Summarize

Twenty years ago, were you to tell me that we would test a two-ton four-by-four to 100km/h in under 4 seconds, on to a 12.3 second quarter mile at a ball hair under 200km/h, I’d tell you you were smoking your socks. Problem is, that madness is becoming commonplace — with this turtle on stilts Mercedes AMG GLC 63 S Coupe a principal amongst them

Packing Affalterbach’s slightly less powerful 375kW 700Nm 3982cc biturbo V8, the GLC 63 S is no slouch – in fact it smashed Auto Bakke Race’s SUV acceleration records at all of 3.88 seconds to 100km/h dash, devoured 160km/h in under ten seconds and destroyed the quarter-mile in 12.3 seconds at 199km/h. Not bad for a 4x4, hey?  

Packing adaptive damping air suspension variable torque distribution, AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive, a trick rear differential, it’s also pretty well upt to harnessing all those ponies and hey, if you want to take those stunning wheels onto a 4x4 trail, it’d probably handle all that with aplomb, too. We didn’t!

But turn it on and there’s no question what’s going down. AMG Dynamic Select with four drive programs guarantees incomparable handling and benefits from, while 45mm extra ground clearance also offers a wider range of road-use compared to a C63 sedan.

GLC 63 S is however sublime when pressed over a sinuous stretch of tarmac though, its electronically-controlled AMG locking differential and Race drive program with Drift Mode bring racetrack levels of performance. Most impressive are responsiveness, engine speed and shift times, while those uprated 390mm performance ventilated discs up front bring a sense of security to well temper this ‘truck’s’ hooning ability

A variety of driving modes allow the choice of configuring everything from steering weight to adaptive air suspension, exhaust note and stability control, while you know the kitchen sink is there when it comes to spec – from contrasting dashboard top-stitching and S-trim performance steering to splendid black Nappa leather and microfiber cloth.

As a performance all-rounder, not much holds a candle to this car, but that versatility also has its drawbacks and no matter how slight they are, this company exposes them. Trick is, that not much is now a growing list and some of us around here are rubbing our hands in anticipation of the net truck to break that unique new test record. Hoo boy, don’t we just love a poser struggle!

EASTER SPECiAL TEST - Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S Coupe

Engine:                    3982cc biturbo V8   

Output                  375kW 700Nm

Drive:                      9-speed auto AWD 

                                        

TESTED:                                    

0-100km/h:            3.88 sec SUV Record!                     

0-160km/h:            9.51 sec  11.71 sec       

400m:                     12.3 sec @ 199km/h

80-120km/h:          2.80 sec 

120-160km/h:        4.05 sec          

CLAIMED:                                                                                   

VMax:                      280km/h                            

Fuel:                        10.7 l/100km                           

CO2:                        244g/km     

Warranty/Service: 2y unl/6y 100Kkm     

LIST PRICE:             R1.83M   

RATING                   91%