Mercedes-AMG Reveals Facelifted 2020 GLC 63 SUV At New York Auto Show

No more power than before, but the 63 S is slightly faster

The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 still packs a twin-turbo V8.

2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV.

Watch out, horsepower freaks – the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV and Coupe are coming later this year. Hot on the heels of the refreshed 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC, it was inevitable we’d see the AMG performance versions. Apart from the fresh look, there are also a few important new performance features to mention in both models.

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 and 63 S still pack a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with the exact same power figures as before. The standard 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 will produce 469 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, according to Mercedes. The GLC 63 S Coupe, on the other hand, manages 503 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to that colossal power, none of these cars are slow. Mercedes claims a respectable 3.8 second 0-60 time for the base 63 SUV, and a 3.6 second time for the 63 S. Both versions of the base model are limited to 155 mph, while the S gets a bump to 174 mph.

As before, the AMG 63 variants are the only GLC models with the 4.0-liter V8 engine. Both base and S variants come mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system.

Now, the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 comes with an electronically-controlled locking differential for improved handling. That helps reduce slip on the inside rear wheel when cornering without using the brakes to intervene. The traction control system works in three stages to tune the differential for the best handling, given the conditions. It will react differently depending on whether the system’s set to “ESP on”, “ESP Sport Handling Mode”, or “ESP Off”.

On top of the locking differential, Mercedes also updated the AMG Dynamic Select drive mode system. On top of the standard “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport+” and “Individual” modes, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 adds “Slippery” mode for loose surfaces. You also get “Race” mode in the GLC 63 S.

Styling

Up front, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 gets new headlights, as well as a subtly tweaked front grille. As before, you still get the vertical chrome bars on the AMG 63 models. Around the back, Mercedes also changed the rear fascia. A new taillight design and 3.5-inch twin tailpipe trims set the new model apart from the old one. There is also one new paint color for 2020: Graphite Grey Metallic. 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels are standard, while 21-inch wheels are optional.

Inside, you’re treated to Mercedes’ new MBUX infotainment system. In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while it’s complimented by a 10.25-inch infotainment display. Mercedes also fitted the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 models with a new AMG-themed steering wheel. As with other recently updated models, touch control buttons are now the norm. For the facelifted model, there’s also a new Magma Grey interior color scheme with black Nappa Leather and yellow contrast stitching on the S model.

Availability

Mercedes has not announced pricing for the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 or the 63 S just yet. It will go on sale in late 2019, after its display at the 2019 New York International Auto Show.

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more important Mercedes updates from New York!