The Mercedes GLC has consistently impressed in the luxury SUV segment, but questions often arise about how its sophisticated powertrain translates to real-world performance. Any concerns about complexity impacting the driving experience are quickly dispelled within minutes behind the wheel. Despite the intricate engineering beneath the surface, the GLC’s powertrain operates with remarkable seamlessness.
Drivers can explore a range of driving modes, including Comfort, Electric, and three performance-oriented options: Sport, Sport+, and Race. These modes intelligently adjust various parameters, such as throttle response, stability control, suspension tuning, and steering effort, to tailor the driving experience. Electric mode is straightforward, prioritizing all-electric driving and keeping the gasoline engine dormant. Comfort mode, the default setting, operates as a hybrid mode, engaging and disengaging the engine based on driving conditions and power demand. The Sport modes ensure the gasoline engine remains active, which also provides the added benefit of recharging the GLC’s battery. Regardless of the selected mode, the GLC responds instantly when the accelerator is fully depressed, delivering maximum available power. While there’s a slight delay in Electric or Comfort modes as the gasoline engine starts, once engaged, ample power is readily accessible.
Acceleration in the GLC is consistently smooth and linear, completely eliminating any noticeable transitions between electric and combined gasoline-electric power delivery. This is a significant advantage, as some plug-in hybrids can feel hesitant or sluggish when relying solely on electric power. Unlike some competitors where electric-only performance feels significantly diminished, the GLC offers genuinely usable electric power. While not as rapid as hybrid modes, the electric motor’s output (201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque) provides sufficient power for city driving and confident highway overtaking.
Mercedes-Benz estimates a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 3.4 seconds for the GLC. Remarkably, this slightly edges out the 3.5-second time we previously recorded for the older, V8-powered GLC 63 S. This marginal improvement, despite a substantial increase in horsepower in the newer model (the previous version delivered 503 horsepower), likely reflects the added weight of the hybrid system. Mercedes has yet to release official final specifications, but the inclusion of a 6.1-kWh battery and associated components suggests the 2025 model will carry more weight than its predecessor.
However, this added weight is not perceptible in everyday driving. The GLC never feels cumbersome or overweight. It possesses more than adequate power for typical driving scenarios, and exploiting the full potential of the GLC 63 S requires expansive, open roads. The transmission operates smoothly in most conditions, yet delivers rapid upshifts in Sport modes. The paddle shifters are responsive, offering enhanced driver engagement, but the automatic transmission’s intelligent tuning generally selects the optimal gear for any given situation.
Handling is another strong suit of the GLC. AMG engineers have effectively mitigated the impact of the GLC 63’s weight on its agility. Standard adaptive dampers adjust suspension responsiveness based on road conditions and the selected drive mode. In contrast to some rivals, like the BMW X3 M Competition, which can feel excessively stiff on imperfect surfaces, the GLC maintains a comfortable ride, even over longer journeys. While the ride does become firmer in Sport+ or Race modes, it remains within acceptable limits. The optional active roll stabilization system utilizes multi-piece anti-sway bars, allowing for independent left-to-right decoupling, enhancing both comfort and handling performance.
Body roll is well-controlled in corners, although the GLC exhibits slightly more lean than a sport sedan like the C 63 S. Similarly, brake dive is minimal but more pronounced compared to a sport sedan. The brakes offer substantial stopping power, but the pedal feel is firmer than expected, requiring slightly more effort to modulate, particularly when approaching stops at lower speeds. While drivers adapt quickly to this pedal feel, a more immediate initial bite would be preferable. Another minor drawback is the available one-pedal driving function. Offering multiple settings, including fully off, none of the one-pedal modes provide particularly aggressive deceleration or bring the vehicle to a complete stop. In our assessment, driving without one-pedal mode engaged is the more intuitive approach. Although not equipped on our test vehicle and not immediately available at launch, carbon-ceramic brakes are planned as a future option.
Standard rear-axle steering enhances maneuverability and stability. At speeds below 62 mph (100 kph), the rear wheels turn slightly in the opposite direction to the front wheels, reducing the turning radius for easier parking and sharper cornering. Above this speed, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels, enhancing high-speed stability. While early rear-axle steering systems sometimes felt artificial, AMG has engineered a seamless and natural-feeling system for the GLC. The GLC exhibits quicker turn-in than anticipated, yet it feels responsive and intuitive rather than unnatural. The steering system itself contributes positively, offering well-weighted effort and a quick ratio, though feedback is not abundant.
The GLC 63 S is genuinely enjoyable to drive on winding roads, although truly tight, twisty sections may not fully exploit its capabilities. It requires more open stretches to fully unleash its performance potential, but it remains highly capable in a wide range of driving situations. While the new engine delivers impressive power and performance, the exhaust note lacks the auditory excitement of the previous V8 engine’s distinctive sound.
In conclusion, the Mercedes GLC delivers on its promise of luxury and performance. Its sophisticated powertrain is both powerful and refined, offering a seamless driving experience across various modes. Handling is agile and composed, and while there are minor points for improvement in brake pedal feel and exhaust note, the GLC 63 S stands out as a compelling performance SUV in its class.
