2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 63 S 4MATIC+: Small-family Rocket
Performance SUVs have been part of German manufacturers’ lineups for many years now, but initially, they were generally limited to midsize or full-size models.
However, we’re seeing a growing number of compact, and even subcompact utility vehicles, appear on the market. Audi sells the 340-horsepower RS Q3 and the 354-hp SQ5, while BMW has the 355-hp X4 M40i and two years ago, Porsche launched the 400-hp Macan Turbo. At Mercedes-Benz, there’s the 375-hp AMG GLA 45 as well as the recently introduced, 362-hp Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, offered in both regular and Coupé body styles.
- Also: 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe: Automotive Fusion
- Also: 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster: The New In-your-face Roadster from the Three-pointed Star
At the end of 2017, Mercedes will start selling the most powerful compact SUV so far. The 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe will be equipped with a twin-turbo, 4.0-litre V8, built by hand and signed by the hand of the engineer who built it. It develops 503 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque, connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
In other markets, such as the United States, the 469-hp AMG GLC 63—without the S—will also be offered, but the Canadian market won’t get it. Will the GLC 63 S really be the most powerful small SUV on the market? Yes, although it all depends when the 505-hp Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio will be in sale.
The AMG GLC 63 S variants will be very fast. The 0-100 km/h dash will take as little as 3.8 seconds, aided by the 4MATIC+ all-wheel drivetrain. Modified by the AMG division (hence the +), this system will constantly vary the power split between the front and the rear wheels, while a limited-slip rear differential will optimise grip at all times on the track and on twisty roads. The package is completed with 20-inch wheels and an adjustable air suspension.
Obviously, like in every Mercedes-Benz and AMG product, the driver will get a choice of drive modes to play with. However, in the case of the GLC 63 S Coupe, other than Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual settings, there will be a race mode to further emphasise driving dynamics over the “regular” GLC 63 S.
We’ll be able to spot the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ versions by their reduced ground clearance and their exclusive front and rear bumpers, but especially by their Panamericana style front grille, that we can also admire on the Mercedes-AMG GT C and GT R.
How much will these little beasts cost? Nothing confirmed yet, but we can expect an MSRP hovering around $90,000.