by Michael Butler
The influence of Tik-Tok stars and insta-famous tattoo models has created a soft-headedness that has allowed for idiotic behavior like snacking on Tide pods, and we can't help but feel that this wave of vapid energy has influenced car design to a certain degree, especially this year. The coupe-SUV has become a popular choice for those who wan't neither the elegance of a true coupe, nor the practicality of a true SUV. Take that obscure combo and add a ton of power and the end result is what you see here: the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe. This AMG powerhouse is motivated by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 producing a potent 503 horsepower in 63 S guise, and goes up against some stiff competition in the form of the BMW X4 M, Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, and the Porsche Macan. Is there more to this car than just an awkward body shape and lots of power? In this 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe review, we'll try to find out.
The 2020 derivative received a host of new features, so the upgrades for the second-generation GLC Coupe, and in turn 2021 AMG GLC 63 Coupe are unspectacular. Cirrus Silver joins the color palette, and a surround-view camera system is now standard along with Parktronic with active parking assist and rear cross-traffic alert. Customers can optionally spec a dash cam, parking damage detection, and hands-free access.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
AMG GLC 63 4MATIC Coupe |
4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas
|
9-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$76,900 |
AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC Coupe |
4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas
|
9-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$84,500 |
One of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe's biggest advantages is the fact that it hides a big V8 engine under its hood: something its closest competitors can't brag about. This twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 gas engine produces 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to a four-wheel drivetrain via a 9-speed automatic transmission. Despite a curb weight of over 4,500 lbs, this Mercedes-AMG offers massive performance, and will still leap to 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 155 mph. The 63 S has even more power on tap. With 503 hp and 516 lb, the 0-60 mph sprint time dips to 3.6 seconds, while the top speed increases to 174 mph.
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
Add those three hallowed letters A, M, and G to the rear end of any Mercedes vehicle, and the results tend to be stunning. The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe isn't any different. Yes, the coupe meets SUV styling isn't for everyone, and it doesn't even make a lot of sense since you're losing a lot of interior and overall cargo space due to the sleek roof line, but people seem to like it, and car manufacturers tend to build stuff that they think people want. Besides its quirky looks, this machine is seriously impressive. Handling might not be as crisp as the Porsche Macan, but it drives beautifully, and is a seriously accomplished highway cruiser. The interior is refined, luxurious and looks great, and the MBUX infotainment system is a treat to use. You also get a ton of modern tech, and a solid safety and reliability rating. Obviously, the massive twin-turbo 8-cylinder engine is a big talking point, and is a rarity in this class, which helps the GLC 63 coupe stand out, but it comes at a stiff price, and you'll be spending some extra coins on fuel.
We wouldn't bother going for the 5-door 63 S, as the base model feels virtually the same when it comes to outright speed. Rather go for the base model and use the extra cash on some options. If we were buying, we'd go for one in Brilliant Blue Metallic, and add the $750 AMG Night Package, which adds styling elements such as a front-apron splitter, A-wing, and black chrome quad tailpipes. On the inside, we'd go for the $1,100 AMG head-up display, wireless charging, hands-free access, and the Driver Assistance package, which adds driver aids such as evasive steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic detection, active lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot assist at a price of $1,700. The total price of a 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe with this build is a cool US$82,220 including a $1,050 destination fee.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe: