Overall Rating
Updated on: July 22, 2020
Automotive Journalist
It runs like a panther, and looks like a rhinoceros, yes it’s confusing! The mystic of this car will fool you for an SUV and the performance resembles a sports predator, it’s like the 20120 Mercedes Benz AMG GLC 63 suffers from a split personality. e.
The huge size might be daunting for city maneuvering and parking endeavors, but the Mercedes took care of it. The GLC 63 Coupe comes with a clever parking assist which provides a 360-degree view including a bird’s eye view feature of the car and parking area.
Though the performance SUV is a rather new concept, there is no short of rivalry in this territory. Cars like Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, BMW X5 xDrive50i, and Maserati Levante S dominate the market the GLC wishes to conquer.
V8's rumbling sound
High riding seats
Composed and smooth ride
Low cargo volume
Some rivals are more powerful and athletic
MBUX infotainment system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Standard
3.5-inch twin tailpipes
Electronically-controlled locking differential
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Features
Engine and Performance
Fuel Economy
Interior
Exterior
Safety
7.0
OVERALL RATING
Overall Rating
With the most sumptuous and convincing SUV of the GLC class, right under 63 S, the AMG GLC 63 arrives fully loaded up with features and stands as a power-packed entertainer. The car comes standard with an All-Wheel-Drive. Though the performance SUV is a rather new concept, there is no short of rivalry in this territory.
In its game, the Mercedes sees stiff opposition with the likes of Jaguar F-Pace SVR, Range Rover Sport, and the Maserati Levante.
8.0/10
Features
7.5/10
Engine and Performance
5.0/10
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
Interior
7.0/10
Exterior
7.0/10
Safety
Introducing a brand new line up of performance SUV makes sense, but what doesn’t makes sense is creating a brand new version of an already successful car. Turns out Mercedes did just that, the AMG GLC 63 is a newly improved version of the successful AMG GLC 43.
Coming from the high-performance branch of GLC line up, the SUV has nailed all three Performance, Practicality, and Price right. The GLC Class comes with a number of engine options with the GLC 63 coupe backed with the potent V8. Apart from the engine boost, you get a mechanical limited-slip differential, variable torque distribution, LED headlights and more.
Trims | Mercedes Benz AMG GLC 63 SUV |
---|---|
MSRP | $76,500 |
Key Features | Direct Injection and multi spark ignition |
"Hot inside V" turbocharger configuration | |
NANOSLIDE cylinder wall technology | |
AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive | |
AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission | |
AMG DYNAMIC SELECT | |
Race Start function | |
4-wheel multilink suspension | |
Exclusive front axle and wider track | |
AMG Sports Suspension based on AIR BODY CONTROL | |
ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist | |
3-stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) | |
AMG limited-slip differential | |
ECO Start/Stop system | |
Electromechanical power steering |
With the arrangement of features of luxury, safety, and performance offered in the AMG GLC 63, the SUV holds convincing on all aspects. From a list of packages accessible, you could take a look and pick which bundle of features fascinates you.
The AMG spell on a normal GLC has already established its dominance in the form of the AMG GLC 43. Fortunately, the new version is even better. The car is backed with a classic turbocharged engine paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The handcrafted V8 churns out a 469 hp of power and 479 pound-feet of torque.
Mercedes GLC 63 churns out a great amount of power with smooth and refined gear shifts and driving dynamics. Take it on the race track or cruise in the city, the GLC has ample power to cruise comfortably at triple-digit speed.
Models |
Mercedes AMG GLC 63 4MATIC SUV |
Jaguar F-pace SVR |
Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR |
Maserati Levante GTS |
BMW X5 M |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Engine |
4.0L V8 Biturbo Premium Unleaded |
5.0L V8 Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded |
5.0L V8 Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded |
3.8L V8 Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded |
Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-8 4.4 L/268 |
Transmission |
9 Speed automatic |
8 Speed Automatic |
8 Speed automatic |
8 Speed Automatic |
8-speed M Sport Automatic Transmission with Drivelogic |
Horsepower |
469 hp@ 5500 rpm |
550 hp@ 6500 rpm |
575 hp@ 6000rpm |
550 hp@ 5750 rpm |
567 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
Torque |
479 ft-lbs@ 1750rpm |
502 ft-lbs@ 3500rpm |
516 ft-lbs@ 3500rpm |
538 ft-lbs@ 1750rpm |
553 lb.-ft. @ 2,200 rpm |
Though priced the lowest, the AMG GLC 63 is not short on power. The GLC outperformed in the race for numbers, however, it still manages to up its game by proving to be a steady competitor. The most powerful SUV in the class goes to the BMW X5, only because of its sheer numbers.
