New York Auto Show: Mercedes-AMG GLC63 cracks sub-4sec 0-100km/h

It’s no secret that Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division was planning to wave their magic wand over the unassuming GLC crossover, but the numbers are out and, well, if you’ve ever worried about getting your family to church on time, worry no more.

The GLC63 has completed its incubation period at AMG’s Affalterbach headquarters, and the result is a twin-turbo, V8 toting super-SUV that’s faster to 100km/h than what Porsche claims for the Cayenne Turbo S. It’ll make its first public appearance at this month’s New York Auto Show before going on sale globally, in both traditional wagon form and fastback GLC63 Coupe format.

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We’ll have to wait until December this year before we can get our hands on it locally. But for now here are some numbers.

Two variants will be offered overseas – a base GLC63, and the more potent GLC63 S. The former will pack 350kW and 650Nm from its twin-turbo 4.0-litre petrol V8, while the latter scores a more aggressive tune that nets 375kW and 700Nm - the same figures as what a Mercedes-AMG C63 S makes.

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Yet the top-dog GLC63 S will sprint to 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds, which is 0.3-seconds faster than what the closely-related C63 Estate will achieve. How does it do that? With the benefit of all-wheel drive traction. Not too shabby for a mid-size SUV that tips the scales at 1900kg empty, and is still quicker than any Maserati currently on offer, and only two-tenths slower than a Ferrari California.

Both the GLC63 Coupe and GLC63 Wagon achieve the same performance metrics, with the Coupe being just 10kg heavier. All GLC63 models record a combined fuel consumption of 10.7L/100km

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Unlike many similarly-sized SUVs, the GLC63 is equipped with an all-wheel drive system that, by default, sends the bulk of engine power to the rear wheels. Dubbed 4Matic+ by Benz, its torque split is constantly variable and its tune has also been finessed by AMG’s boffins to preference sportier dynamics. It’s this piece of kit that gives the GLC63 its phenomenal standing-start performance.

Standard air suspension and electronically-adjustable dampers also allow the ride to be tailored for comfort or performance, and a limited-slip rear differential helps the GLC63 put its prodigious power down to the ground. Interestingly, the GLC63 uses a nine-speed automatic instead of the C63’s seven-speed, though like the C63 the GLC63 also utilises a wet clutch instead of a torque converter.

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Exhaust flaps give the GLC63 an angrier bark when the drive mode is flipped over to Sport or Race, while an optional AMG Performance exhaust unlocks extra decibels via different plumbing with more valves. On the outside, visual aggression is added by the GLC63’s aero-enhanced bodykit, standard-issue 19-inch alloys and AMG GT-style Panamericana grille.

An Edition 1 special edition will be available at launch, with gloss black trimmings, yellow or grey stripes on the side, matte black 21-inch alloys and extra aerodynamic elements for a sportier edge.

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Local pricing has yet to be announced for the GLC63, but with the GLC-class generally costing slightly less than similarly-equipped C-Class variants, expect it to come in around the early $150k region when it launches here at the end of the year.