MERCEDES-AMG has announced that the pricing for its new upmarket GLC 63 4MATIC+ high performance SUV will start from £68,920 with the more powerful S variant costing £75,670.

As well as the SUV model, a new GLC 63 4MATIC+ Coupe is also available for £71,410, and the S model for £78,160.

Both models, due for release early next year, are powered by a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 petrol engine mated to an AMG Speedshift MCT nine-speed sports transmission as standard.

Non-S variants produce 476bhp with 650Nm of torque and can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in just four seconds.

The GLC 63 S has an output of 510bhp with 700Nm of pulling power and it can blast from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds.

All models have an electronically limited top speed of 155mph although this can be increased to 167mph or 174mph.

Standard specification includes AMG high-performance braking system, sports suspension, Comand Online infotainment system, sports seats, ambient lighting, memory package (including electrically-operated front seats, steering wheel and exterior mirrors), mechanical rear axle differential lock and 19-inch AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels in titanium grey.

S variants add 20-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloy wheels in titanium grey, AMG performance seats and electronic rear axle differential lock.

Also available is an even more dramatic-looking GLC 63 S Edition 1 costing £90,824 (£93,219 for the GLC 63 S Edition 1 Coupe).

The Edition 1 comes with selenite grey magno paint, with decals in yellow, ceramic brakes, AMG performance exhaust, 21-inch cross-spoked alloys in black with yellow rims, a Burmester surround sound system, performance seats with diamond design and yellow contrast stitching, night package and keyless-go comfort package.