2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC63/GLC63 S Coupe

The lovely C-class-based Mercedes-Benz GLC-class SUV started things off last year, and it was quickly joined earlier this year by the fastback GLC-class “coupe.” Both then added AMG-fettled GLC43 variants. It was only a matter of time, however, before the hooligans in Affalterbach would stuff their prodigious twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 under the GLC’s hood. Indeed, that day is here: The 2018 GLC63 will be available both in conventional SUV form and as a coupe. From what we can tell by their looks, as well as our experience with other AMG products, these are going to be mean little utes.

Like the SUV version, the GLC63 coupe boasts 469 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque from the hand-built V-8, giving it 107-hp and 95-lb-ft advantages over the GLC43’s sweet turbo V-6. If AMG had stopped there, both variants would be in a tie for the world’s most powerful compact SUV. But there’s a more powerful GLC63 S, available in the U.S. only in coupe form, that bristles with 503 horses and 516 lb-ft of torque. All feature AMG’s paddle-shifted nine-speed automatic and a performance-tweaked all-wheel-drive system that allows for full variability between rear- and all-wheel drive. The regular GLC63s feature a conventional limited-slip differential while S coupe models pack an electronically controlled diff that allows for a higher threshold before the AMG-developed three-stage ESP stability-control system intervenes.

All GLC63 models are suspended on air springs with adaptive dampers, with standard GLC63 coupes riding on 19-inch wheels with 235/55 front and 255/50 rear tires. GLC63 S coupes roll on 20-inch wheels wrapped by 265/45 front and 295/40 rear tires. Options include 21-inch wheels, even wider tire packages, and a variable exhaust system for drivers who want to hear thunder on their morning commute even when the sun is shining.

As with most AMG products, GLC63 models feature Dynamic Select programs that tailor engine, transmission, all-wheel drive, steering, and suspension characteristics, with Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race, and Individual settings. As one would expect, Comfort offers the most serene attitude (at least as much serenity as a 63 model can muster), with each setting stepping up the aggression until the Race setting unlocks the GLC63’s full potential.

The GLC63s are the first AMG models after the GT sports car to don the broad, toothy Panamericana grille, which adds some genuine machismo to the GLC’s otherwise benign visage. Also, as with the C63 coupe and cabriolet, the GLC63 coupes (and SUV) get wide-body fenders, broad front aprons, and rear diffuser elements between their rectilinear quad exhaust tips. The GLC63’s interiors also are dolled up with standard sport seats, microsuede and aluminum trim, AMG-specific gauges, and more. Customers will be enticed to inflate the GLC63’s bottom line with plenty of options.

There’s no word yet on how much the GLC63 coupes will cost, but with roughly $5000 separating the GLC43 coupe from its SUV counterpart lower down the totem pole, we wouldn’t be surprised if the base GLC63 coupe carried a starting sticker around $75K. And if the pricing structure of the C63/C63 S coupes is anything to go by, we can expect the GLC63 S coupe to command $7000 beyond that. Watch for GLC63 coupe and SUV models to start prowling American streets early next year.