on the centre console and contrast yellow stitching around the cabin.
Under the hood, both cars are offered with AMG’s 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged, V8 petrol engine which produces 476hp and 650Nm of torque in the standard GLC 63, and makes 510hp and 700Nm of torque in the ‘S’ variant. It is worth noting that the power outputs on the new cars remain unchanged from their predecessors. The engine is paired to a 9-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and the power is sent to all four wheels via Mercedes’ 4MATIC+ four-wheel-drive system.
According to Mercedes, the GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ and GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupé are both capable of doing the 0-100kph sprint in 3.8sec and have a limited top speed of 280kph. All models have also been upgraded to now get an additional 'slippery' driving mode for damp or wet conditions as well as an electronically controlled locking differential. AMG has also tuned the suspension for better handling.
AMG has gone ahead and claimed that this GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ has become the fastest SUV to have lapped the Nürburgring, with a lap time of 7min 49.4sec.
In India, Mercedes has recently launched the AMG C43 Coupé at a price of Rs 75 lakh (ex-showroom). The brand is also celebrating its 25th anniversary in India.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Dipan Sur
Dhruv Dhaka
