What Is It?
As with most car companies, the SUV also reigns supreme at Mercedes-Benz, and the compact GLC has become the best-selling model in the German company’s lineup. Although compact crossovers are not always the most exciting vehicles to drive, when they have the letters AMG in the name the excitement level increases dramatically. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S is the most powerful of all GLC variants, and we spent some enjoyable miles behind the wheel of this high-performance SUV.
Test Vehicle
Mercedes-Benz provided a 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe, painted in the designo Cardinal Red Metallic. The AMG models come well equipped; however, our test vehicle also featured a long list of options including 3-zone climate control, a head-up display, a Drive Assistance Package, a Parking Assistance Package, brushed-aluminum running boards and 21-inch AMG forged cross-spoke wheels. The total MSRP for this vehicle is $96,425. Comparable vehicles include the BMW X4 M, Audi SQ5, Porsche Macan and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
SUV Coupe Design
The AMG GLC 63 is available in both a standard SUV body and an SUV Coupe. While we prefer the standard style to the coupe, Mercedes-AMG only offers the more powerful S in coupe clothing. Our S Coupe easily stands out from the standard GLC with an AMG-specific grille as well as larger air intakes and front splitter, all giving the AMG a more aggressive stance. Side sill panels and bolder wheel arches add to the powerful stance; an integrated rear spoiler completes the look.
Inner Space
Like other AMG models in the Mercedes lineup, the GLC 63 S features an attractive interior trimmed in soft Nappa leather with carbon fiber trim. The black seats with gray accents blend nicely with the rest of the interior. The standard sport eats are quite comfortable and have multiple adjustments; the seat bottom can be extended forward for better leg support — a welcome feature on long road trips.
Big Screen
The large, easy-to-read display screen in the center console works well. Controls are accessible via the touchscreen, the touchpad in the center console or small touch buttons on the steering wheel. Although the steering wheel controls work better than expected, the touchpad is difficult to use while driving. The display is not integrated into the design as nicely as other models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. We expect the next redesign will take care of this issue, adopting a single display similar to the new A-Class we recently drove.
Rear Seat
The GLC is not a large vehicle; however, the rear seat offers plenty of legroom. The rear seats are of a similar style to the front seats and would be fine for two adults. There are no USB ports in the rear-seat area; however, there is a standard 110-volt outlet a phone charger could plug into.
Cargo Space
Cargo capacity suffers a bit in the GLC Coupe due to the vehicle’s silhouette. Both the standard and coupe versions of the SUV offer a decent amount of storage space, but the sloping rear roofline of the coupe cuts into the available space. That said, there’s still room for multiple suitcases or several bags of groceries.
Under the Hood
Although AMG models typically offer sporty styling and premium interiors, it’s what’s under the hood that really makes an AMG model stand out. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S gets a hand-built AMG 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine generating 503 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Power gets sent to the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system with variable torque distribution via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission.
Performance
The excellent grip and quick-shifting transmission help the GLC 63 S shoot to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds — a strong numbers for a 5-passenger SUV. For a short time the GLC 63 S held the record for the fastest time for an SUV around the Nordschleife, completing one circuit of the famous German racetrack in a shocking 7 minutes 49 seconds. The GLC 63 S has since been beaten by an even faster Audi RS Q8. Not only is this GLC quick, it consumes fuel quickly as well. During our time with this powerful SUV the trip computer registered 13.8 mpg.
On the Road
Like other AMG SUVs, the GLC 63 S has two distinct personalities on the road. Set the drive mode to Comfort and the experience is quite docile. The exhaust is quiet, and even with plenty of power on tap the shifts are smooth and the ride is comfortable for the whole family. Cruising on the road at highway speeds is akin to driving a luxury automobile.
Sport +
Turn the dial on the steering wheel to Sport + and the GLC takes on a whole new demeanor. The rpm comes up and stays higher as the transmission holds gears longer. Shifts up or down are crisp and fast, and there’s never a power shortage. Acceleration is strong, even when already traveling at highway speeds. The GLC’s handling transforms into more like that of a sports car, staying flat with excellent feedback on the winding roads. And then there’s the amazing exhaust note from the big V8 engine that never gets old, always able to put a smile across a driver’s face.
Rating: 8.5
High-performance SUVs are nothing new, but Mercedes-AMG has built some of the better options in this exciting vehicle class. With the luxury expected of a high-end Mercedes, the utility of an SUV and the performance of a sports car, the GLC 63 S certainly checks the right boxes, albeit at a relatively high price point. We are not big fans of the sleeker SUV Coupe design — preferring function over form — but this boils down to personal preference. For those who ultimately want big power in a compact luxury SUV, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe should be high on the shopping list.
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe
Traditional AMG grille.
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe
Integrated rear spoiler.
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe
Large air intakes.
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe
Stands out from non-AMG models.
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe
Quad exhaust outlets.
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe
Sleek silhouette.
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe
LED Taillights.
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe
Optional 21-inch AMG forged cross-spoke wheels.
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe
Carbon-fiber trim.
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe
Sport seats.
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe
Large display screen.
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe
Touchpad in center console.
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe
Digital instrument cluster.
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