A Nürburgring lap time under the 8-minute mark is an impressive accomplishment, but posting that time in a top-heavy SUV is simply insane. However, that’s exactly what Mercedes-AMG just did with the 2020 GLC 63, claiming the title of fastest SUV in the world at The Green Hell.

Making it possible is a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, which is tuned to produce 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque in the top-trim GLC 63 S. Sixty mph arrives in an astonishing 3.6 seconds, just a few ticks off the 800-horsepower Hellcat Redeye. Top speed is rated at 174 mph.

Go for the base GLC 63, and you’ll get 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, which translates into a 3.8-second run to 60 mph and a top speed of 155 mph.

Managing the heft is an AMG Ride Control+ air suspension system with adaptive dampers, while AMG’s Performance 4Matic all-wheel drive system makes it grip. Output is routed through an AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission.

Outside, the GLC 63 twins get new styling with revised taillight and headlight housings, both of which come with LEDs, while a pair of trapezoidal tailpipes are found out back. Wheel sizing ranges up to 21 inches in diameter.

The cabin is covered in Nappa leather with yellow contrast stitching, and the infotainment system comes with the latest MBUX features, including the optional MBUX Interior Assistant.

Look for the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 at the 2019 New York International Auto Show this week, and in dealers later this year.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

Read our full review on the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Unveiled