New York show: AMG confirms GLC63

MERCEDES-AMG has admitted it is preparing a high-performance flagship version of the GLC wagon, as well as its just-announced GLC Coupe spin-off, with the goal of blowing away BMW’s M division SUVs as the fastest and most dynamic of their type in the world.

Expected to be announced next year as a 2018 model-year addition, the GLC63 and GLC63 Coupe will, among other things, adopt the comprehensively revamped powertrain and all-new all-wheel drive drivetrain slated for the related high-performance E63 mid-sizer.

“Yes, we can expect it,” was Mercedes-AMG chairman Tobias Moers’ blunt way of letting the cat out of the bag to the Australian journalists attending the New York motor show this week.

“I’ve already told one journalist earlier today, so why not… and it will be coming at the beginning of next year.

Though fundamentally different in concept and execution, all three Mercedes vehicles leverage the same MRA modular rear-drive architecture devised with the new E-Class to sit in the centre of things, allowing various advanced technologies to drip down in time.

“We are going to bring the next-generation E63 with an all-new all-wheel-drive system engineered by us,” Mr Moers explained. “And then, looking at future 63 models with all-wheel drive, first of all, we’ll bring it to market with the E63, and afterwards come with the others.”He added that it is relatively easy to offer the AMG 63 treatment to both SUVs, so there was no real discussion as to which model would be the recipient.

“I think we will do both, it’s not a big deal,” Mr Moers said. And the standard shape will be the higher volume.”BMW announced its GLC63 Coupe-rivalling X4 M40i performance flagship at this year’s Detroit motor show, but the 265kW/465Nm twin-turbo 3.0-litre M Performance model will not be offered in Australia.

Mercedes-Benz ripped the covers off the GLC Coupe at the New York show, while the German car-maker’s performance arm also announced the GLC43 warmed-up SUV.

The less brutal GLC uses a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 270kW/520Nm for a 4.9-second 0-100km/h dash time.