2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV First Look Review: Step Aside, V8
The best-selling model from Mercedes-Benz over the last few years has been the GLC, and while the German automaker gave us a new lineup for the small SUV just last year, AMG hasn't weighed in yet. Until now. But whereas the last AMG-spec GLC SUVs we had were powered by V8 engines making just over 500 horsepower, the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV is set to arrive with 671 horses, 752 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid powertrain. And judging by the facts and figures, it's going to be all the better for it.
When Is The 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV Coming Out?
While the AMG GLC 43 SUV will be arriving in the USA in early 2024, the release date for the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance is set a little later. It will likely only be on US shores towards the end of 2024 as a 2025 model.
2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV Price And Competition
We don't have concrete info on a price for the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV just yet, but we can speculate. The last AMG GLC 63 S - the 503-hp range-topper at the time - cost in the region of $85k. It's probable that the MSRP of the hybrid AMG GLC 63 S E Performance will be higher still. It's not as easy to compare to rivals since there aren't any performance-focused hybrid SUVs that it can go toe-to-toe with. The Porsche Macan GTS makes 'just' 434 hp and already costs over $85 - it also doesn't have an E-Hybrid variant like its big brother, the Cayenne. The six-cylinder BMW X3 M is over ten grand cheaper than the Porsche, despite making 473 hp.
New Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV Exterior And Colors
There's loads that's new about the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV, but the exterior is less drastically different. The front end looks much the same, featuring the AMG Panamericana radiator grille with vertical struts, although the headlight clusters are updated. The front fascia with its distinctive large air intakes, air curtains, and flics helps to direct airflow and gives the 63 S an aggressive look. There are also model-specific sile sill panels and an additional diffuser board at the back.
The rear is more obviously fresh, with the taillights now linked by a dark strip and the clusters themselves being sharp and angular. The entire back end feels tauter and more sporty, with a pair of dual trapezoidal exhaust outlets rounding off the parting view. A panoramic roof and rear spoiler are also included.
20-inch wheels will be fitted off the bat but there should be several designs available. Similarly, exterior colors for the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV haven't been made public, but we hope to see some bespoke paintwork. The models pictured here seem to be wearing Starling Blue metallic and a menacing matte grey that works extremely well with the SUV's proportions.
We know there will be some exterior customization available, though, with two AMG Night Packages on offer. The first adds high-gloss black trim all around the body and equips blacked-out tailpipes, while the Night Package Plus darkens the grille and badges, too. A Carbon Fiber Package does what its name suggests, adding visible carbon fiber to the A-wing, front fascia, side sill inserts, and the trunk lid trim.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV Dimensions
Dimensions for the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV show off slightly bulkier proportions than the outgoing model. At 187 inches in length and 64.4 inches in height, the new version is a bit longer and taller. It spans 75.6 inches from side to side (excluding the mirrors), and rides on a 113.7-inch wheelbase.
Curb weight for the GLC 63 S E Performance has yet to be confirmed, but given the outgoing model already passed the 4,500-pound mark and the newest GLC 63 S will have hybrid components adding to its weight, we can expect a curb weight closer to 4,800 lbs.
Mercedes-Benz GLC 63 SUV Engine And Performance
While the looks of the new AMG GLC 63 SUV may not be a radical departure from the outgoing model, what's under the hood couldn't be any more different. Before there was a handcrafted AMG-fettled 4.0-liter V8 with specs of 503 hp and 516 lb-ft, and now there is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid. It's no downgrade, however, because outputs are dramatically improved to 671 hp, with 752 lb-ft of torque.
The engine in the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 is a marvel from start to finish, making 469 hp and 402 on its own. It's the most powerful series-production four-cylinder engine in the world, and it's paired with a 201-hp permanently excited synchronous motor and a high-performance battery. The setup will see the GLC 62 hurtle from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, aided by the fully variable 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. Top speed is electronically limited to 171 mph.
The turbocharger setup used here is derived from the technology utilized by the AMG Petronas Formula 1 racing division. This includes an electric exhaust-gas turbocharger that has a slim electric motor integrated directly onto it to accelerate the compressor wheel before the exhaust gas flow takes over. The result is instant response, higher torque at low rpms, and better-maintained boost pressure.
The AWD setup provides ample grip, laid down by a nine-speed Speedshift multi-clutch transmission, and if slip is detected on the rear wheels, power can be transferred to the front for more traction. The nine-speeder has been tuned for short shift times and multiple rapid downshits, and Sport and Sport+ mode allows double-declutching. Of course, there's a Race Start function for controlled launches.
We're not sure SUVs need to be this quick, but AMG seems to think it's necessary and the whole package is designed for immediate responses, quick torque build, and rapid power delivery. You can choose from one of eight Dynamic Select drive programs to tailor your experience.
Standard on the 2025 GLC 63 SUV is rear-axle steering for added agility and maneuverability, and AMG Ride Control with adaptive damping makes sure that all occupants are comfortable. Not only does it enhance ride quality, but the automaker states that it also increases safety. Three damping maps will be available: Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. Together with active roll stabilization to reduce body roll in corners, this is a performance SUV that should be both fun and comfortable for everyone.
And when you've had enough, high-performance composite brakes - six-piston fixed calipers at the front and one-piston floating calipers at the back - will bring you to a standstill. These brakes are re-designed to be resistant to fading and have a long service life.
Gas Mileage, Range, Charging, And Battery Life
Mercedes-AMG has kept some secrets, so mpg figures and range are as of yet unknown. We know the 400-volt high-performance battery used here has been designed in-house for fast power output and rapid charging, not with long range in mind. The automaker has also used its experience with Formula 1 cars to incorporate direct cell cooling to keep the battery at optimal temperature.
Like on the new AMG C63 sedan, the battery has a capacity of 6.1 kWh and is charged via brake regeneration or using the supplied charging setup. We've yet to hear how long charging will take, but the SUV does come with a 3.7-kW onboard AC charger.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV Interior And Cargo
While the exterior update was less in-your-face, the interior of the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV is much more obviously fresh. The dashboard looks much more modern: where the old model had a small central display mounted atop the dash with HVAC vents below it, the new setup integrates the massive central display lower down in the center console and angles it toward the driver. The vents sit atop this, and there's a decidedly uncluttered look about it (read: no buttons and controls).
The infotainment system is MBUX-run, but there are AMG-specific displays and functions here. The instrument cluster is also unique, and the Supersport-style graphics style will display driver-focused information in a vertical layout. Current vehicle settings for the suspension and transmission are also displayed here, and navigation and consumption data can be viewed here. There's a head-up display available on the options list.
The steering wheel, by contrast, houses a bunch of controls and looks like it comes from a sports car. It's a flat-bottom AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather and microfiber, with aluminum paddle shifters. It's littered with buttons, two Drive Unit buttons and those to select the drive program from the Dynamic Select list. And since you're supposed to drive the SUV like a madman, it also comes with AMG Track Pace to log your racetrack data, including lap and sector times, and an analysis and training tool.
As for the seats in the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63, these are wrapped in MB-Tex and microfiber, although leather and Nappa leather are available, and AMG Performance Seats can be selected, too. Interior colors for the GLC 63 SUV aren't known yet, but black with contrast stitching, as seen here, seems to work particularly well. AMG sport pedals, floor mats, and illuminated door sills give a properly sporty feel to the cabin.
This is still an SUV, though, so practicality elements aren't entirely forgotten. Cargo space in the AMG GLC 63 starts at 16.6 cubic feet and maxes out at 54 cubes. That's a lot less than the 21.9 cubes behind the second row of the GLC 43.