Mercedes-AMG have introduced the new GLC 63 and GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ in both SUV and Coupé variants. The performance arm of Mercedes-Benz will present their latest offerings at the 2017 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).
Wind the clock back to 1999 and, back then, Mercedes-AMG presented the world with the ML 55. This SUV packed a 5.4-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine, opening up a new segment of high-performance SUVs. Now, Mercedes-AMG have introduced the new GLC 63 4MATIC+ in its SUV and Coupé guise and also the GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ also available in similar body styles.
The new GLC 63 4MATIC+ is the first Mercedes-AMG performance vehicle to feature the Panamericana grille, which was, thus far, reserved for the AMG GT family of sports cars. The car has a wider front apron inspired by the design of a jet wing, with a large front splitter, which embodies the power of the new models. The wider wheel arch claddings at front and rear add to the muscular looks of the car. The new side sill panels make the SUV and Coupé appear to sit lower on the road while stretching the overall lines. On the S-model variant, matte iridium silver inserts make for a distinctive appearance. The muscular rear end is dominated by the wide rear apron and diffuser. The SUV is for the first time provided with a lip-spoiler on the roof, while the lip-spoiler on the Coupé is familiar from the GLC 43 4MATIC.
Under the hood, the new GLC 63 and GLC 63 S are powered by the M177 AMG 4.0-litre direct-injection twin-turbo V8 petrol engine which produces 476 PS and 650 Nm in the GLC 63, while the 63 S develops 510 PS and 700 Nm; similar to the AMG C-Class cars. Power in both variants flows through an AMG SpeedShift MCT nine-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission. Drive goes to all-four wheels through the new 4MATIC+ with permanent four-wheel-drive and variable torque distribution. This system is similar to the one seen in the new E 63 and E 63 S models. The new GLC 63 4MATIC+ accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and on to an electronically-limited top-speed of 250 km/h (3.8 seconds for the GLC 63 S 4MATIC+).
The new GLCs come with the AMG Dynamic Select with four drive programmes ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, ‘Sport +’ and ‘Individual’ which allow the driver to change the characteristics of the GLC 63 4MATIC+. This modifies key parameters, such as the engine response, transmission, suspension, steering, ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) and all-wheel drive. Independently of the drive programs, there is also the option of the ‘M’ button, which switches the car to manual mode, in which gear-shifts are executed using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The suspension settings can also be specially selected if required. The GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ has an additional ‘Race’ drive program, in which all the parameters are configured for maximum performance, for a total of five drive programmes.
The GLC 63 4MATIC+ also gets a new three-chamber air suspension system. The stiffness of the air springs can be adjusted over a wide range by activating or deactivating individual air chambers, making for perceptibly enhanced comfort and handling. There are three degrees of spring tuning, depending on the selected drive program and driving condition. The spring rate is hardened automatically in the event of sudden load changes, fast cornering, heavy acceleration or heavy braking, this effectively reduces roll and pitch while stabilising the vehicle. The adaptive damping can be set in three stages – ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport +’ – to choose between comfort on long journeys or track ready sportiness. The rebound and compression levels are adjusted independently of each other, and the freely programmable maps permit a wide spread between minimum and maximum damper force.
The GLC 63 4MATIC+ comes with a mechanical rear-axle limited-slip differential, while the GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ uses an electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential. Both differentials reduce the slip on the inside wheel when cornering, without control interventions from the brakes. The result of which allows the driver to accelerate out of corners earlier thanks to the improved traction. The vehicle remains more stable when braking from high speed.
Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.said, “For us, the new GLC 63 4MATIC+ is a quite special vehicle. It is no easy job designing an SUV to be highly sporty and dynamic while at the same time offering inherent extreme driving stability. This required us to put our heart and soul, along with our many years of SUV expertise, into the development of this vehicle. The result is an SUV that can be driven with high precision and agility and which, if required, is equally at home on a high-speed lap of the race track. With our V8 biturbo engine, we hold a decisive USP in the Performance market. What is more, with SUV and Coupé, we offer the widest choice in the segment. Also, the technical closeness to our sports cars is visually underlined by the Panamericana grille, which was previously reserved for our AMG GT models”.
Story: Sahej Patheja
