Yahoo Autos The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 SUV and Coupe Are Fresher Than Ever
For 2020, the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 coupe and crossover get mild cosmetic updates including new headlamps and taillamps plus an optional 21-inch wheel design.
A standard electronically locking rear differential provides torque vectoring independently of the braking system.
Expect to see the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 and GLC63 S in showrooms in late 2019.
When it comes to compact-crossover coupes and SUVs with a twin-turbo V-8 under the hood blasting out in the neighborhood of 500 horsepower, your choices are limited. In fact, the number of currently available models that fit that description is but a tiny subset of a subset. That niche is actually so small that Mercedes-AMG could have easily left its GLC63 coupe and SUV and its GLC63 S coupe unchanged for close to a decade and still found a buyer for every single one. But now, not even five years into its life cycle, Mercedes-AMG is giving the CLC63 models a refresh to ensure no moss grows on this segment.
Looking Good, Feeling Good
Front and rear fascia updates spearhead the exterior revisions, with subtly redesigned headlamp and taillamp designs standing in for the previous units. Casual observers may not even notice, but fans of the make will instantly pick up on the lobbed-off inside lower corners of the headlamps and the altered light signature of the taillamps. The tailpipes too have been delicately massaged, with rounded corners replacing the sharp edges of the previous units. Additional cosmetic changes include a new Graphite Grey Metallic finish and an available new 21-inch wheel design. GLC63 S models additionally receive longitudinal panels with matte Iridium Silver matte inserts, along with rear bumper diffuser fins and a diffuser trim strip, also rendered in matte Iridium Silver.
Interior tweaks include a standard flat-bottom AMG steering wheel that is equipped with the usual array of MB control buttons for driver-selected functions and infotainment. On the GLC63 S, the wheel comes wrapped in a leather and microfiber blend; all-leather and carbon-fiber versions are optional. Wheel-mounted controls for the AMG driving modes are available on the GLC63 and standard on the GLC63 S. A new Magma Grey/black leather upholstery fabric with yellow stitching adds another option to the interior color choices.
As expected, Mercedes-Benz;s new, optional MBUX infotainment system has migrated to the GLC models. Offering the ability to perform selections and requests via the touchpad, control buttons on the steering wheel, through the voice control, or the MBUX Interior Assistant, the infotainment system lacks only an extra-sensory perception feature.
Hardware and Software Updates
More applicable to the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 and GLC63 S's core mission of delivering insane performance in a modern package are the hardware and software updates: An electronically controlled locking rear differential is now standard equipment for both models, a new Slippery setting has been added to the familiar AMG Dynamic Select driver programs, and the new agility-optimizing system, which works in conjunction with the traditional AMG Dynamic Select drive programs, allows the vehicle's handling and agility characteristics to adapt to different terrains and driving situations. Operating underneath the AMG Dynamics settings, the system alters vehicle parameters including response time of the engine, transmission, steering, and suspension, as well as the torque distribution of the all-wheel-drive system, the electronically controlled locking differential, and the control thresholds of the completely redeveloped electronic stability control.
The system provides for three (GLC63) or four (GLC63 S) agility settings that are automatically selected by the traditional drive programs of Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and, in the GLC63 S, Race. The rundown of the AMG dynamics looks like this: Basic is selected when the driver is in Slippery or Comfort mode for stable handling and high damping factor; Advanced is for the Sport program and adapts the chassis to be neutrally balanced with lower yaw damping and steering angle for driving on winding two-lanes; Pro is part of the Sport+ program and enables even higher precision and agility in corners; Master is only available in the GLC63 S model and is active when Race mode is set. Designed for driving on closed circuits, it ensures maximum vehicle neutrality to provide unparalleled agility.
Those concerned that all the complex electronic subsystems may encroach on the purity of the driving experience can at least take solace in the fact that Mercedes-AMG left the twin-turbo V-8 virtually untouched. Still rated at 469 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in the GLC63 SUV and Coupe and 503 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque in the GLC63 coupe, both funnel output through an AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission as God intended. Look for all three versions to hit showrooms in late 2019.
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