It only takes a short drive to dispel any concerns that the GLC’s sophisticated powertrain might compromise its overall performance. Despite the intricate mechanics beneath the surface, the powertrain operates with remarkable fluidity in real-world driving scenarios. A comprehensive suite of driving modes is available, encompassing Comfort, Electric, and three performance-oriented settings – Sport, Sport+, and Race. These modes dynamically adjust parameters such as throttle response, stability control, suspension calibration, and steering feel. Electric mode functions as expected, prioritizing electric motor operation and minimizing gasoline engine engagement. Comfort mode, the default setting, intelligently balances hybrid operation, engaging and disengaging the engine based on driving conditions. Conversely, the Sport modes maintain continuous gasoline engine operation, which also serves to recharge the GLC’s battery. Regardless of the selected mode, demanding maximum acceleration by fully depressing the accelerator pedal unleashes the vehicle’s full power potential. However, in Electric or Comfort modes, there is a brief pause of approximately one second before the gasoline engine activates to deliver peak power, although ample power is readily available once engaged.
Acceleration is consistently smooth and progressive, effectively masking any transitions between electric motor and combined gas/electric powertrain propulsion. This seamless integration is a notable advantage, as some plug-in hybrids can exhibit sluggishness when relying solely on electric power. In contrast to some competitors where electric-only acceleration significantly lags hybrid performance, the GLC SUV delivers respectable power (201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque) solely from its electric motor. This proves more than adequate for urban driving or executing highway overtaking maneuvers.
While formal testing is pending, Mercedes-Benz officially quotes a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.4 seconds for this model. Interestingly, this is marginally quicker than the 3.5 seconds previously recorded for the V8-powered GLC 63 S. This modest improvement, despite a considerable increase in horsepower from the previous 503 hp V8, likely reflects the increased weight of the new model. Mercedes-Benz has yet to release final specifications, but the inclusion of additional components like the 6.1-kWh battery pack suggests a heavier 2025 model compared to its predecessor.
Despite the anticipated weight gain, the GLC 63 S never feels cumbersome or sluggish on the road. It possesses ample power for everyday driving needs, and fully exploiting its performance capabilities requires expansive, open roads. The transmission operates smoothly in typical driving conditions, yet executes rapid upshifts in Sport modes. The steering wheel paddles enhance driver engagement, offering manual gear selection, but the automatic transmission’s intelligent tuning generally ensures optimal gear selection in most situations.
Handling is a strong suit, with AMG engineers effectively mitigating the perceived weight of the GLC 63 S. Standard adaptive dampers continuously adjust suspension responsiveness based on road conditions and selected drive mode. Unlike some competitors, such as the BMW X3 M Competition, which can exhibit a harsh ride even on moderately imperfect surfaces, the GLC SUV maintains composure, although ride firmness does increase notably in Sport+ or Race modes. The optional active roll stabilization system utilizes multi-piece anti-sway bars, allowing for independent left-to-right decoupling to enhance both comfort and performance.
Body roll is well-controlled in corners, although predictably, the GLC SUV exhibits more lean than a lower-slung sedan like the C 63 S. Similarly, brake dive is present but minimal, and more pronounced than in a sports sedan. The braking system is somewhat nuanced. While possessing ample stopping power, the brake pedal feels firm and demands slightly more effort than anticipated for smooth deceleration, particularly when approaching stops. While drivers acclimate quickly to this pedal feel, a more immediate initial bite would be preferable. Another minor observation concerns the available one-pedal driving function. Offering multiple settings, including deactivation, none of the configurations provide particularly aggressive deceleration or bring the vehicle to a complete stop. In practical terms, conventional driving without one-pedal engagement proves more intuitive. Although not fitted to the test vehicle and unavailable at the initial launch of the GLC 63 S, carbon-ceramic brakes are expected to become optional in the future.
Standard rear-axle steering enhances maneuverability and stability. At speeds below 62 mph (100 kph), the rear wheels steer counter to the front wheels by a few degrees, reducing the turning radius for easier parking and sharper cornering. Above this speed, the rear wheels steer in phase with the front wheels, enhancing high-speed stability. While early rear-axle steering systems sometimes felt artificial, AMG has refined the system in the GLC SUV to operate seamlessly. The vehicle exhibits quicker turn-in than expected, but it feels natural and contributes to enhanced responsiveness. The steering system itself, while not brimming with feedback, offers well-weighted effort and a quick, yet not overly sensitive, steering ratio.
The GLC 63 S provides considerable driving enjoyment on winding roads. However, truly tight, confined roads don’t fully allow the vehicle to showcase its capabilities. It requires more expansive roads to fully exploit its performance potential, though it remains highly capable in a wide range of driving scenarios. While the new engine delivers impressive power and performance, the exhaust note is noticeably less sonorous compared to the previous V8 engine’s distinctive soundtrack.
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alt: Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV interior dashboard with focus on drive mode selector, highlighting Comfort, Electric, Sport, Sport+, and Race options for performance adjustment.
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alt: Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV side view, emphasizing its dynamic SUV coupe styling and athletic stance, suitable for a performance-focused review.
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alt: Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV in motion, navigating a curve on a scenic road, illustrating its agile handling and cornering capabilities in a driving review context.
