Well, this is a pleasant surprise. We were expecting the AMG version of the GLC compact SUV to get the 43 engine rather than the big 63. But the guys at the Affalterbach company decided a big engine in a small car is a lot more fun. And thus was born the mighty 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+.

So not only does the new 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 comes in basic and S-model variants, it also comes as a regular SUV and Coupe body styles. So whichever way you’re leaning toward, this thing’s got you covered. Both models get the AMG 4.0 liter bi-turbo V8 first introduced in the AMG GT (the GLC AMG also looks a lot like the GT around the front), with the basic version packing 467 hp whereas the S version gets the full 510 horsepower. Here them roar:

The new GLC 63 4MATIC+ and GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ feature the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission and boast the 4MATIC+ system which is a performance-oriented system so don’t expect any off roading ability. The sporty and low slung aero kit on the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 is another inhibiting factor for dirt driving, and so are those 19 inch AMG wheels. But these are good for spirited driving. GLC 63 4MATIC+ comes with a mechanical rear-axle limited-slip differential, while the GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ uses an electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential. The new mid-size Performance SUVs celebrate their world premiere in April 2017. Start of sales is on 16 June 2017, while the market launch begins in September 2017.