Stuffing a V-8 into the nose of a compact luxury crossover is rarely done. Even among the emerging field of high-performance compact luxury crossovers, powerful six-cylinder engines are the norm. Only Jaguar's F-Pace SVR and Mercedes-AMG's GLC63 leap for the ludicrous, leaving competitors such as the Porsche Macan Turbo and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio with cylinder envy.
Mercedes-AMG offers two distinct versions of its twin-turbocharged V-8 in the GLC63. The GLC63 coupe—in essence the stranger-looking, less useful of the two available body styles—can be had in 469- and 503-hp strengths.
The boxier GLC63 SUV tested here is available only with the lower-output state of tune. Surprisingly, perhaps, we like it better than the burlier GLC63 S coupe. (Both GLC variants also are available in six-cylinder GLC43 guise.)
The GLC63 ducks into corners deliberately, relying on the stickiness of those meaty 265/40ZR-21 front and 295/35ZR-21 rear tires to shoulder its palpable mass and complete the action.
Much like AMGs of yore, the GLC63 SUV is happiest when moving in a straight line, squatting on its fat rear tires as it rockets through traffic making hellacious noise.
The GLC63 SUV's bodywork is far friendlier to the eyes than is the hunchback coupe's, and it's certainly more useful for trips to big-box stores.
Girthy tires that stand proud of the fender openings, the vertical grille slats (AMG calls this its Panamericana design).
A quartet of squared-off exhaust outlets are the only visual signals that this GLC is more than just an everyday luxury crossover.
Mercedes fits an enveloping pair of deeply bolstered front seats that, along with the GLC63's 0.91 g of lateral grip and 159-foot stopping distance from 70 mph, might trick you into thinking it's a sports car in SUV clothing.
The GLC's stylish interior pleases, although it isn't as up-to-date as the E- and S-class's more glamorous, more recently revised innards.
The $2250 Driver Assistance package offers blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning.
Though it lacks the S model's Race drive mode (every GLC63 has Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ settings), the SUV offers the same active exhaust that, when uncorked, delivers many magnificent decibels.
Our test car came loaded with the $1750 Carbon Fiber package, the $1050 Advanced Lighting package, navigation and an 8.4-inch display for $2200.
Stated empirically, you can fit an additional two cubic feet of stuff in its squarer cargo area behind the rear seats. The squared-off shape also aids rear visibility.
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