Mercedes-AMG has announced the Australian spec of what they claim will be the fastest SUV ever to arrive in local showrooms, the GLC 63 S 4Matic+. As previously alluded to, it’s due to arrive by the end of the year starting at $164,900 (not including ORCs) in both the ‘regular’ SUV body style as well as the sleeker Coupe.
The GLC 63 series was officially revealed earlier this year at the 2017 New York Motor Show, pairing the mid-size SUV - albeit given a lowered stance and a more aggressive exterior treatment - with a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 petrol engine that sends drive all four wheels, enabling a 0-100km/h time as quick as 3.8 seconds, leading to that claim of it being Australia’s most rapid SUV upon arrival. Interestingly, our market doesn’t seem to be receiving the slightly less powerful non-S variant.
The M178 engine is shared with the AMG GT and produces 375kW between 5,500-6,250rpm and 700Nm from 1,750-4,500rpm within the hottest GLC, mated to a 9-speed Speedshift MCT multi-clutch automatic transmission, a good choice to handle that much shove in one lump. Given a long enough straight, we’re sure this combination can send the SUV past the 300 mark on the speedo, but AMG have electronically limited it to 270km/h.
It’s now all about performance, though, as the AMG-fettled GLC doesn’t sacrifice any of the practicality and everyday usability of the SUV it’s based on, retaining all the cargo space and interior room the former promised. To ensure a comfortable ride, the GLC 63 comes as standard with air suspension like you’ll get on an S-Class, handy for having to deal with the kind of ride that comes with 20-inch alloys (specifiable up to 21-inches), and comes with many of the suspension components from the E 63 4Matic+ such as the four-link front axle.
When it does launch at the tail end of 2017, the GLC 63 S will follow the tradition of having the first batch(es) of vehicles being dubbed the Edition 1, a special run of cars that come with unique exterior and interior flourishes. The package will come at an additional $10,900.
Here, the extras include Selenite Magno paint, yellow sports stripes on the lower door and mirror housing, 21-inch AMG Cross-Spoke alloy wheels in black with yellow rim flange, and an AMG Aerodynamics package that adds a larger front spoiler and rear diffuser in high gloss black. More importantly, it will come with ceramic brakes, AMG Matte carbon-fibre interior trim, and seats finished Nappa in leather.
- Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4Matic+ - $164,900 (MLRP)
- Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4Matic+ Coupe - $171,900 (MLRP)
- ‘Edition 1’ Package - $10,900
- Exterior Carbon Package - $4,500
- AMG Ceramic Brake Package - $7,500
For more on Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG cars, check out our Showroom.
