The performance SUVs will celebrate their world premiere this month. Start of sales is on June 16, while the market launch begins in September. They are also available at launch as an "Edition 1" model that comes with exclusive combination of equipment details.
The boosted output comes from the AMG 4.0-litre V8 engine with 476hp or 510hp in the GLC 63 S and GLC 63 S Coupé variants. Peak torque for the two variants are 650Nm or 700Nm respectively with top speed electronically limited to 250kph.
The SUVs also feature air spring suspension with adaptive adjustable damping, AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution, a rear-axle limited-slip differential and upgraded brakes.
To show their links with Mercedes-AMG sports cars, the new models sport the AMG Panamericana grille, which was previously reserved for the AMG GT family. In addition, the new models continue to offer the advantages of the base vehicles: ample room for passengers and luggage, a full array of safety equipment and superior traction.
The 4.0-litre eight-cylinder biturbo engine is already used in numerous AMG Performance vehicles. It is also installed in the AMG GT sports car with dry sump lubrication. A characteristic feature is that the two turbochargers are positioned not on the outside of the cylinder banks, but inside the cylinder "V". The main advantages of this design are the compact engine construction, optimal response and low exhaust gas emissions.
The new GLC 63 4MATIC+ and GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ feature the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission, which made its debut in the E 63 4MATIC+. The driver benefits from extremely short shift/response times. Fast multiple downshifts and the double-declutching function make for a emotive gearshift experience. A start-off wet clutch replaces the torque converter. This saves weight and optimises the response to the driver's accelerator pedal input, particularly on acceleration and during load changes.
The four AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport Plus" and "Individual" allow the driver to influence the characteristics of the GLC E 63 4MATIC+. This modifies key parameters, such as the response of engine, transmission, suspension, steering, ESP and all-wheel drive. Independently of the DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, the driver has the option of pressing the "M" button to switch directly to manual mode, in which gearshifts are executed exclusively using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The suspension settings can also be specially selected if required.
"Comfort" is the balanced drive program with a comfort-oriented suspension and steering set-up as well as a fuel-efficient powertrain configuration with early upshifts – including smooth gearshifts and a restrained engine sound. The ECO start/stop function and coasting function are activated.
The DYNAMIC SELECT "Sport" and "Sport Plus" drive programs are designed for high driving dynamics. This results from an agile accelerator pedal characteristic with direct set-up and emotively appealing gearshifts with shorter shift times and double-clutching function on downshifts. The increased idle speed in "Sport Plus" also enables especially fast pull-away and acceleration from rest.
The GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ has an additional "RACE" drive program, in which all the parameters are configured for maximum performance.
The as-standard typical V8 engine sound comes courtesy of an exhaust system with flap technology. It is controlled by a map and automatically operated depending on the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive program, the power demanded by the driver and the engine speed. Optionally available is the Performance exhaust system, which allows the sound to be modulated at the press of a button. In any case, the exhaust systems are so designed that all noise limits are complied with irrespective of the flap position.
The concept for the rear axle was carried over from the E 63 4MATIC+ and specially matched to the requirements of the GLC.
Thanks to a sporty spring and damper set-up and continuously variable damping, the new three-chamber air suspension system combines exemplary driving dynamics with excellent road roar and tyre vibration characteristics. 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.
The GLC 63 4MATIC+ is the first Mercedes-AMG Performance vehicle to feature the Panamericana grille, which was previously reserved for the AMG GT family (below) of sports cars.
There are three degrees of spring tuning, depending on the selected drive program and current driving status. The spring rate is hardened automatically in the event of sudden load changes, fast cornering, heavy acceleration or heavy braking, this effectively reducing roll and pitch while stabilising the SUV.
The adaptive damping can be set in three stages – "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport Plus" – to choose between relaxed comfort on long journeys and maximum 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 difference between the comfortable and sporty suspension settings is made more refined and is clearly perceptible – depending on driving style.
The GLC 63 4MATIC+ is shod as standard with 10-spoke light-alloy wheels 8.0 J x 19 (front) and 9.0 J x 19 (rear) painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and with tyres of size 235/55 R 19 (front) and 255/50 R 19 (rear). The dimensions for the GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ are 265/45 R 20 (front) and 295/40 R 20 (rear) on 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish in 9.5 J x 20 (front) and 10.0 J x 20 (rear). There are other, optional wheel/tyre combinations as well as forged wheels, up to sizes of 265/40 R 21 on 9.5 J x 21 on the front axle and 295/35 R 21 on 10.0 J x 21 wheels on the rear axle.
For improved traction and driving dynamics, 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 by the brakes. The result: allows the driver to accelerate out of corners earlier thanks to the improved traction. The vehicle remains more stable when braking from high speed, while the limited-slip differential also improves traction from rest. Overall, the rear axle has been specially matched to the higher driving dynamics of the new Performance SUVs.
The greatest benefit of the electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential is the even more sensitive and faster control, which pushes the critical threshold higher, making it even easier to drive at the vehicle's limits.
The electromechanical, speed-sensitive sports steering is touted as offering precise, agile handling. The driver benefits from the variable steering ratio and optimised response.
The steering also features variable power assistance with the two modes "Comfort" and "Sport". The power steering is dependent not only on the vehicle's speed, but also on the instantaneous lateral acceleration, selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive program and setting of the adjustable damping.
With 360-mm perforated and internally ventilated brake discs at front and rear, the high-performance braking system on the GLC 63 4MATIC+ ensures short stopping distances along with excellently controllable braking force. The GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ is fitted with 390-mm compound brake discs at the front to allow for the increased performance.
Personalistion options include AMG Performance exhaust system with flap control at the push of a button; AMG Night package for racier looks: exterior mirror housings/spoiler lip in carbon fibre; roof rails; and different leather upholstery.
