Mercedes-AMG Tweaks GLC To Make Two V8-Powered Monsters

And what’s even better? There are two! Mercedes has unveiled AMG derivatives of the latest GLC SUV lineup. Called the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 and GLC 63 Coupe, both SUVs are powered by a V8 which is fed air by two turbochargers, a first for the GLC. And, being a GLC by DNA, they come loaded with high-tech comfort, convenience and safety features, along with a tonne of luxury. But who cares about all that? Instead, let's peep under the bonnet. 

Look behind the nose of a standard GLC and you will see a 2.0-litre motor. But, the AMG badge doubles that capacity to a 4.0-litre V8 with two turbochargers. This is available in two states of tune - 476PS/650Nm and 510PS/700Nm. The more powerful version comes with an 'S' badge. Both get the AMG Speedshift 9-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ permanent all-wheel drive with variable torque split. But, the S is 0.2 seconds faster to 100kmph at 3.6 seconds than the standard, and has the same limited top speed of 250kmph. The figures are the same for coupe and the conventional SUV. 

Now, if you have bought an AMG, you would want people to know about it. So, the GLC 63 and GLC 63 Coupe get the Panamericana grille from the GT cars. Also, these SUVs are the first non-GT family cars to get the grille. Other changes include a wide front apron, which is "inspired by the design of a jet wing", a large front splitter, wider wheel arch claddings, and new side sill panels. At the back, the SUV and the Coupe get a wide rear apron and diffuser in grained black. The S variant gets the last two features painted in matt iridium silver. Also, both of them get a spoiler lip on the roof and high-gloss chrome-plated twin-tailpipe exhaust mufflers. Both SUVs are shod with 255/50 R19 wheels all around. 

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Inside, the interiors are more sporty with ARTICO man-made leather upholstery for the driver and front passenger sports seats. The dashboard is covered in black leather with contrasting topstitching and an underlying aluminium trim. You also get numerous AMG-specific controls such as the button for the 3-stage AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension, 3-stage ESP or the button for the AMG Performance exhaust system with flap control, which comes as an option. If you get the S variant, you additionally get a performance steering wheel wrapped in black Nappa leather, AMG badges in the front headrest and AMG instrument cluster with red highlights.

Now, coming to the big question - will it come to India? Well, Mercedes is shying away from confirming anything at this point, but with its commitment to introducing more AMG models in the country, the GLC 63 could come to India as early as next year. Current AMG-powered SUVs from the German carmaker in India include the GLA 45, G 63, GLE 43 and the GLC 43 Coupe. The GLC 63 models could be a lucrative option for people looking for something more compact than the GLE 43, but with equal thrills. Expect a price of around Rs 1 crore.