Navigating the complexities of a modern powertrain can often raise concerns about real-world performance. However, spending just a few minutes driving the Mercedes GLC effectively dispels any such worries. Despite its sophisticated engineering beneath the surface, the GLC’s powertrain operates with remarkable seamlessness in everyday driving scenarios. The vehicle boasts a variety 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 cater to different driving preferences and conditions.
Electric mode is straightforward, prioritizing all-electric driving by keeping the gasoline engine inactive. Comfort mode, the default setting, functions as a hybrid mode, dynamically engaging and disengaging the engine based on driving conditions and power demand. Conversely, the three sport modes maintain continuous gasoline engine operation, which also serves to recharge the GLC’s battery. Regardless of the selected mode, the GLC responds with full power when the accelerator is fully pressed. However, in Electric or Comfort modes, there’s a slight delay of approximately one second for the gasoline engine to activate and deliver maximum power, although sufficient power is readily available once engaged.
Acceleration in the GLC is consistently smooth and even, with no discernible transitions between electric and combined gasoline-electric power delivery. This seamless integration is a notable advantage, as some plug-in hybrids can exhibit sluggishness when relying solely on electric power. For instance, tests have shown significant performance drops when switching to electric-only mode in other plug-in hybrids. However, the GLC distinguishes itself by offering substantial power (201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque) even when operating solely on the electric motor, making it suitable for both city driving and highway passing maneuvers.
While formal testing is pending, Mercedes-Benz estimates a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 3.4 seconds for the GLC 63 S. This figure slightly surpasses the 3.5 seconds recorded for the previous V8-powered GLC 63 S model. Although the new model boasts a considerable increase in horsepower compared to its predecessor (which produced 503 horsepower), the marginal performance gain is likely attributed to the anticipated weight increase of the 2025 model, due to the inclusion of additional equipment such as the 6.1-kWh battery. Official specifications regarding the final weight are yet to be released by Mercedes.
Despite the expected increase in weight, the GLC 63 S maintains a nimble and agile feel. It delivers ample power for daily driving needs, and unlocking its full performance potential requires expansive and open roads. The transmission operates smoothly under normal driving conditions, yet it executes rapid upshifts in sport modes. The paddle shifters enhance driver engagement, offering manual control over gear changes. However, the automatic transmission’s intelligent tuning generally ensures optimal gear selection in most driving situations.
Handling is another strong suit of the GLC 63 S. AMG’s engineers have effectively minimized the perception of weight through sophisticated chassis engineering. Standard adaptive dampers dynamically adjust suspension responsiveness based on road conditions and the selected drive mode. Unlike some competitors, which can compromise ride comfort with overly stiff suspensions, the GLC maintains composure even on imperfect road surfaces. While ride firmness does increase noticeably in Sport+ or Race modes, it remains within acceptable limits for performance-oriented driving. The optional active roll stabilization system further enhances handling by decoupling anti-sway bar functionality, improving both comfort and cornering performance.
Body roll is well-controlled in corners, although the GLC exhibits slightly more lean compared to a sport sedan like the C 63 S. Similarly, brake dive is minimal but more pronounced than in a sedan counterpart. The braking system offers substantial stopping power, but the pedal feel is described as stiff, requiring more effort than typically expected, particularly during gentle stops. While drivers acclimate to the pedal feel quickly, a more responsive initial bite would be preferable. The available one-pedal driving function offers adjustable settings, but none provide aggressive deceleration or complete stops. Therefore, conventional driving without one-pedal mode is arguably more effective. Carbon-ceramic brakes are planned as an option in the future, further enhancing braking performance.
Standard rear-axle steering enhances maneuverability and stability. At lower speeds (up to 62 mph), the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction of the front wheels, reducing the turning radius for easier parking and sharper cornering. At higher speeds, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front wheels, improving stability. AMG has refined the rear-axle steering system to feel natural and seamless, enhancing responsiveness without feeling artificial or unpredictable. The steering system itself is precise and well-weighted, offering quick ratio without feeling overly sensitive, though feedback could be improved.
The GLC 63 S excels on winding roads, although truly tight and technical sections may not fully exploit its capabilities. It requires more open roads to fully demonstrate 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 is less sonorous compared to the previous V8 engine, a point of consideration for enthusiasts who value auditory feedback.
