Mercedes-Benz has announced pricing and specification for the GLC63 S 4MATIC+, with the first V8-powered mid-size SUV from the company set to go on sale with a $164,900 starting price in SUV form.

Opting for the coupe variant will add a premium of $7000, and deliveries for both bodystyles are expected to commence by the end of the year.

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Powered by AMG’s proven 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, both wagon and coupe bodystyles will thump out 375kW and 700Nm and launch to 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds – blistering pace for an SUV – before thundering on to an electronically limited top speed of 270km/h.

Power is sent to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission which has received an AMG-specific calibration.

The GLC63 S comes with a big list of other performance upgrades, including:

  • AMG air suspension
  • Electronic rear limited-slip differential
  • Performance exhaust system
  • AMG Dynamic Select with five drive programs
  • AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system
Carbon ceramic brakes with six-piston front calipers are also available to increase the caru2019s trackability, with this option costing $7500.
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The racing theme is continued on the interior and exterior, with the GLC63 S kitted out with:

  • Leather-appointed AMG bucket seats
  • AMG instrument cluster featuring a lap timer
  • Performance steering wheel trimmed in black nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre
  • Front splitter and rear lip spoiler
  • Wider wheel arch cladding
A $4500 exterior carbon package can also be optioned on, which trims the wing mirrors and rear spoiler in carbon fibre.
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On launch, a limited-run Edition 1 variant will also be available at a $10,900 premium over standard models. This version will come with numerous visual enhancements which include:

  • Selenite Magno paintwork with yellow striping
  • 21-inch AMG black alloy wheels with yellow rim flange
  • AMG aerodynamics package
  • Carbon fibre interior trim
  • Yellow stitching for the seats, dashboard, and door trims
  • Carbon ceramic brakes as standard
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Mercedes-Benz is claiming the GLC63 S to be Australia’s fastest SUV, which numbers suggest to be almost true.

While the GLC63’s 3.8 second 0-100km/h time thrashes the Porsche Macan Turbo’s 4.8 second sprint, it is still trumped by the much more expensive, all-electric Tesla Model X P100D.

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Although the GLC63 is faster than the Macan Turbo, it is more expensive. A huge $30,000 more is the amount you’ll need to step up into the AMG from the Porsche.

There are other competitors on the way though, with BMW’s upcoming X3 M set to give the GLC63 a run for its money.

PRICING

GLC63 S SUV – $164,900 GLC63 S Coupe – $171,900 GLC63 S Edition 1 SUV – $175,800 GLC63 S Edition 1 Coupe – $182,800

Note: This pricing includes GST and Luxury Car Tax, but excludes dealer delivery charges and on road costs. Drive away pricing can be obtained from dealers.