Item: Mercedes GLC 63 AMG
Rating: 4
Author: What Car? Team

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

Aston Martin DBX

Audi RS Q3

Audi RS Q8

Audi SQ2

Audi SQ5

Audi SQ7

Audi SQ8

BMW X2 M35i

BMW X4 M Competition

Cupra Ateca

Ford Puma ST

Hyundai Kona N

Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Lamborghini Urus

Mercedes GLC 63 AMG

Mini Countryman JCW

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne Coupe

Porsche Macan

Skoda Kodiaq vRS

Volkswagen T-Roc R

Volkswagen Tiguan R

Volkswagen Touareg R

Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

Let’s be honest, you’re not going to buy a GLC 63 if you’re looking to save the planet or money. Both the SUV and Coupe have five-figure prices that begin with a seven and both are in the top bracket for Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/check-your-company-car-tax-rate/n1255">company car tax</a>. As for the more powerful S &nbsp;version; its price begins with an eight.

Then there’s the fuel economy, both achieve less than 23mpg on the official cycle although you might actually get a little more than that if you pretend the accelerator pedal is made of dry pasta.

Mercedes as a brand finished a disappointing 26 out of 31 manufacturers in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2018-what-car-reliability-survey/n17826">2018 What Car? Reliability Survey</a>, although the GLC itself didn’t feature in the rankings. A three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty and three years of breakdown cover are standard, a similar package to that offered by most rivals.

As you’d hope for the price, you get plenty of equipment as standard. This includes air suspension, 19in alloy wheels, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and an electronically locking rear differential. S models add 20in wheels, red brake calipers, racier seats and a nappa leather steering wheel.

All models also come with a collision prevention system that can <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">automatically apply the brakes</a> if it detects an impending impact with a vehicle in front. There’s also a tyre pressure-monitoring system to alert you early if you lose pressure in your tyres. All editions get seven airbags and a system that can detect if you’re getting drowsy on a long journeys, too.

So far we’ve only driven the range-topping GLC 63 S, although we doubt the ‘regular’ version will feel too different. Thumb the V8’s starter button and it grumbles menacingly into life, making clear the level of firepower under the bonnet. But slide the GLC into drive and you’ll soon find the engine is happy to slip into the background during cruising conditions.

Indeed, at 70mph, the main thing bothering your eardrums will be the wide tyres roaring over coarse road surfaces. It’s also worth mentioning that, while the ride is largely comfortable thanks to tight body control over undulating roads, you’re left in no doubt that this is a performance car when you go over scarred surfaces, even in comfort mode. Not only do you feel it patter around, the suspension makes plenty of thumping noises, too. Even so, it’s comfier for the most part than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/alfa-romeo/stelvio/estate/review/n18177">Stelvio Quadrifoglio</a>.

A good bootful of accelerator pedal soon wakes the V8 up, pulling well from low down in the rev range and really getting going as the needle passes 3000-3500rpm From here it provides acceleration that is downright shocking, all the way up to the 7000rpm limiter. The noise is tremendous, too,

The engine is certainly well paired to the gearbox. Although it can sometimes be hesitant to accelerate from a standstill – assuming you’re not using launch control – it kicks down keenly on the move and shifts smoothly. Sportier modes have it holding gears for a little too long, but you do get sharper shifts. Of course, you can always change gear manually using the paddles.

The handling impresses. The steering may be a bit inconsistent in its weighting and response, unlike the laser-guided Stelvio Quadrifoglio, but you soon learn to place the nose of the GLC 63 accurately enough. Air suspension is standard and can be stiffened, should you fancy some spirited cornering. This not only limits body lean, but also keeps the car’s hefty mass better in check over rippling roads.

Most people can pretty much stop reading about the driving impressions here. You see, while the GLC is good fun up to a point and will even let you slide around a little at low speeds, it all falls apart on track. The problem is the stability control system; it’s fine within the limits of grip, but start to lean against these and you’ll feel it grabbing the brakes to keep you on the straight and narrow.

It's far too keen to intervene and is therefore counter-productive if you know what you’re doing. It’s unlikely that the vast majority of road-only drivers will ever get up to this point, but it’s disappointing when you consider the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/macan/4x4/review/n52">Porsche Macan</a> and Stelvio Quadrifoglio don’t have these nannies cutting in all the time.

However, the GLC 63’s biggest issue is that it always feels like the big, heavy brute that it is. Where the Quadrifoglio and Macan shrink around you, the GLC feels almost like a muscle car in comparison. Of course, for many the hilarious straight line speed and glorious noise will be enough, but for those that like the challenge of a good set of corners, our aforementioned rivals will put a much bigger smile on your face.

