It will interfere and cut power very quickly, especially if you aren’t smooth and progressive with throttle and steering applications. The default position, which is fully on doesn’t allow any leeway. The 3 modes of traction control available are all vastly different. No more fiddling with 20 buttons in the perfect combination like you would to achieve a Mortal Kombat Fatality. So long as you are in any drive mode except Comfort (Sport, Sport Plus or Individual) all you need to do to activate a Race Start is mash the 2 pedals to the floor. The launch control system is now even easier than ever.
With the 4 Matic all-wheel-drive system, the GLC really bites into the tarmac and launches off the line, with no slippage. You will not be left wanting for straight line performance. Having Zwartkops raceway at our disposal allowed for an intimate assessment of the GLC 63’s skill set. Only the Alfa Stelvio Quadrifoglio can match the GLC 63 S in the power and acceleration stakes, but the Merc has 100 Nm more. Both have identical performance figures and will only be available in ‘S’ derivative, which means local motorists will be availed the most powerful AMG versions exclusively. The additions are available in both SUV and Coupe models and the Coupe gets a large rear spoiler lip, which can be deleted if you don’t want it specced. The GLC 63 looks menacing from the front and with the wider track has a muscular stance, like a Rottweiler, if you will. Sounds like a bit of a mix and match of parts but it all hangs together rather well.
Mercedes-AMG is not one to shy away from a challenge and so, the Affalterbach-based division has tossed in the E63’s 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, borrowed its rear differential too (but without drift mode) and then swiped the Panamericana front grille from the AMG GT. Evidently, there’s enough need for a family car that can engage warp speed (to make sure it'll arrive at Woolies before it closes) that makes it profitable for manufacturers to build high-performance SUVs. All of these brands, bar Volvo, have or are developing performance derivatives of these SUVs. The GLC's competition includes wares from Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Volvo. Referred to by Merc as a 'hot V' the turbochargers sit in the middle of the engine inside the V.
However, the challenge faced by every tar-shredding SUV maker is how to make all of that weight and power go around corners… That’s where the Affalterbach division does some of its best work. Following the arrival of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, Audi SQ5, BMW X3/X4 M40i and Jaguar F-Pace SVR (to name a few), this new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 jumps right up to the top (well, equal top) with 375 kW, 700 Nm and a 3.8-second 0 to 100 kph time, which is pretty insane, considering it tips the scales at 1 850 kg. The battle for SUV supremacy is no longer defined in terms of practicality no, it's being fought in kW, Nm and 0 to 100 kph acceleration times. We headed to Zwartkops Raceway to see what it can do. Mercedes-AMG has fashioned a Performance Executive SUV all of its own by dropping a b iturbo V8 into the award-winning GLC and GLC Coupe.