Img Benjamin Chunga

By Sala Masindane

I have often heard people confuse the Mercedes Benz GLE and the GLC Coupe. Truth be told, there are some similarities like the shape and design, but these cars are not entirely the same. Actually, think of the GLC as the SUV of the C-Class, and for the purpose of this test, the GLC63 as SUV version of the C63s AMG.

Exterior

The GLC Coupe is based on the same platform as the C-Class and if you look on the side profile of GLC 63s Coupe, the footprint of the C63s will be seen. However, the lights on the front end shine brighter, there are 21-inch wheels and there is a huge wing at the back. This gives the SUV more presence and sportiness. Being the range topper, the GLC 63s AMG also gets the Panamericana grille, which all the upcoming Mercedes range toppers will come standard in. The grille is menacing, imposing and commands the respect from all the road users.

Img Benjamin Chunga

Interior

The interior is posh and luxurious. The sport seats are comfortable for on the track days or when driving down to Kwa-Zulu Natal, which we did with relative comfort. That’s not all, we could also bump Nasty C’s Strings and Bling album on full blast on the Burmeister Surround System. The FrontBass subwoofer located on the dashboard made us momentarily forget the growling sound of the GLC63s coupe. The Bluetooth ready 7-inch screen that is clear and easy to navigate with the use of the central controller, also makes the interior more pleasurable. Staying with the inside, the Coupe is quite spacious and can accommodate three adults at the back. This has comprised the boot space though, we were often found wanting when we needed to slot in extra items. The standard sunroof, surprisingly works well on this car, as opposed to the panoramic that is a favourite nowadays.

Img Benjamin Chunga

The drive

Start up the keyless GLC63s coupe and you have a whole new world of growls and rumblings, this is from the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, with power outputs of 375kW and 700Nm of torque. There are four driving modes; comfort, sports, sports plus and race. Once on race, the gloves are off and you have this beast that moves through motorways like a hot knife through butter. The ride quality is another thing to write home about, this is an SUV after all. The GLC63s coupe does feel like the C63 even when handling, it’s quite light. The body will trick your mind into thinking that its too big and sluggish on road. It’s the opposite as the GLC 63s coupe takes on twisties effortlessly and the steering is responsive while maintaining the lines you want it to take. The agility on the SUV is just impressive.