Autos

2020 Mercedes AMG GLC 63 S Coupe — One Fire-Breathing Tech Monster

2020 Mercedes GLC63Model tested: 2020 Mercedes AMG GLC 63 S Coupe

Engine: 4-liter biturbo V8

Transmission: SpeedShift MCT 9-speed automatic

Horsepower: 503 • Torque: 516 lb.-ft.

EPA ratings: Unavailable

Base price: $84,100 • As tested: $96,425

Overview: The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC comes as a midsize crossover “coupe” with a low, hatchback roofline or with the usual SUV-like shape — boxy, tall roof and more usable cargo space. Our test driver was the monster AMG GLC 63 S Coupe, and this review focuses on that vehicle only.

Walkaround: Exterior changes feature a new grille with the three-pointed star prominently displayed, while the new headlights, taillights and bumpers give it a more masculine look than ever before.

2020 Mercedes GLC63Interior: The richly appointed cabin is very comfortable, showcasing opulent materials accented in yellow or red. The lines flow from the doors down toward the clean and efficient center stack. The new 10.3-inch touchscreen mounted on the dash — not integrated into it — facilitates better forward vision via a lower-positioned instrument panel. The GLC is among the most spacious in its class because it’s one of the largest vehicles in the class. It comfortably seats five, with plenty of leg and knee room for everyone. While we found them quite comfortable, the AMG GLC 63’s front bucket seats are narrower than standard seats and may be uncomfortable for some. The coupe offers 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 49.4 with it folded. The roofline reduces cargo space somewhat from the SUV version, and rearward vision is hampered by the wide roof pillar. The power liftgate and wide load floor are standard. The Mercedes MBUX infotainment system is managed with a touchpad, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, gesture controls or internet-connected voice commands. It totally rocks.

Behind the Wheel: The high-performance AMG GLC 63 is all-wheel-drive only. Our test driver featured the available fire-breathing, 503-horse, 4-liter twin-turbo V-8. A 385-horse twin-turbo V-6 is standard. A plug-in hybrid also is available — but rare. The raw power is simply intoxicating. It does the 0-60 drill in less than four seconds and boasts an electronically limited top speed of 174 mph. The engine itself seemingly would love to go faster. Tech on the AMG GLC 63 includes every advanced safety feature you ever heard of, and sports new performance programs that enhance the available drive modes — slippery, comfort, sport, sport-plus, race and individual. The performance programs — basic, advanced, pro and master — control everything from shift patterns to throttle response, to steering behavior.

Bottom Line: The AMG GLC 63 S Coupe delivers big horsepower, high speed, high fashion, high tech and abundant safety — and packages it all up in one beautifully crafted coupe with a slinky roofline and a dazzling interior showcasing the opulence you expect from a high-end Mercedes.