There is a limit on mobility for something weighing a freaking ton! However, AMG GLC 63 is an exception. The AMG GLC 63 roughly weighs 2 tons but the monstrous sub-4-second acceleration will surely leave you thunderstruck. This car is a bullet, you reach a quarter of a mile in 12.5 seconds to be precise.
Models |
Mercedes AMG GLC 63 4MATIC |
Jaguar F-pace SVR |
Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR |
Maserati Levante GTS 3.8L |
BMW X5 M |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
3.8 sec |
4.1 sec |
4.3 sec |
4.0 sec |
4.0 sec |
Quarter mile |
12.5 sec |
12.3 sec |
12.7 sec |
13.2 sec |
12.4 sec |
Engine |
4.0L V8 Biturbo Premium Unleaded |
5.0L V8 Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded |
5.0L V8 Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded |
3.8L V8 Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded |
4.4L |
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
11.0 |
While the Range Rover Sport SVR and F -pace SVR struggle with their 4.3 second and 4.1-second acceleration, the GLC outrun them both. However, the GLC 63 turns the tide in the quarter-mile run and emerges victorious with its 12.5-second performance along with the X5 M.
Ride and Handling
The GLC 63 looks like a jacked-up wagon, but don’t judge the book by it cover the car is nothing short on presentation. The performance purists will love the V8’s instrumental sound. Also, only the AMG voodoo could propel a 2-ton juggernaut from 0 to 60mph in 4 seconds time. The adaptive suspension soaks up all the bumps, and the responsive steering delivers nimble handling.
Everything is nice and sunshine, but the best part comes with the 3 drive modes. The SUV switches character as you surf through these modes, delivering more scope for personalized driving. "COMFORT" mode gives quite a firm and controlled ride. However, with each shift to the higher model, the ride becomes stiffer, the throttle response improves and gets sharper and gear shifts get quicker than before.
The acceleration will charm you, but braking might not share the same passion. From the speed of 60 mph, the car can halt at 116 feet, which isn’t that compelling considering the class. Driving this car feels like riding a featherweight compact but actually, it's quite heavy. The 4462-pound weight is a colossal figure, but the car sails like it’s nothing.
Model |
Mercedes AMG GLC 63 4MATIC |
Jaguar F-pace SVR |
Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR |
Maserati Levante GTS 3.8L |
BMW X5 M |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Front (in.) |
15.4 |
15.6 |
15 |
15 |
15.6 |
Brake Rear (in.) |
14.2 |
15.6 |
14.4 |
13 |
15.2 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
4511 |
4395 |
5093 |
4649 |
5260 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
116 |
N/A |
118 |
114 |
104 |
The BMW X5 M takes 104 feet to stop from a speed of 60 mph which also is the best for this lot. Maserati Levante S was the first runner-up with its 114 feet braking distance. However, the rest of the rivals are potential lager with their meek stopping prowess.
The AMG GLC 63 is like an elephant on sprint, but it’s pretty mediocre when comes to efficiency, you won't save a lot buying it as a daily driver. Driving in the city you will encounter a 16 mpg of city mileage and 22 mpg on the highway. You can expect an 18 mpg of combined fuel efficiency from this car. It’s got an appetite that’s for sure.
Model |
Mercedes AMG GLC 63 4MATIC |
Jaguar F-pace SVR |
Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR |
Maserati Levante GTS 3.8L |
BMW X5 M |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
16 |
16 |
15 |
16 |
14 |
MPG (highway) |
22 |
22 |
20 |
19 |
19 |
MPG (combined) |
18 |
18 |
16 |
16 |
16 |
Tank Capacity (gal) |
17.4 |
21.7 |
27.6 |
21.1 |
N/A |
The figures are almost the same for every performance SUV in the lot. However, the Levante S and BMW X5 underperforms with its 16 mpg of combined mileage.
Glossy Wood, soft leather, and spacious cabin sum up the GLC 43’s interior. The jet turbine-like AC vents mounted on the lustrous wooden console makes quite a difference. The bucket-like seats are comfortable and hug you tight on your place.
The front seats receive a 40.8 inch of legroom space and 41.1 inches of headroom, to a surprise the second-row seats deliver a little more legroom space but come 3 inches short when it comes to headroom. However, due to the sloping roofline of this SUV, headspace is a bit limited.
Amidst such dimensions, this 5-seater is quite roomy than most of its opponents and can easily fit in 5 people without making them uncomfortable.
