MERCEDES-AMG has announced the new upmarket GLC 63 4MATIC+ high perfromance SUV will be priced from £68,920.

The even more powerful S variant costs £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, come with a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 petrol engine mated to an AMG Speedshift MCT nine-speed sports transmission as standard.

Non-S variants produce 476bhp and 650 Nm of torque, and can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just four seconds.

The GLC 63 S has an output of 510bhp and 700 Nm - it can reach 62 mph from standstill in 3.8 seconds.

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

Standard specification includes AMG high-performance braking system, sports suspension, mechanical rear axle differential lock, Comand Online infotainment system, sports seats, ambient lighting, memory package (including electrically operated front seats, steering wheel and exterior mirrors) 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 at £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, Burmester surround sound system, performance seats with diamond design and yellow contrast stitching, night package and keyless-go comfort package.