What’s the point of an SUV? If the marketing teams of numerous manufacturers are to be believed, they offer a commanding view of the road, all-weather dependability (assuming you’ve got four-wheel drive) and plenty of space for friends, family and all their lifestyle accessories. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 adds one more thing to that list: neck-snapping acceleration.

You see, on our private test track a GLC 63 S clocked the fastest 0-60mph and 0-100mph times of any SUV we’ve ever tested. For all you Top Trumps fans, the numbers are 3.6sec and 9.0sec – figures that put it well ahead of the slices of Italian exotica that adorned teenagers’ walls throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PAMGwqGJVKM"></iframe>

As with other 63-badged Mercedes-AMG cars, the motive force is provided by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that, in the GLC 63 S it delivers 503bhp and a monster 516Ib ft of torque to all four wheels. Should that be a little too barmy for you, there’s a non-S version with a mere 469bhp. Both come as standard with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive with an electronically controlled rear differential for maximum traction, plus air suspension so you can stiffen or soften it depending on road conditions and your mood.

Like the rest of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/glc/estate/review/n17345">Mercedes GLC</a> range, the 63 received a facelift in 2019. The engine and suspension are untouched, but you now get a 10.3in infotainment system running Mercedes’ latest software. That means pin-sharp graphics, advanced voice control and the choice to control it with a touchscreen, the touchpad between the seats or another smaller one on the steering wheel.

But the GLC 63 isn’t alone in the world of bonkers-fast SUVs. There’s also the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/macan/4x4/review/n52">Porsche Macan</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5/4x4/review/n17278">Audi SQ5</a>, an incoming BMW X3 M and X4 M, plus the exhilarating <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/alfa-romeo/stelvio/estate/review/n18177">Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio</a> all vying for your attention.

Regardless of which one you decide to pick, have a gander at our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Buying</a> service for massive savings on a huge range of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/sports-suv">Sports SUVs</a>. But before you do that, keep reading for our in depth review.

Compared to <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/glc/estate/review/n17345">the regular car</a>, all GLC 63s get an AMG makeover for the interior, including electrically adjustable figure-hugging sports seats in nappa leather, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles and adjustable ambient lighting.

You also get a 12.3in digital instrument cluster instead of regular analogue dials with AMG specific displays. The graphics are impressively sharp and it’s fairly easy to navigate using another touchpad on the steering wheel. It can show a huge variety of information clearly while keen drivers will love the flashing shift light when driving hard and using the paddle shifters to control the gearbox manually.

Thanks to a multitude of electric adjustments for the seat and wheel, it’s easy to find a driving position that suits, regardless of your height. Indeed, the only black mark is that the pedals are offset to the right, although this doesn’t get uncomfortable, even on long journeys.

The GLC 63’s dashboard might look swanky with its metal effect trims, carbon fibre garnish and high-definition displays, but a few prods and pokes reveals that it isn’t quite so impeccably screwed together as a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/macan/4x4/review/n52">Porsche Macan</a>. It is however much plusher than the &nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/alfa-romeo/stelvio/estate/review/n18177">Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s</a> rather flimsy interior.

All GLC 63s come with Mercedes’ 10.3in ‘MBUX’ infotainment system that can be operated as a touchscreen, via a touchpad between the seats or another much smaller one on the steering wheel. It’s a responsive system with sharp graphics and menus that are for the most part logical, but it isn’t quite as user friendly as Audi’s MMI system found in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5/4x4/review/n17278">SQ5</a>.

Estate

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

The GLC 63 isn’t cheap but certainly has a lot going for it. Despite its performance focus, it’s refined and comfortable enough to use every day and proves spacious enough for the needs of most families.

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63

How the GLC 63 does in this section depends entirely on what version you’ve picked. For maximum practicality, you can have it in the upright SUV format as the regular <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/glc/estate/review/n17345">GLC</a>, while those that want something more distinctive can choose the more streamlined <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/glc-coupe/coupe/review/n17201">GLC Coupe</a>.

However, things are identical in the front. The GLC 63’s exceedingly supportive front seats slide back a very long way, so even seriously tall drivers won’t complain about the amount of leg room on offer. There’s plenty of front head room to accommodate anyone long in the body, too, although the panoramic glass does reduce this by a few centimetres.

Storage space is suitably generous with wide door pockets easily big enough to swallow a large bottle of water, while opening a lid on the centre console reveals two good-sized cupholders. The glovebox could be more capacious, mind.

Despite its relatively sporty styling, the regular GLC 63 has plenty of space in the back to accommodate a couple of six-footers. Rear leg room is on a par with that of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5/4x4/review/n17278">Audi SQ5</a>, and, although rear head room is slightly less impressive, only those long in the body are likely to be bothered by this. On the other hand, the Coupe’s falling roofline means a six-footer will find their head very close to the ceiling.

