The 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 has been unveiled days before its official launch at the 2017 New York International Auto Show which will be held from April 14 to 23. The compact SUV and its Coupe version will notably come with the powerful V8 engine.
The GLC is one of the most popular of Mercedes-Benz's compact luxury SUV line-up though many have wondered when it would finally get the full AMG treatment. That time has come. The Mercedes-AMG GLC63 will join eight other SUVs to have the AMG badge. The others are the GLA45, GLC43, GLE43, GLE63, GLS63, G63, and the G65.
As mentioned, the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 which is capable of producing 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Both the SUV and the Coupe variants can reach those figures while the upgraded GLC63 "S" Coupe version can reach 503 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
As Cars.com noted, the interior of the GLC63 did not change much from the other GLC-Class SUVs though buyers can choose to have it come with a one-of-kind steering wheel made of leather and microfiber. The dashboard is wrapped in vinyl while the upholstery can be made of Nappa leather or vinyl and microfiber.
Another impressive feature of the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 is its nine-speed automatic transmission. Both versions also come with a rear-biased 4matic+ all-wheel drive which basically means, the driver can shift all the power to all four wheels or only to the rear wheels when necessary. The air suspension adjusts accordingly to the mode of the vehicle. According to CNET, the AMG GLC63 also has a wet clutch that replaces the torque converter. This allows better response and lower weight.
Another supercar from Mercedes, the A45 AMG, made some noise a week ago after it won a drag race against the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrofoglio. The Mercedes-AMG GLC63 is actually a direct competitor of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio so it seems like a rivalry is brewing between the two popular car manufacturers.
