Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 review

Cars are continually evolving, and this high-performance machine is evidence of the way manufacturers are moving forward.

Mercedes-Benz has ditched the GLC 63’s V8 for a four-cylinder hybrid.

There’s more performance and efficiency, but does this mid-sized performance SUV still have soul?

The 63 used to refer to the whopping 6.3-litre V8 under the bonnet but no longer.

The number today is a brand, reflecting performance level rather than engine capacity. This sledgehammer-fast GLC has a four-cylinder turbo with electric motor backup.

The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 replaces its V8-powered predecessor.

Turn your nose up if you please, but a combined 500kW and 1020Nm, plus 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds, silences most doubters.

While we’re talking numbers, there are a couple of others that may stop potential buyers in their tracks. In sensible wagon guise the GLC 63 costs about $200,000 drive away, while a sleeker coupe-style version is $207,000 in the traffic.

If you can afford it, this is a shatteringly fast medium SUV. Turn the steering wheel’s little drive mode dial to Sport+, stomp the throttle and the combination of burning unleaded and electrons launches this 2.2-tonne brute with supercar rapidity.

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 has plenty of room in wagon form.

Is something lost with no brawny twin-turbo V8 growl from the outgoing GLC 63? Of course – the soul’s been dialled down. But the new car’s revvy unit has a solid note with genuine crackles and pops, sent through the speaker system for more cabin theatrics.

This is the world’s most powerful production four-cylinder (350kW/545Nm) even before the rear-mounted electric motor joins in.

Mercedes’ F1 team helped with its development and it’s no secret the 6.1kWh battery and electric motor are for performance and instant torque goals, rather than efficiency ones.

That said, official fuel use is 7.3L/100km – down from the old V8’s 12.2L/100km. With full battery it’ll even travel 14km on electric power only and can self-charge (using regeneration or the petrol engine) or be plugged in.

It’s a chunky, muscled SUV with all the luxury you’d expect from a Mercedes.

There are Nappa leather heated and powered sports seats, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, huge twin display screens, a cracking Burmester surround-sound system, giant head-up display and wireless charging.

The mighty Merc’s cabin looks superb.

It takes time to familiarise yourself with the endless menus, drive modes, track-specific data logger and hybrid graphics, but it’s a cabin rich in comfort and luxury.

Rear seat space is generous, although more claustrophobic in the coupe, while a trade-off from the rear electrics is a 440-litre boot – down 110 litres from the previous model.

The ride is firm, but the adaptive damping’s Comfort setting does a superb job of ironing out road lumps. It’ll roll along silently and efficiently in traffic but choose Sport+ mode and the steering and throttle response sharpen, while power delivery comes in two stages. Just as the initial surge gets your attention, an extra dollop arrives for wide-mouthed shock.

While no SUV this big and heavy is truly agile, the GLC 63’s poise and grip through turns are extraordinary. There’s so much mechanical and electrical assistance here: rear-wheel steering, variable all-wheel-drive shifting torque delivery, an electric limited slip differential and a billion damping and traction adjustments done for you.

Massive tyres lend plenty of grip.

It somehow all sticks but you can never lose the heavy feel, nor how the otherwise superb brakes lose pedal feel due to the hybrid’s energy recuperation.

Driver assist systems are as good as I’ve tested in terms of efficacy without intrusion, while my return of 12.5L/100km on fast back roads – and only 7.5L/100km in town – highlights the benefit of the four-cylinder move.

You’ll want those fuel savings in your pocket, as servicing a GLC 63 is $7180 for five years, and its weight will chew through expensive 21-inch tyres in no time.

This wagon is surprisingly capable in the bends.

VERDICT

Three and a half stars

No V8 rumble may turn off traditional AMG folk, but performance and efficiency gains plus cutting edge tech and luxury will wow a new generation of shoppers.

The new GLC is a different beast, but it maintains strong appeal.

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance

PRICE From about $200,000 drive-away

WARRANTY/SERVICE Five yrs/unlimited km, $7180 for five years/100,000km

SAFETY Nine airbags, auto emergency braking, 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, head-up display, traffic-sign recognition

POWER 2.0-litre four-cyl turbo petrol plus electric motor, 500kW and 1020Nm

THIRST 7.3L/100km

RANGE 14km

SPARE Repair kit

LUGGAGE 440 litres