Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E Performance (2025) - Dr Jeckyl and Mr Hyde... on wheels
Is it possible for a car to have a split personality? The latest Mercedes-Benz GLC63 S E Performance makes us think that it's entirely possible. Find out here why we think this is better than the C63 S, and what makes it so special.
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Very few cars have divided opinions more in recent times than the latest W206 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance. A large, and rather vocal fanbase will not hesitate to make their feelings around the exclusion of a V8 known. Seriously, find any post on social media and scroll through the comments; it's rather impressive. While I, myself, can sympathise with them, and partially agree with many of the sentiments, there's no denying that the latest incarnation is probably the best-driving example we've ever been presented with.
Related: Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance (2024) Quick Review
Why am I harping on the C63 S when the title (and images) clearly states that this is a GLC? That's because not only does the new Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S employ the same drivetrain as the C63 S, but I have a little experience with what this package is truly capable of, having taken a second-place finish in the 2024 Simola Hillclimb whilst at the helm of the new C63 S. Being reunited with this powertrain reminded me of how impressive it truly is, and why I think the GLC is actually the best platform to exploit it.
Styling
The GLC in 63 S trim, is an imposing presence, especially in this black-on-black combination that I tested. While much of the detail is lost with the sombre tones, the AMG grille with its vertical slats, and the AMG front bumper make no bones about this SUV's capabilities. Fitted with the AMG Aero Package, the GLC gets a front splitter with upturned winglets on either side. The aero is truly functional, though, with venting built into the front bumper to create air curtains that help guide air away from the turbulent wheel wells and around the large, 21-inch alloy wheels. These wheels also divide opinions, including a rather classic, retro feel to what is otherwise a rather large wheel for an SUV. Finished in black, with a polished lip, these suit the GLC63 to a tee.
Around the back, it's more of the same with a roof-top wing and race-inspired diffuser that rests between a set of quad, trapezoidal exhaust tips that are finished off in a gunmetal grey. The darkened badging of the Night Package helps round off the sinister look.
Despite all of this, the GLC63 is devoid of outlandish arches, unnecessary vents, or garish liveries that unnecessarily draw attention to it. This is a part of the split personality that presents itself in the GLC63 S. The ability to slide, somewhat, under the radar and not draw attention to itself. There's an appeal there that often goes unappreciated.
Space & Interior
Inside the GLC63 S it's near identical to the W206 C-Class. Naturally, the AMG version gets the niceties like the flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel with its rotary controls and infuriating touch controls. Seriously Mercedes-Benz, surely you've surveyed your clients and realized that this doesn't work. Please change it, for the love of all things Holy.
With the options boxes ticked, this test example was fitted out with Nappa leather upholstery and the carbon fibre dashboard insert. The standard fare has ambient lighting and a large, portrait-orientated MBUX infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with wireless charging.
The boot space of the GLC63 S is a little compromised though. Because the hybrid battery system is located over the rear axle, the boot floor rests a little higher than in the regular ICE version. You still get 470-litres of storage space, with the option to expand that by fold seat forward, but it's considerably less than the 620-litres on offer in other, non-AMG GLC offerings.
Comfort & Convenience
What would a premium Mercedes-AMG product be without a raft of convenience features? 4-zone climate control, multiple USB ports, and premium Burmeister audio all help contribute to a vehicle that leaves you wanting very little. The panoramic sunroof creates an airy cabin for the passengers, while the driver benefits from semi-autonomous driving aids if selected as part of the options. These include automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring, but was the first time that I've encountered a subscription service. We've heard a lot about it, but this test unit was not fitted with Distronic, despite all the sensors and buttons being present.
Ride comfort is perfectly acceptable with the AMG Ride Control in the corners. Able to adjust the damping force depending on the drive mode selected, this suspension works hard to iron out most bumps in the road, but the wafer-thin tyres still transmit a fair amount of information through to the driver and occupants. You can't have your cake and eat it, but you won't be disappointed with the comfort levels either.
Performance
This is where I am able to wax lyrical about the GLC63 S E Performance, as it truly is an engineering marvel. It starts with the rather small elephant in the room, the compact 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. This unit alone is good for 350 kW. Yes, 350 kW from a 2.0, with a warranty attached to it - mindblowing! It's fed boost through a sizeable turbocharged that is electrically excited. This turbo had a high-voltage electric motor attached to the shaft to help spin it up, effectively eliminating the boost threshold and doing away with lag. Yes, it's an electronic anti-lag system.
Pair this with the rapid charge/discharge electric assistance, and you have a total output of 500 kW and 1020 Nm torque, creating the most powerful 63-range AMG has ever produced. This immense power is then passed through a 9-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G gearbox that is programmed to perfection and sent to all four wheels through the smartest 4 Matic AWD system ever fitted to an AMG. It means that with launch control engaged, the 2.8 ton GLC (yes, it's rather heavy thanks to the batteries) can get from a standstill to 100 km/h in only 3.5 seconds. Top speed is an equally impressive 275 km/h.
Fuel Economy
It's not all loud and shouty though and I rather enjoyed the fact that the drive modes allow you to switch to a full-electric driving mode and use the electric reserves. This plug-in hybrid has a relative small 6.1 kWh battery, but it's large enough to give approximately 14 km of full-electric driving range. You'll be able to hold this electric mode all the way up to 129 km/h, making it great for highway use.
Leave it in comfort mode and the GLC will automatically switch between EV and ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) to help save fuel. While I was able to see 7 l/100km, the reality is that with Race mode engaged, you're going to be visiting the pumps fairly frequently. Ponies need feeding. Mercedes-AMG claims a combined cycle fuel consumption of 7.5 l/100km in combination or 11 l/100km when the battery is discharged.
Safety
I've mentioned the driver assistance systems, but the GLC63 has a raft of active and passive safety features as well. You'll get 7 airbags as standard, pretensioning seatbelts, percussive audio to help prevent hearing damage in the event of an accident. Interestingly, the sport brakes allow for adaptive pedal feel, adjust the amount of force needed to bring the vehicle to a halt, depending on which drive mode you select. Brilliant for those with fancy left-foot braking tendencies or spirited track work, yet compliant enough to check the vehicle up with minimal effort when in the Comfort setting.
Price
The base price for the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E Performance is R2 772 593. Kitted out, like our test unit, the price climbs somewhat, with this one shown costing in the region of R2 820 000. You do get an included 2-year/Unlimited km warranty as well as a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Competitors
There's not much at this point in time that compares equally with the GLC63's hybrid nature and raw power. For similar money, you could look at the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport, the Porsche Cayenne S e-Hybrid, or the Cayenne GTS.
Verdict
Pick your mood and the Mercedes-Benz GLC63 S will comply. If you're just looking to whiz around in silence, then switch it to EV mode and enjoy cost-effective mobility and comfort, but if you're particularly testy and on the warpath, then swing it to Race mode, burn up some liquified dinosaurs and rocket off to the horizon at a rate that beggars belief. The choice is yours.
I firmly feel that this powertrain is better suited to this body style. The ability to drop the kids off in silence but still enjoy the weekend blast through the backroads makes this somewhat bipolar offering more sense. Sure, the C63 could still have kept the V8, but there's no need for so much engine in an SUV. In my humble opinion, a hybrid SUV makes far more sense than a hybrid saloon.
It's for that reason, and I can't believe I'm actually saying this, that this performance SUV seems like a rather sensible option. If you can work around the price tag.
