2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Review: The Displacement Replacement

“There’s no replacement for displacement,” goes a well-worn automotive axiom. However, like so many things that were true way back when, this is no longer the case. Today’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines are capable of generating far more horsepower than anyone would have thought possible back in the “golden days” of the large-displacement V-8 engine.

In fact, the most advanced contemporary 2.0-liter turbo fours outperform many of the ground-pounding, heart-thumping, pavement-crinkling V-8s that were held in such high regard back in the “good old days.” For proof, one need look no farther than the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance SUV with which I spent a week. The high-performing Mercedes’ base price was $86,050. The price as tested for the version I sampled was $115,415.

2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance First Impressions

Previous iterations of the GLC 63 S were offered only as an SUV coupe. Happily, this practice has been abandoned. One can now have the highest-performing engine in the standard SUV body, which, to my eye, is far better looking. The proportions of the coupe never looked right to me. Frankly though, this is true of every SUV “coupe” I’ve ever seen.

While I also have yet to fully embrace the idea of a high-performance road-going SUV — period — at least this one is better looking than most. I particularly like the way its softly rounded contours serve as a counterpoint to the hardcore performance potential lurking within the confines of the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance. Granted, its 21-inch wheels and ultra-low-profile Michelin Pilot Sport tires are a tip-off. However, all but the cognoscenti will miss such details. As a result, the majority of the public would find it hard to believe the this Mercedes SUV harbors so much firepower.

Those in the know, however, would take note of the AMG vertical-bar grille and AMG-specific lower facias, along with the side sills and rear diffuser framing a set of four exhaust outlets, and refrain from challenging the GLC’s pilot to an impromptu contest of speed. For the rest of you, let me tell you right now, if you ever find your Mustang, Camaro, Challenger, or Charger sitting next to one of these at a traffic signal, the expression on your face had best be one of quiet appreciation when you make eye contact with its driver. Otherwise, you will find yourself with a rapidly diminishing view of that quartet of exhaust tips receding toward the horizon.

Exterior Dimensions

Driving Impressions And Performance

Getting back to superseded beliefs, there was a time when “hybrid” meant slow but fuel-efficient. Much of the justification of this can be lain at the feet of the Toyota Prius, as it was the first hybrid model to enjoy universal recognition. However, in the case of the GLC 63 S, the “E Performance” designation refers to a 201-horsepower electric motor powering the GLC 63’s rear wheels. This, when allowed to unleash its full potential, pairs with the 469-horsepower turbo four to deliver a total system output of 671 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission conducts power output to the wheels. Always in the right gear, regardless of the situation, I never found myself wanting for a downshift as I exited a fast corner. The gear change had been done on the way in.

Getting back to that turbocharger, it too employs an electric motor. This one is tasked with keeping the blower spinning at all times. To this end, the turbo spins at 3,230 RPM when the engine is idling at 940 RPM. Thus, the turbo’s full output is always instantly available, which gives the 2.0-liter four the ability to deliver its full potential with no turbo lag. (There’s yet another term from the good old days that no longer applies.)

According to the folks at Mercedes-AMG — and backed up by my scientific-unscientific observations — runs to 60 from naught can be accomplished in just over three seconds. Additionally, the Mercedes SUV will hit 100 in less time than it takes most cars to reach 60 — just under seven seconds. The 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance will also run the quarter in just over 11 seconds and attain a top speed of 171 miles per hour.

The technology governing the suspension and steering systems is equally forward-thinking. Adjustable through three settings, Comfort, Sport, and Sport +, steering effort and response can be tailored to your specific preferences. Similarly, handling can be set up to rival that of the best sports sedans you can name while maintaining an uncanny suppleness. There’s no jarring over uneven pavement. The GLC 63 S also offers a degree of rear-wheel steering to help tighten its line in the corners. Long story short, this technological tour de force is a 21st century driver’s machine through and through.

Performance Specifications

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Fuel Economy

Even better, this highest-performing version of the Mercedes-AMG SUV delivered what I would term reasonable fuel economy given its performance potential — along with my propensity to exploit it to its fullest. The EPA rates it at 30 MPGE with gas and electricity, and 20 MPG combined running on gas only. I saw a solid 20 MPG overall, in a mix of aggressive back-road driving, highway cruising, and around-town stopping and going. And yes, I’ll be the first to admit that number ought to be higher, given we’re talking about a hybrid system with a turbo four. But that electric motor ain’t there for miles per gallon. It’s all about smiles per gallon. Once I’d experienced the adrenal rush that went with giving the GLC 63 S full throttle — when I had room to do it — refraining from doing so was way too difficult.

Interior Design And Comfort

The biggest interior difference between the AMG GLCs and the standard versions is the optional AMG Performance Seat Package. Though they proved supernaturally capable of holding me in place during aggressive cornering maneuvers, the seats couldn’t honestly be thought of as comfortable. The outer bolsters did offer some adjustability, but sliding over them to get situated in the driver’s seat was a chore. I’d opt for the conventional sports seats were I to enlist a GLC 63 S as my daily driver.

