Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63

While other manufacturers have committed to electrifying their entire model ranges by 2020, it seems that Mercedes is on a relentless quest to create SUV versions of all its cars. You get high-riding versions of the familiar A-Class, C-Class and E-Class models in standard or coupe body forms. Who knows, we might yet see some convertible versions – although perhaps Land Rover got there first with the Evoque. 

After the base ranges have been established, then it’s time to liven them up with a bit of AMG magic. It makes for baffling attempts to try and make sense of the German manufacturer’s range structure, but the company’s latest addition to the sales roster is the GLC 63 AMG. 

First impressions

The standard GLC is a fairly handsome-looking thing – it’s well-proportioned and it has presence, something which has only been added to with a suite of upgrades from the chaps at Affalterbach. The flared wheel arches lend menace, the rear spoiler is suitably forboding and even the so-called Panamericana grille works well. The GLC Coupe remains as unfathomably pointless as ever, with a louche tea tray rear wing that only serves to lessen already-miserable rear visibility and a sloping roof that not only makes the car look ugly but impacts on headroom in the rear of the cabin. We’re still not sure who buys these, but someone must be. Bizarrely, and somewhat in contradiction, the two wrongs of the GLC AMG Coupe make a right – if you’re going buy something obnoxious, you might as wel...