This week we take a look at the 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63, a 5-passenger SUV that doubles as a daily driver as well as a track-ready racer. The 2020 GLC has a slight refresh, primarily a new grill and LED headlights.
Let’s start under the hood where you’ll find a bi-turbo 4-liter V8 that puts out 469-horses and 479 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a shiftable 9-speed automatic.
The massive engine is hand-built by an AMG craftsman, and it is even signed by him or her. This SUV will take you from 0-to-60 in 3.8 seconds, which is super-fast for a 4500-pound SUV.
All GLC 63 models have all-wheel drive which helps with the incredible acceleration and takeoff power. The quad exhaust emits a deep, throaty sound that is addictive.
The exterior looks great and the GLC has an aggressive stance. I love the menacing front end with the huge star in the grill surrounded by large air intakes to feed the turbos, the 21” multi-spoke wheels, and the large rear spoiler and quad exhaust.
The GLC has an incredible interior with Nappa leather and seating for 5 people. The bolstered and stitched Sport seats are comfortable and easily adjusted from the door panels.
From behind the multi-function flat-bottom AMG steering wheel, you see a 12.3” widescreen gauge display that is completely configurable and you can choose from three different layouts.
The center console is where you operate the different Dynamic Driving modes, and new for 2020 you can also do it from the steering wheel. Each one of the different drive modes make a distinct difference in performance, ride, and handling. As usual, I find myself using Sport Plus almost 100% of the time.
There is a 10” screen in the middle of the dash that controls the MBUX system (Mercedes Benz User Experience) which is the navigation system, Burmeister sound system, 360-degree camera, Bluetooth, real-time traffic and weather, voice activation, and a host of apps. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
MBUX is controlled from the center console where a new touchpad system will get you through all the functions of the system. The new touchpad is much improved from the old touchpad & dial combination.
The GLC makes it easy to navigate the MBUX system. You can use the touchpad, you can touch the screen, there are controls on the steering wheel, or you can just say “Hey Mercedes” and tell it what to do.
Also on the center console you can turn on the performance exhaust, and turn off the start/stop system. Almost as it were made for me, you can also turn off the start/stop from the steering wheel. There is also a cell phone charger there.
Cargo area is good with the back seats folded down, there is almost 41-cubic feet of cargo area, and you can put the second-row seats down with the push of a button.
As expected, the GLC is extremely well-equipped. At no charge, you get a power lift gate, heated front seats, keyless entry, power tilt wheel, ambient lighting, and pushbutton start.
On the safety front, you get active brake assist, blind spot monitoring, LED headlights and taillights, and attention assist. If the SUV senses you are getting drowsy, it gives you an alarm and tells you on screen to take a break.
Another neat feature is brake hold, which allows you to take your foot off the brake at any stop, and as soon as you touch the gas pedal, it releases.
My tester has a little under $10,000 in options, including the 21” AMG wheels, Nappa leather seats, Performance exhaust, a panoramic moon roof, the Cardinal Red Paint, and parking assist package.
This SUV is a blast to drive, and its handling is amazing. The transmission shifts itself hard and fast, but I enjoy the downshifts from the paddle shifters to better hear the incredible exhaust.
Gas mileage of course isn’t great but not horrible at 16 in town and 22 on the highway.
As you could guess, this SUV is quite expensive with an MSRP of $83,655. That is right in line with the GLC’s closest competitor, the BMW X4 M.
If you are looking at performance SUVs, this one has to be on your shopping list.
