Receiving a mild update for the new model year, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 63 AMG is a powerhouse in the GLC lineup. Mercedes has strong competition in its segment, and on paper, it looks like they are just slightly ahead.
Mercedes are no stranger to building track-focused family cars, just look at the range of 63 estates, the G63 and the various saloon cars they offer. The GLC is no different.
Available in both SUV and Coupe body styles, we jumped behind the wheel of the low slung coupe S version just to see how far we could get our necks to snap back.
The SUV version is one of the fastest SUV’s on the world and set an under eight-minute lap around the Nurburgring. The coupe version hasn’t set any records at the infamous German track; it’s proved its worth elsewhere.
The good
- Handling
- Power and acceleration
- For a coupe, spacious second row
The bad
- Rear visibility
- Cargo space
- Standard safety tech
As always, a huge shout out to Mercedes-Benz Middle East for providing the vehicle.
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With all that out of the way, let’s jump into the review and see what the GLC 63 AMG is all about.
Driving the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 63 AMG
Here’s where the hair starts to rise, your eyes sink deeper in their sockets, and you move faster than any other crossover in the UAE. There’s a massive amount of power under your right foot.
As you would expect, the engineers at AMG have made the GLC 63 AMG a nimble beast despite its height. It’s enjoyable to drive and when you put your foot down, the crossover jolts to 100 km/h in 4 seconds. Shifting to Sport and Sport+ mode enhances the exhaust note and tweaks the suspension making it stiffer.
In comfort mode, the exhaust quietens down as does the engine and the suspension relaxes but is still a bit stiff. While it may not be as smooth as the E-Class, the GLC 63 AMG is smooth and quiet enough for travelling long distances.
For the record, power comes from a 4-litre TwinTurbo V8 cranking out 503 horsepower and spreads it to all four-wheels.
The GLC also has a special Race mode where the vehicle lowers itself as far as possible, tightens the suspension, changes the gear ratios and increases the noise generated from the exhaust. As much as we wanted to roll on down to the Autodrome, we had to hold out.
Outside the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 63 AMG
No matter where you look, the GLC screams aggression and isn’t subtle in any way and we that’s not a bad thing, as the GLC 63 has one thing on its mind; strike fear into those who oppose it.
The bold Panamerican grille imposes those in front of it while keeping the engine cool as do the aggressive aero intakes in the bottom left and right corners. 21-inch dark alloys flank each corner with bulging red brake calipers and hulking disc brakes.
A step raked rear flows into the boot complete with rear spoiler while trapezoidal quad tailpipes stick out of the iridium silver rear diffuser.
The optional aluminium running boards one can use to get in and out of the vehicle look great but aren’t required. They just get in the way.
Inside the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 63 AMG
To our surprise, the cabin isn’t tight for driver and front passenger as is head and legroom. All spaces are rather generous. The seats are covered in two-tone White Pearl and Black Designo Nappa leather platinum and huge your body tight, keeping you in place while thundering around a corner.
Even with the sloping roofline, the second row is spacious for the average human. You can even fix a baby seat as it has an Isofix point.
The elegant shape does impact rear-visibility as the rear-window slopes as looking out of it is near non-existent. Those who prefer the old fashioned way of turning around or using the rearview mirrors may get annoyed, but with the number of cameras, it’s not a deal-breaker.
Metallic surfaces run rampant throughout the cockpit, and the centre console is comprised of carbon fibre with small black plastic buttons. An AMG logo sits on top of a small door to signify that you’re driving something special.
The steering wheel is flat-bottomed, as expected, its mostly comprised of Alcantara and leather. The spokes are bright metallic surfaces with small touch-sensitive black squares for one to control the displays.
Safety and tech
As with all new Mercedes models, the 2020 GLC 63 AMG has pretty much everything, and there’s nothing short of to fiddle around with to keep the front two pre-occupied.
Both front seats are powered with cooling options with memory options, while the driver’s memory options also work with the steering wheel.
New for 2020 is the 10.25-inch free-standing touchscreen infotainment system. It’s fluid when you swipe left and right, but it’s not ideal for when the vehicle is in motion for obvious reasons.
Equipped with Artificial Intelligence and voice control, the system is as about as smart as it gets but doesn’t always work the way you want it to.
As for safety, it’s all there. The Emergency Brake System works flawlessly and is maybe a bit overzealous, and that’s a good thing. Red triangles appear when you get to close, and the blind spot detection is required due to the sloped angles.
But not all of the safety features are standard.
Final verdict
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 63 AMG is an enthusiasts car more than a daily driver. It’s loud, in your face and accommodates five people. But should you buy one?
On the downside, it’s expensive and over the top, but at the same time, Mercedes really know what they are doing when it comes to over the top and the price is justified. The GLC 63 AMG offers a crossover experience like no other.
In its class, it has the biggest engine, more headroom in the front and back and is more fuel economical but Mercedes needs to improve a few things here and there to make an even better package.
One day, this vehicle will be highly sought after like most Mercedes 63 vehicles, and we say, if you have the money, go for it! You won’t regret it.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 63 AMG Coupe price in UAE: Starting from AED 320,000.
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Photo Credit: Rajitha Perera (Dubicars)
