The sheer number of gears means there can be a delay when you plant the throttle, but plan your overtakes and the GLC is mind-bendingly fast. The gearbox fires through its ratios with rapid changes on the way up but can feel reluctant and lazy on the way back down. Selecting the AMG Driver’s Package (standard on the S) removes the car’s limiter and raises the top speed to 167mph (174mph on the S). The basic GLC 63 gets 469bhp and hits 62mph in four seconds flat, while the more powerful ‘S’ model pushes out 503bhp – shaving two tenths off the 0 to 62mph sprint. It’s the same basic unit found in the W205 C 63 range and comes in the same two states of tune. Under the bonnet you’ll find AMG’s familiar M177 4-litre twin-turbo V8. The question is, do the dynamics live up to that sensational engine? Engine, transmission and 0-60 time The previous GLC 63 held the title of the world's fastest SUV when it went on sale, but to compete against cars like the Porsche Macan Turbo and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, you need more than character and straight line speed.

> Click here for our review of the Porsche Macan Turbo Performance Pack

With the new GLC 63 borrowing its 671bhp four-cylinder plug-in powertrain from the latest C63, the outgoing V8 model continues to appeal as a true AMG hot-rod. Mercedes is transitioning towards smaller hybrid engines for some of its core AMG models, and with the loss of the charismatic M177 4-litre twin-turbo V8, these next generation cars have big boots to fill.

2017 pure flat icon pack