New AMG version of the Merc GLC is a 700bhp monster SUV

Sure, the GLC is the most popular Mercedes model worldwide, but the range isn’t complete with the cherry on top – an inappropriately overpowered AMG version that will skulk around Knightsbridge after dark. But never fear, because Mercedes has just revealed precisely that.

In fact, you lucky people, there will be two flavours of AMGed GLC available – and both of them come with Affalterbach’s tried and tested 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet. The entry one (!) is the GLC 43, which produces 416bhp and comes with a 9spd auto and four-wheel drive. That makes for a 4.8secs 0–62mph time and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. It also means 27.7mpg, but ssh.

The other one is the GLC 63 S E Performance, which adds some plug-in hybrid goodness on the rear axle. The 4.8kWh battery can be juiced up via recuperation or through a plug, and Mercedes is especially keen to emphasise that the battery is geared towards performance rather than range. Which is good, because you’d only get 7.5 miles. Still, you get 671bhp and the 0–62mph run is dropped to a stomach churning 3.5secs. The sort of thing you’ll try once and never again.

Top speed is increased to 171mph and the electrical trickery means a WLTP economy of 37.7mpg. Mercedes (and we accept that the company might be a touch biased here) describes the hybrid powertrain in the GLC 63 S E Performance as “a technical masterpiece”. Sure, but does that make it any fun?

All AMG GLC models get fancy adaptive damping to keep that lardy SUV body in check and rear-wheel steering to make them feel more agile on the move. There’s a bit of fancy engine trickery with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger using tech that Mercedes says has been directly derived from its F1 efforts. Hopefully not this year’s car, though – one of the good ones maybe. Essentially the turbo has a little electric motor attached that spins it up to get rid of lag and cover any gaps in power application, maintaining boost pressure until the exhaust gas is back up to speed.

There are also AMG-specific styling mods on the outside, some fancy interior bits (AMG floor mats! Sports pedals!) and a few extra fun AMG features on the infotainment, including a data logger which will bore you to death with the results of the 80 different data points it measures.

There’s still a case to be made for the AMG GLC being the practical option – you get 620 litres of boot space in the GLC 43 (1,680 litres with the seats down), while the hybrid bits in the GLC 63 knock that to 470/1,530 litres.

The GLC 63 will be launched with an Edition 1 spec model that will sit in the range for 12 months from launch. That car will get 21in matte black alloys, a fancy paintjob and some extra detailing inside and out. No word yet on other specs, precise on sale date or price for the new car, but we’re sure that Mercedes UK will be in touch soon with all the details.