THE SENSIBLE MERCEDES-AMG?

Mercedes-AMG doesn’t do practical. The high-performance subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz tends to only do big power, tighter handling and muscle car styling. Building essentially a school-run/shopping AMG based on the big, comfy GLC SUV doesn’t fit comfortably with its philosophy of “supreme automotive performance, exclusivity, efficiency and highly dynamic driving pleasure.” Or does it?

The Burmester surround sound system can easily drown out the V8’s selectable performance exhaust.

THE ENGINE

Mercedes-AMG has shoehorned the 510bhp, twin turbo V8 from the C63 under the GLCs bonnet. This instantly gives the big SUV huge respect in car enthusiasts terms, as everyone knows what a legend the C63 is. The original C63 had a colossal 6.2-litre, naturally aspirated V8 under the hood putting out 457bhp, however, the latest incarnation has a smaller capacity (4-litres), but thanks to two turbos, the GLC 63S puts out 510bhp. This is enough grunt to launch the two tonne monster to 100 km/h from a standstill in a mere 3.8 seconds.

ON THE ROAD

Again, this is a big, rock-solid SUV. The GLC is 4,6 metres long and 2 metres wide. But on the road, thanks to the twin turbo’s power and torque (516 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm) this 63S can be hustled along with complete ease. On a day-to-day basis, power isn’t about outright speed, it’s about getting to your destination effortlessly and safely. Merging with traffic is easy in the GLC; you just pick your space and accelerate into it. Finding gaps is easy when you’ve got a twin turbo V8 at your disposal. In fact, power is so instantaneous and progressive that driving becomes almost telepathic. You just think and the AMG goes there.

IS IT PRACTICAL?

Now here’s the thing: the GLC has plenty of head and legroom for five adults and a large boot, however it also has a large emergency spare tyre, which is strapped to the boot floor. As you can imagine, this 21-inch wheel takes up a fair bit of space and is not particularly practical or aesthetically pleasing. The good news is, it takes just over a minute to remove it and although it’s always wise to carry a spare (especially on long journeys), the chances of getting a flat tyre are slim.

The rest of the AMG’s interior is perfectly set up for luxury living: the Burmester surround sound system can easily drown out the V8’s selectable performance exhaust while the MercedesME Connect app can do everything from remote starting, to monitoring tyre pressures. There’s a 360-degree camera, Active Parking and a three zone Thermotronic climate control system. The GLC 63S literally has it all.

CONCLUSION

For the Middle East, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63S 4Matic+ makes complete sense. It’s got 5 seats and a boot for starters. Then there’s the SUV ride height that allows you to see further ahead which is great for safety and arguably, the 510bhp twin turbo could be seen as a safety measure too, as it makes for effortless progression and it’s not even that thirsty with a combined consumption of 12.4 l/100km. Fast, spacious and fun, the GLC 63S wears its AMG badge with pride.