As in many rivals, there’s a chunky transmission tunnel on the floor that middle seat passengers have to straddle, so neither bodystyle of GLC 63 is the best choice if you plan to carry three adults in the back on a regular basis. Both have good-sized door pockets, though, which provide enough space to stow a couple of small bottles of water.

Folding down the GLC 63s’s rear seats is really easy; you flick a switch in the boot (or another in the rear passenger compartment) and the seatbacks drop down automatically. The rear seatbacks also split 40/20/40, rather than the usual 60/40 arrangement, which means two rear passengers can each enjoy a full-size seat while you carry a long, narrow cargo, such as a pair of skis, for example.

The GLC 63's load bay is widest at the very back of the car, which means you can slot in long, narrow items, such as a set of golf clubs, easily enough. Folding down the rear seats leaves a virtually flat extended load bay with no annoying steps or ridges.

All models come with powered tailgate, retaining nets on the boot floor and a lockable compartment under the floor itself. Well-appointed as it is, though, the regular GLC 63’s boot is smaller than many of its key rivals while the Coupe’s is smaller still. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/alfa-romeo/stelvio/estate/review/n18177">Stelvio Quadifoglio</a> beats both 63s in that respect.

The GLC 63 isn’t cheap but certainly has a lot going for it. Despite its performance focus, it’s refined and comfortable enough to use every day and proves spacious enough for the needs of most families. However, rivals such as the Stelvio Quadrifoglio are even more fun on a twisty road.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Strong performance</li> <li>Precise, feelsome steering</li> <li>Agile, entertaining handling</li> <li>Reasonable ride comfort</li> <li>Smart and practical interior</li></ul>

Needing a&nbsp;practical load-lugger doesn't mean you need to scrimp on power and sporting prowess. In fact, most sporty manufacturers now have dedicated sports SUVs in their line-up with 0-62mph times to rival cars half their size.&nbsp;

Porsche, for example, offers two:&nbsp;the Macan and the Cayenne, both of which offer rapid performance and seriously impressive handling, as well as providing enough space for five people and a boot capable of fitting more than seven carry-on suitcases.&nbsp;

But even&nbsp;manufacturers not usually focused on track times are getting involved in this market. The Volkswagen T-Roc R is one of our favourites, too, with a 0-62mph time of 4.8sec&nbsp;and&nbsp;fuel economy of 31.5mpg. A sports SUV&nbsp;should satisfy anyone who doesn't want to trade speed for space.&nbsp;

Sports SUV

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all passengers</li> <li>Large boot with lots of clever storage solutions</li> <li>Good fuel economy and running costs</li> <li>All-round comfort</li> <li>High-quality interior finish</li></ul>

We define a large SUV as anything longer than 4.5 metres. These cars aren’t usually particularly cheap to buy or lease, so in return we expect a roomy cabin, a lengthy list of standard equipment and excellent cruising refinement. A few models in this class are two-wheel drive, but the vast majority have four-wheel drive for at least a modicum of off-road ability.

The Mazda CX-5 is firmly road-focused, but its 2.0-litre petrol engine is a strong, refined performer, making it looks good value for less than&nbsp;£25k. If you can stretch the budget a fair bit, the Audi Q5 provides a combination of comfort, driving prowess, quality and space that's hard to beat. Unlike some rivals, it can't be had with seven seats, though.

A more affordable, yet well-equipped alternative is the Peugeot 5008. It’s more than capable of coping with family life&nbsp;– and all versions have seven seats as standard.&nbsp;

Large SUV

Mercedes GLC 63 AMG review

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Buying advice for the Mercedes GLC 63 AMG covering running costs, MPG, Fuel Economy, Reliability and Safety, from the expert What Car? review team.

Let’s be honest, you’re not going to buy a GLC 63 if you’re looking to save the planet or money. Both the SUV and Coupe have five-figure prices that begin with a seven and both are in the top bracket for Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) company car tax. As for the more powerful S  version; its price begins with an eight.,Then there’s the fuel economy, both achieve less than 23mpg on the official cycle although you might actually get a little more than that if you pretend the accelerator pedal is made of dry pasta.,Mercedes as a brand finished a disappointing 26 out of 31 manufacturers in the 2018 What Car? Reliability Survey, although the GLC itself didn’t feature in the rankings. A three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty and three years of breakdown cover are standard, a similar package to that offered by most rivals.As you’d hope for the price, you get plenty of equipment as standard. This includes air suspension, 19in alloy wheels, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and an electronically locking rear differential. S models add 20in wheels, red brake calipers, racier seats and a nappa leather steering wheel.,All models also come with a collision prevention system that can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an impending impact with a vehicle in front. There’s also a tyre pressure-monitoring system to alert you early if you lose pressure in your tyres. All editions get seven airbags and a system that can detect if you’re getting drowsy on a long journeys, too.,

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