The latest model to make use of the brand’s eight-cylinder turbo motor and all-wheel drive is the GLC 63 S, which was launched in both ‘regular’ and coupe formats at Zwartkops Raceway in Pretoria recently and I was there to give both variants a go.

GT-inspired exterior

With the halo cars within the Mercedes-AMG range being from the GT line-up, it certainly makes sense for the brand to infuse some of its flagship’s DNA into the range-topping GLC.

Only available in “S” guise due to local demand for the top-spec models, the GLC 63 S gets the brand’s Panamericana front grille which harks back to the 300 SLR racer of the 1950s, while a large front apron, front splitter, massive lower air intakes and a wider front bumper complete the front-end on both the regular and coupe variants.

In side profile, both models share the same side sill panels and large 20-inch alloy wheels (optional 21-inch), yet the with a totally different profiles in that the coupe features a sloping roofline while the regular model a gets a more squared-off look. 

The rear of the coupe resembles its GLE coupe sibling, with a rounded rear section and a large rear spoiler while the regular model gets a more upright design. Both models get a black rear diffuser, black-tipped quad exhaust tips and a wide apron.

Overall, both cars look menacing and certainly shout about their performance pretensions, but if I had to choose, the regular model would likely be my pick of the two, as it simply looks better to me in terms of proportions, while the rear quarters and boot appear more functional than in the coupe.

Interior

The interior isn’t to dissimilar to the GLC 43 that was launched in 2017, with leather and micro-fibre covered sports seats, AMG flat-bottomed steering wheel covered in leather and micro-fibre too, and optional carbon fibre trim. The rest of the interior is pretty standard GLC fare with the tablet-like infotainment system with the Comand Online system, respectable material quality and ergonomics that make the interior functionality reasonable.

The interior might be relatively impressive, but having seen the new generation Mercedes-Benz models’ interiors such as in the E-class and upcoming A-class, this GLC seems relatively outdated in terms of design and connectivity.

Driving AMG

The real highlight of these newcomers is the performance goodies fitted. With the same M177 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 motor as the C63, this SUV pumps out 375kW/700Nm which is transmitted through a nine-speed dual clutch gearbox and the aforementioned 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system. 

This allows the cars to get from zero to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. The acceleration times are certainly believable, especially with the launch control system activated.

It’s not just the acceleration and engine that impresses though, the brakes and suspension work a treat too. The massive front and rear calipers provided great stopping power around the Zwartkops track, while the standard air suspension, adaptive dampers and  limited-slip differential all work with the rear-biased, variable torque distributing all-wheel drive system to provide a tail-happy, but controllable track driving experience, provided you’ve switched the electronic aids off.

Verdict

The two new AMG entrants to the local market are certainly impressive in terms of their performance. While the idea of a performance SUV has always perplexed me, their popularity simply goes from strength to strength, while their handing, braking and acceleration appears to improve with each passing generation too.

It’s at least good to see that there is some driving fun engineered into these cars, but as with most things, you pay the price, in this case quite literally.

Service and warranty

All GLC 63 S models come with a two-year unlimited kilometre warranty as well as a six-year/100 000km maintenance plan.

Pricing

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S- R1 665 000

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe - R 1 679 605

Note: European model pictured