Mercedes-AMG is the king of making large and unwieldy SUVs insanely fast and slightly less bungersome, and the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV is a perfect example. The GLC SUV is basically the equivalent of a C-Class SUV, which is a perfectly capable family car in its standard form, but as soon as the letters AMG make an appearance, all hell breaks loose. This rowdy people mover is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, which sends 469 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. As with every AMG model, the interior is sublime, and the technology good, but there are a ton of options to choose from to make this SUV even more capable and luxurious. The 2021 GLE 63 might not look as aggressive as some of Mercedes-AMG's other offerings, but we appreciate the subtle approach. Going up against the BMW X3 M and Porsche Macan Turbo, does this Merc have what it takes to come out on top?
The GLC 63 SUV received a substantial facelift in 2020, which means this year's updates are minimal. It now has parking sensors front and rear that are linked to an active parking assistant, as well as the added convenience of a surround-view camera system as standard. One final addition is keyless-go. A new color option, called Cirrus Silver, is now part of the color palette, replacing Iridium Silver.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMG GLC 63 4MATIC SUV |
4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas
|
9-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$73,900 |
AMG's tried and tested recipe never gets old. Stuffing a powerful turbocharged V8 under the hood of the 5-door GLC transforms it into a straight-up muscle car, and we love it for that, but this vehicle is so much more than that. Firstly, it's still a rather practical machine and is more than happy to accommodate kids and all your groceries. The GLC will also happily act as a grand tourer and simply gobbles up highway miles. The best part is that it will destroy most modern performance cars off the line, all while you sit back in one of the most refined cabins in the class. There is no safety review of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV in the USA, but the sheer number of standard safety features should quell any concerns. We know that the fifth-generation AMG C-Class is coming with four-pot power, which means the next AMG GLC should too, so if you're in the market for a V8, now is the time to buy.
When buying any fast Mercedes-AMG SUV, it is required by law that you get it in black. Okay, not seriously, but we do strongly recommend it. If we were buying, we'd go for the optional Obsidian Black Metallic and add the $1,500 Panorama roof and $1,400 AMG Aerodynamics package for a touch more aggression. As far as packages go, the $1,700 Driver Assistance Package is a must and adds driver aids such as emergency stop assist, speed limit assist, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot assist. The $200 wireless charging system is a bargain, and we'd also spend a hundred bucks on hands-free access. The total price of a 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV with this build comes to $79,520, including destination charges.
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