Otherwise, the interior design was straight-up contemporary Benz. The dash top was dominated by a trio of air vents, which changed color as I adjusted the HVAC system’s temperature. Asking for warmer air made them glow red, while a request for a cool breeze resulted in blue. The center console swept fluidly into the dash, which was trimmed in highly polished carbon fiber. Additional tasty bits of kit included a panoramic sunroof, illuminated door sill plates, ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and premium leather upholstery.

Aside from the AMG seats, overall comfort was outstanding, with more than enough leg, hip, shoulder, and headroom in the front seats. The rear accommodations were a bit on the tight side though. However, young kids would be happy back there during extended drives. Especially so, when they could coerce the parent at the wheel to unleash its full power.

Interior Dimensions

Technology And Ease Of Use

Mirroring a current trend that seems to be gathering momentum, the GLC 63’s control interfaces were devoid of traditional switches. Nearly everything was conducted by touch. What’s more, this extended beyond the iPad-sized 11.3-inch touchscreen to include “sliders” on the steering wheel as well as on a panel beneath the touchscreen. The steering wheel did house a couple of dials for engine and suspension performance parameter selection, but that was it as far as the dials were concerned.

With that noted, given the sheer adjustability as well as the preponderance of its comfort and convenience features, I can see how a touch solution would be considered practical. And, even more so when you consider the amount of customization achievable in terms of the GLC 63’s performance parameters. The good news is once you’ve configured everything to your liking, you probably won’t need to fiddle around with it anymore. Still, the learning curve might be a bit steep for those for whom contemporary technology is somewhat indistinguishable from prestidigitation.

On the other hand, most of the primary comfort and convenience features could be actuated by voice as standard equipment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Android compatibility were standard, too. “My” GLC 63 S also featured a head-up display and a Burmester audio system. Given how cool it all looks in practice, I can understand the difficulty the engineering team must have encountered when considering potential alternatives. Still, though, it struck me as being just this side of a bit much.

Cargo And Storage Space

While it isn’t likely to be a top-of-mind consideration for most people who are seriously considering the purchase of a GLC 63 S E Performance Mercedes, cargo capacity is a reasonable 57.4 cubic feet with the second row of seats folded away. You’ll enjoy 24.5 cubic feet with the rear seats deployed. And, of course, the usual array of cupholders, door cubbies, and center console storage was available. The center console’s cupholders resided beneath a retractable cover to maintain a clean look when the cupholders weren’t needed. The wireless charging pad was also hosted inside that compartment.

2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Vs. Its Competitors

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance’s most formidable competitors are the Porsche Macan GTS and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio. Pricewise, the Mercedes comes in lower than both of those models while offering greater horsepower. However, the Mercedes is also quite a bit heavier, so the performance numbers of all three are quite similar.

2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Vs. Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

The Alfa’s Italian flavor makes the Stelvio a standout among compact SUVs. What’s more, the 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio exhibits outstanding dynamics over the road. Powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6, the 505-horsepower Alfa gives up 166 horsepower and 303 pound-feet of torque to the Mercedes. However, it also weighs some 800 pounds less, so they run pretty much neck and neck. The Alfa boasts a 0-60 of 3.3 seconds to the Mercedes’ 3.1. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio also runs the quarter in 11.8 seconds and has a top speed of 176 miles per hour. On the other hand, the Mercedes offers superior ergonomics, a nicer interior package, and a reputation for better reliability. The Mercedes is also more spacious and has greater cargo capacity.

2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Vs. Porsche Macan GTS

While BMW was the first marque to introduce a pavement-focused high-performance SUV, Porsche can be said to have perfected it. Driving the Macan GTS leaves no doubt as to its provenance, with outstanding handling, satisfying acceleration and a well-crafted interior treatment. Like the Alfa, power for the GTS version of the Macan is sourced from a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. However, the Porsche “only” makes 434 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. It also weighs about the same as the Alfa, so the Italian is marginally quicker and a tiny bit faster. The Porsche’s 0-60 is cited at 3.5 seconds, and its quarter-mile time is said to be 12.1 seconds. Top speed is a quoted 169 miles per hour. However, while considerably less powerful than the Mercedes, the Porsche offers better ergonomics while enjoying a reputation commensurate to that of its Mercedes rival in terms of reliability.

Our Recommendation For Which Model You Should Buy

All three of these high-performance compact SUVs have similar performance figures. And, the tenths of seconds separating them are largely negligible in real world situations. While the Alfa is arguably the prettiest of the three, neither the Porsche nor the Mercedes can be said to be ugly. On the other hand, the Porsche and the Mercedes do best the Alfa in terms of quality, fit, and finish.

When it comes to sheer technical prowess, the nod must go to the Mercedes. After all, it gets far more performance from two fewer cylinders and handles just as well as both the Alfa and the Porsche — despite being heavier — thanks to equally clever engineering. Conversely, the Alfa and Porsche offer complimentary maintenance for a year or 10,000 miles, while the Mercedes does not. And, of course, there’s Alfa’s spotty reputation for reliability to consider.

Personally, the Porsche would be my first choice, as it has less tech to fail than the Mercedes, while being just as quick and agile. My second choice would be the GLC 63 S. This is not to say the Alfa is wholly undesirable by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, its appearance is more likely to get the attention of passersby than either of the German offerings. With that said, I think the Porsche and Mercedes would hold up better over the long run, and both would likely have better resale value when the time to move on to the next automotive adventure rolls around.