2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV Review: Compact SUV, Colossal Power
The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV's recipe is quite well-known by now, as it's the same one AMG has employed for years. You pick a model from the standard lineup and add some power. When you reach absurd levels of power, you add some more, just to be sure. Naturally, the engineers also include larger brakes, an aggressive body kit, and a suspension that can cope with the added muscle. Oddly, the GLC 63 is one of the few AMGs with a rather subtle exterior appearance. There are some clues, but only car nerds will be able to identify them until the V8 fires up and the exhaust note graces their ears. Once you start it up, there's no mistaking it for anything but an AMG thanks to the sound of that bi-turbo V8. For the new year, the 469-horsepower 63 model is joined by a new range-topping 503-hp 63 S. This SUV is all about balance, mixing brutal AMG power with Mercedes luxury. Is that good enough to fight off the likes of the BMW X3 M and the Porsche Macan Turbo?
What's the Price of the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV?
There are two GLC 63 SUV models for sale - the GLC 63 and 63 S. Last year, the 63 had an MSRP of $73,900, excluding the destination charge of $1,050. Mercedes has not yet confirmed 2022 pricing, but it's expected to rise to around $75,000 for the GLC 63. Taking the GLC 63 Coupe and 63 S Coupe as a guideline, the latter is around $7,600 - or ten percent - more expensive than the non-S model. This should hold true for the GLC 63 S, in which case we expect it to cost around $82,500. The normal GLC 63 is more expensive than the X3 M, which has an MSRP of $69,900, but it's not all bad news, because the normal 63 is faster than the $76,900 X3 Competition, which the 2022 GLC 63 is expected to undercut on price. The GLC 63 is also less expensive than the 2022 Porsche Macan GTS at $79,900 and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio at $86,850. It beats the former and matches the latter on acceleration figures, making it a comparative performance bargain. The GLC 63 S leaves all for dead in a straight line, yet will still be cheaper than the Alfa.
Handling and Driving Impressions
It may have SUV styling, but the GLC sure doesn't feel like one. AMG knew that there was little chance of this car ever seeing any sort of off-road trail, so the focus is purely road-biased. Some may think a performance SUV is a heresy, but there appears to be a market for it. You wouldn't, for example, feel cheated if you had to sell your performance coupe because you needed the extra space for a new baby.
In comfort mode, the GLC 63 is quite sedate. Apart from the firm ride and the soft burble of the V8 engine, you'd never guess that it also can be ridiculously aggressive. In the Sport and Sport+ modes, you can lean on the car. The stiff suspension setup keeps the body from leaning, while the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system ensures maximum contact with the road. The result is a blistering and engaging SUV that even the most ham-fisted driver can enjoy.
The steering is nicely weighted, direct, and responsive, but it's worth mentioning that the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio set the new benchmark when it comes to steering. The brakes are more than up to the task of slowing this 4,546-pound beast down from insane speeds. Our absolute favorite part of the driving experience is the noise, though. This V8 makes a rude, yet deeply intoxicating sound that turns even the most respectable of people into juvenile delinquents. We wouldn't be surprised to see a priest hollering obscenities while hooning one of these. The brutal mix of Gatling gun and Spitfire engine while accelerating, and the pops and bangs while shifting down is bewitching. You could make a case for the noise being worth the price of the whole car by itself.
Verdict: Is the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 A Good SUV?
Yes. We should be thankful that vehicles like these still exist. The tried and tested AMG method of putting a massive V8 under the hood remains one of the tastiest automotive dishes out there. The current GLC is now more relevant than ever, with the next-generation AMG-badged C-Class, and by association the GLC, will be powered by a four-cylinder. If we were allowed to use emojis in road tests, this would be the perfect opportunity for a frowny face.
The GLC 63 is blisteringly quick, getting to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, and the new GLC 63 S is even quicker, slashing that time further to 3.6 seconds. But it's not just about straight-line performance. The all-wheel-drive system adds a layer of safety, which means even novice drivers can enjoy it. It might even be better than its rear-wheel-drive sedan brother. It's supercar-like performance in a practical package. Once you drop the kids off at school, you can go on a proper canyon run. Just be careful, because it gets to the speed limit within the first three gears. That leaves six gears to decide how long your jail term will be.
What Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV Model Should I Buy?
While it's always tempting to opt for the new top dog, we don't think the extra $7,500-odd for the GLC 63 S can be justified when one takes into account that nothing in the class can outrun even the standard GLC 63. It's too much money for a 0.2-second reduction in the benchmark sprint and the extra S goodies won't be missed by anybody but the most hardcore AMG gearhead and are of doubtful value in an SUV. If you're that gearhead, go ahead and buy it. If it's not, read on. We'd save the money and kit out our standard 63 a little better. We'd opt for the designo Diamond White Metallic paint ($1,515) and the 21-inch black multi-spoke wheels ($1,500) because the contrast is lovely. On the inside, we'd keep it relatively simple. We'd have the seats in Red Pepper/Black Exclusive Nappa Leather ($2,590). Finally, we'd add the Driver Assistance Package, adding another $1,700 to the AMG GLC 63's base price. This results in a total of around $82,500 excluding the destination charge - essentially the same as an S without any of these desirable extras.
2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV Comparisons
2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV vs BMW X3 M
One of the most famous automotive battles has spilled over to the SUVs based on those models. The GLC 63 is around $5,000 more expensive than the standard X3 M. We say standard X3 M because BMW also offers a more hardcore version called the Competition Package. It adds $7,000 to the price, but in return, you get the ultimate hardcore X3. The X3 has more power, sharing the same powertrain as used in the new M3/M4. The handling is also sharper, and BMW's interior game has improved in a big way. Don't forget about the much larger trunk.
We only have two problems with the X3 M, specifically in Competition guise. The initial turbo lag is quite prominent, and the ride is rock solid. Sure, the result is great handling, but we're not convinced the payoff is worth living with a suspension that shudders when it goes over anything slightly larger than a penny. The GLC 63 is a more balanced SUV. Given the choice between these two cars, we'd have the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Q. Wait, we have to decide only between these two? Guess it has to be the GLC, then.
2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV vs Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 SUV
The all-new GLE 63 S 4Matic has a far higher MSRP of $113,950. The price gap between the two models is now nearly $40,000. If money isn't an issue, it's worth going for the GLE. It uses the same twin-turbo V8 as the GLC but is tuned to provide 603 hp. It can sprint to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, which isn't half bad for a large SUV. The new GLE is equipped with the latest Mercedes has to offer, including a massive instrument cluster/infotainment display. You also won't have any problems with space, as the GLE is bigger in every direction. Between these two, we'd stretch for the GLE if we could.
