Photo: S.Baldauf/SB-Medien
This isn't the first time that our hard-working spy photographers catch a glimpse of the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GLC63 while testing on public roads, but the resulting photos are probably the best ones yet.
For those that aren't yet up to speed concerning what the GLC63 actually is, we will oblige and relay its expected credentials. First of all, the 2018 model is the first of its kind, as Mercedes-Benz has never had a high-performance SUV in this segment before. With a BMW X3 M confirmed to be in the works as well, it was bound to happen.
Second of all, the GLC63 will not only be the first but will also be the only V8-powered SUV in this highly coveted segment, where not even the Porsche Macan Turbo has more than 6 cylinders.
Using the same 4.0-liter V8 as the Mercedes-AMG C63 and C63S, the GLC63 is, in fact, expected to out-perform its much lighter sedan brother. Why, do you ask? Well, despite having the same engine output and more pounds to carry, the GLC63 will come with 4Matic all-wheel-drive as standard.
In other words, the C63 in both sedan and coupe guise will remain the hooligans of the AMG series of models, its SUV platform brother will have a lot more grip both in a straight line and in the corners.
It hasn't been confirmed if the first AMG GLC will use a similar 4Matic+ system as the larger E63, but some voices inside Daimler have brought the subject up lately.
Also not confirmed, but very likely, is that the multi-clutch version of the 9G-Tronic will be used on the GLC, adding more reasons to the truthiness of the “GLC63 will be faster than the C63” statement.
With 476 PS and 650 Nm (479.4 lb-ft) of torque on tap in the standard Mercedes-AMG GLC63 and 510 PS and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of torque in the S version, the new GLC on steroids should hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 4 seconds.
Pricing is expected to be slightly higher than that of the C63S when it goes on sale in 2017, its official unveiling being programmed for next year's Geneva Motor Show.
Second of all, the GLC63 will not only be the first but will also be the only V8-powered SUV in this highly coveted segment, where not even the Porsche Macan Turbo has more than 6 cylinders.
Using the same 4.0-liter V8 as the Mercedes-AMG C63 and C63S, the GLC63 is, in fact, expected to out-perform its much lighter sedan brother. Why, do you ask? Well, despite having the same engine output and more pounds to carry, the GLC63 will come with 4Matic all-wheel-drive as standard.
In other words, the C63 in both sedan and coupe guise will remain the hooligans of the AMG series of models, its SUV platform brother will have a lot more grip both in a straight line and in the corners.
It hasn't been confirmed if the first AMG GLC will use a similar 4Matic+ system as the larger E63, but some voices inside Daimler have brought the subject up lately.
Also not confirmed, but very likely, is that the multi-clutch version of the 9G-Tronic will be used on the GLC, adding more reasons to the truthiness of the “GLC63 will be faster than the C63” statement.
With 476 PS and 650 Nm (479.4 lb-ft) of torque on tap in the standard Mercedes-AMG GLC63 and 510 PS and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of torque in the S version, the new GLC on steroids should hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 4 seconds.
Pricing is expected to be slightly higher than that of the C63S when it goes on sale in 2017, its official unveiling being programmed for next year's Geneva Motor Show.
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