Working on the development team that makes the next AMG, now that sounds like a dream job. But it's still a job, just like working at Top Gear or delivering pizzas. We think this next video of the GLC 63 is relevant, but it's not because the AMG model being tested is an SUV.
No, we're not those hypocrites that say performance SUVs are for retards with lots of money and small wieners. It's perfectly OK to want something that's tall and packs a powerful V8 engine.
But the soundtrack it produces is the exact opposite of what we expected. We know that the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 is not yet in production, but we have a hard time believing that this prototype has anything to do with it. It has to be the 63 model, equipped with the same 4-liter twin-turbo V8 as the C63 and C63 S.
That engine made the AMG GT a faster car than the naturally aspirated SLS AMG. It's already a legend in the auto industry, and a non-AMG version has made the G 550 better too. We know it's supposed to sound 90% as good as the old 6.3-liter naturally aspirated unit. However, none of that is coming through.
We have two big theories, and both may end up being right. The first one is that the GLC 63 prototype sounds bad because it has an exhaust system from the 43 AMG model, the V6. We honestly don't know what order Mercedes does its testing in. Does the entire powertrain get changed, or do they just check if the bigger engine overheats and then install the suspension?
The second theory is that the GLC 63 is different to the C63 that it shares its engine and platform with. Because the SUV is heavier and less aerodynamic, engineers may have installed an Eco mode. With a 9-speed automatic and a huge engine, you could drive at 50 km/h while idling... seriously.
As we've already said, both theories could end up being true. But the GLC 63 will undoubtedly be the hottest SUV on the market. It's going to be much lighter than the X5 M, really wide and equipped with the most advanced performance technology.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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