The Mercedes-AMG GLC63S E-Performance is a different take on the somewhat contentious C63S sedan. It is quite possible that the SUV is the better option of the two siblings.
Mercedes-AMG has copped plenty of flack for the downsized and electrified powertrain fitted to the C63S sedan. The rumbly angry V8 was replaced in favour of a turbocharged four-pot allied with an electric motor and all-wheel drive. This was a significant change from the recipe applied to C-AMGs that came before and Mercedes-AMG isn’t going back, as confirmed in this article. However, the same contentious engine is used in the sedan’s sibling, the Mercedes-AMG GLC63S.
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Styling
The Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S has a muscular yet refined presence, distinguishing itself from ‘standard’ GLC versions with AMG-specific design cues. It features the signature Panamericana grille with vertical slats, flared wheel arches housing 21-inch forged alloy wheels, and a two-tier roof spoiler. Quad rectangular exhaust exits give the game away to those behind. An AMG ‘Night Package’ adds darkened grille elements and black chrome badging. On the whole, the appearance is not overbearing, and most people didn’t really give this vehicle a second look, except those driving other AMG models.
The cabin has the typical appearance of a modern AMG Merc. It has AMG-specific touches such as a flat-bottom steering wheel and grippy front seats. There is also the company’s MBUX touchscreen infotainment system with menus, many, many menus including AMG-specific options for this SUV. The cabin is quite spacious, although we did note that the boot space is slightly compromised in this hybrid model. The overall interior design balances sportiness with luxury.
You can read about the history of the C-Class AMG by clicking these links: Part One, Part Two and Part Three.
Powertrain
As mentioned, the GLC63S adopts the company’s F1-inspired plug-in hybrid powertrain. At its core is a 2,0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder internal combustion engine (ICE) producing 350 kW. The ICE is paired with an electric motor delivering an additional 150 kW, combining for a total system output of 500 kW. Even more impressive is the 1 020 N.m of peak torque. The downside of this combination is a lack of aural drama. A rorty (at best) exhaust note, some artificial noise piped through the audio system and a few pops from the exhaust are about as exciting as it gets for one’s ears.
A nine-speed dual-clutch transmission, with launch control, sends power to all four wheels. However torque distribution can be split between front and rear axles for optimal traction. The net result is a 0-100 km/h time of 3,5 seconds, as claimed by AMG, a figure that has been well backed up by multiple independent tests. In fact, many publications have recorded times that are even quicker than claimed.
That is ballistically quick for a vehicle that weighs over 2 300 kg. Standing start acceleration figures aside, the in-gear shunt is also shove-you-in-the-seat impressive. The GLC63S only needs a fraction over two seconds to blast from 80-120 km/h. The electrified powertrain really does shift the large car once on the move. The top speed is rated at an academic 275 km/h.
Oh, and because the GLC63S is a bybrid, it can also drive purely on battery power. Although, the 6,1 kWh battery does not provide that much range. If you are really careful you may just get over double figures. Handily, the battery pack can be charged from a wallbox or from regeneration while driving. Because the battery is small, it recharges rather quickly, which means there’s always plenty of power when the electric unit is called into action.
Click here to read about the electrified Mercedes G-Class, which is now available in SA.
Ride and Handling
The GLC63S is a proper sporting machine from a dynamic perspective. We found a sharp response rate through the meaty helm, thanks in part to the rear wheel steering system. There is also a high level of grip that, we’ll bet, most owners will never access. There is also a nice sensation of power moving to the rear axle, in the sportier driving modes, making the car feel rear-wheel drive for a brief moment as you accelerate hard out of tight corners. Incidentally, it is also in those corners where can feel the car’s mass at play. Having said that it is a marvel of engineering when one thinks about how AMG engineers have managed to harness this level of power to make it so user friendly and accessible to the average driver.
But, and there is a but in this case. The ride quality suffers. Those lovely large alloys, shod with low-profile rubber really do transmit every, less-than-perfect road surface into the cabin. It was inevitable, considering the mass, that AMG would have to adopt firm spring rates to achieve desired levels of grip. If you are fortunate enough to live in an area that has perfectly surfaced roads, then this gripe will not be a problem.
Click here to read our C63S driving review.
Summary
The Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E-Performance delivers staggering performance from its hybrid powertrain delivering supercar-level acceleration while offering seating for five and a handy boot. The ride and handling package provides more than enough for spirited driving although it’s slightly compromised in some scenarios. These are all great traits for anyone looking for a performance SUV, one of the quickest around, mind you. The synthetic engine sound is, perhaps, easier to overlook in this car, as opposed to the C63S.
As of now, the GLC63S is without peer. BMW has not yet confirmed a high-performance derivative of its latest X3, or X3M, neither is there a Porsche Macan with this level of power or performance. One would have to look to the larger Cayenne to match the GLC’s power outputs and performance. For buyers seeking a high-performance SUV that blends innovation with brutal acceleration, the GLC 63 S E Performance is a compelling choice, and a lot less contentious than the C63S.
Model: Mercedes-AMG GLC63S E-Performance
Price: R2 760 000
Engine: 2,0-litre inline four, turbopetrol hybrid
Transmission: nine-speed automatic, AWD
Max power: 500 kW
Max torque: 1 020 N.m
Top speed: 280 km/h
0-100 km/h: 3,5 sec
Fuel consumption: 7,5 L/100 km (12,0 L as reviewed)