Auto review: Mercedes-AMG's 2025 GLC 63 S E Performance delivers speed without V-8 soul

Miami Herald

16-05-2025

Mercedes-AMG's 2025 GLC 63 S E Performance is a paradox, one that carries the weight of its own contradictions like a luxury sports sedan with a guilty conscience.
Under the hood resides something you'd never expect from Mercedes-AMG: a plug-in hybrid. The enormous V-8s and V-12s that once powered AMG vehicles are vanquished, replaced by something completely unexpected: a 469-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Being an AMG powerplant, it's the most powerful four-banger in production, generating an impressive 236 horsepower per liter. The engine pairs with an electric motor on the rear axle to deliver a combined 671 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Power is routed to either axle from the engine or motor. The result? An AMG-like 0–60 mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 171 mph. Be sure to hold onto your lederhosen. Of course, this is very much a performance vehicle.
So, despite being a hybrid, it's no surprise that it's EPA-rated at 20 mpg in combined city/highway driving and that premium gas is required. And don't expect to be going far purely on electric power, as the EPA says you won't be able to travel more than one mile. Then again, the battery is designed for fast power delivery not the longest possible battery-electric range. But being an AMG, why would you want the longest possible electric range? But in a world increasingly leaning towards electrification, it's a necessary compromise.
And let's not forget, the GLC 63 S E Performance is not a sports car. Sure, it boasts rear-wheel steering, adaptive suspension and active roll stabilization. But it's an SUV, one equipped with a plug-in hybrid driveline. There's no hiding its weight of more than 5,100 pounds. This results in a driving experience that is a mix of exhilarating acceleration and ponderous cornering. It's like watching a heavyweight boxer dance - impressive, but not quite graceful. But its speed is intoxicating, as the software ensures short shifts. But there's an amazing amount of adjustments. You can change the adaptive damping to Comfort, Sport and Sport+, while the powertrain can be set to Reduced, Battery Hold, Electric, Moderate, Sport, Dynamic, or Race Start mode. Finally, the driver can change the vehicle's all-wheel-drive set-up, rear-wheel steering, limited-slip differential, and stability control by choosing among the Basic, Advanced, Pro, and Master AMG Dynamics settings. Got all that?
On the road, the GLC 63 S E Performance is a study in contrasts. It can cruise quietly, offering a serene driving experience, but when provoked, it unleashes a torrent of power. The exhaust note tries to mimic the growl of a V-8 but falls short. It's like a symphony with a synthesizer pretending to be a cello. There's no V-8, and the feel that goes with it.
Inside, the GLC 63 S E Performance is all Mercedes-Benz. The cabin is adorned with Nappa leather and a 12.3-inch digital display run that houses all of the vehicle's many, many controls. The seats are supportive, and the ride, when not in Sport+ mode, is surprisingly comfortable despite being fairly stiff. But the interior lacks the visceral connection one might expect from a performance vehicle.
Yes, the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance is a marvel of engineering. It's fast, luxurious and technologically advanced. But it's also a reminder that sometimes, in the pursuit of efficient performance, we lose a bit of soul. It's a car that impresses on paper and in a straight line, but whether it resonates emotionally is another matter entirely.
2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance
Base price: $86,050
Powertrain: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder plug-in hybrid
Horsepower/Torque: 671/752 pound-feet
EPA rating (combined city/highway): 20 mpg
Fuel required: Premium
Length/Width/Height: 187/76/64 inches
Ground clearance: 6.7 inches
Payload: 3,500 pounds
Cargo capacity: 16-54 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
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