Model |
Mercedes AMG GLC 63 4MATIC |
Jaguar F-pace SVR |
Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR |
Maserati Levante GTS 3.8L |
BMW X5 M |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
41.1/57.3/40.8 |
37.8/57.7/40.3 |
38.7/60.7/42.2 |
N/A |
39.8/60.5/40.4 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
38.3/55.8/37.2 |
37.5/55.8/37.2 |
39.1/59.5/37 |
N/A |
38.8/58.3/36.6 |
Although all SUV’s feature similarly spacious cabin but the Maserati Levante S does it better, its inches more than the competition it doesn’t really make a distance.
Some interior features included in the GLC 63 are –
Infotainment System
At the summit of the dash, you have the 10.5-inch infotainment screen controlled through the trackpad controller. The MBUX infotainment system is responsive and intuitive and much-needed phone integration like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features.
This system is quite responsive and eases the job of the driver while driving without getting distracted. Other infotainment features include-
The Mercedes Benz AMG GLC 63 SUV is a true family hauler, fold the second-row seats and you can literally use the entire cargo as your personal cabin. Normally with the 2nd-row seats on, you will find 19.4 cubic feet of space, but with the seats down, you will unlock the full cargo potential which is 56.5 cubic feet.
Model |
Mercedes AMG GLC 63 4MATIC |
Jaguar F-pace SVR |
Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR |
Maserati Levante GTS 3.8L |
BMW X5 M |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Volume (ft.3) |
19.6 |
33.5 |
24.8 |
19.4 |
35.8 |
Cargo Volume (ft.3) (second row folded) |
56.5 |
N/A | N/A | N/A |
76.7 |
The crown for the most practical SUV in the lot is reserved for the X5 M. Even with the front seats up the X5 gives out most of its long length to maximize cargo space
The new Panamericana grill separates the AMG GLC 63 from its siblings giving it an inimitable character. The 186.8 inches of total length and 62.2 inches of height make it quite a big car. Topped with the 76 inches of width the car brings justice to the ideal merger of performance with practicality. It also features a low ground clearance of 6.1 inches.
Going into the new iteration and year, nothing much has altered in the GLC 63’s aesthetics over the past few years. Being a part of the first generation, the 2020 Mercedes AMG GLC 63 SUV endures quite like to its forerunners.
Model |
Mercedes AMG GLC 63 4MATIC |
Jaguar F-pace SVR |
Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR |
Maserati Levante GTS 3.8L |
BMW X5 M |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Curb weight (lbs.) |
4511 |
4395 |
5093 |
4649 |
5260 |
Length(in) |
186.8 |
186.5 |
192.2 |
197 |
192.7 |
Width(in) |
76 |
81.5 |
81.6 |
77.5 |
78.1 |
Height(in) |
62.2 |
65.0 |
71.0 |
66.1 |
67.6 |
Ground clearance (in) |
6.2 |
8.4 |
8.4 |
N/A |
8.1 |
Wheelbase (in) |
113.1 |
113.1 |
115.1 |
118.3 |
115.5 |
Track width (in) F/R |
66.3/65.7 |
64.6/65.1 |
66.5/66.3 |
63.9/66 |
65.6/65.6 |
Though the 2020 AMG GLC 63 coupe is not yet tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, the makers have equipped the car with all the necessary safety features like Forwarding collision assist, Attention assist, adaptive braking and more.
Safety Features
Every comic book hero face a dozen villains, they all teach something to our beloved protagonist but there is one arch enemy who is the perfect villain, without him, there is no story. The X5 M is that villain to our AMG GLC 63, both cars are head-on similar.
The AMG GLC 63 coupe is just a tad more in power and less in price. That is the only power the Mercedes holds over BMW X5 M.
The demand for sports SUVs even compelled the Maserati to fashion one. The Levante is exactly how an Italian SUV should look, curvaceous and performance-oriented. The AMG GLC 63 shares similar traits with the Levante S, both are power-packed family haulers with immense practicality.
However, the Levante S is overpriced for the class, it offers a V6 engine with lesser horsepower. This makes the Mercedes Benz AMG GLC 63 SUV the obvious choice between the two.
The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR comes from a class of one of the most power-packed heavy duties that have survived in the market for quite some time. The Land Rover has made this Range rover to be a cumulative package that any SUV can allow.
When compared to the GLC 63 coupe, it is quite a power-packed performer and has an upper hand in most of the other regards too. So spending a $10,000 more for a better product seems to be quite a legitimate option.
Mercedes already had a performance SUV, there was no need to go the extra mile and launch a better version. But for your demands and constant search of performance and practicality led to the inception of the 2020 Mercedes Benz AMG GLC 63 SUV.
The vibrant sound of the V8 with an SUV’s practicality was molded in a perfect blend by the AMG. However, you will encounter more powerful SUVs in the market, but none of them share the GLC 63’s price range. It's right to say in this price range it’s the best performance SUV’s on the market today.