Review (performance): 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupé 4MATIC+
Did you know that there is an SUV in 2018 that has better performance 0-100 km/h than the classic Ferrari F40? Did you know that for roughly 100,000 Euro you can buy two cars in one?
The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC + Coupé was tested one week in April 2018, and here is an account of the experiences with this double nature: During the day an intimate travel companion and in the evening quart a burdust animal.
The GLC 63S is for you who is tired of your Tesla Model X breaking all the time. For those who want to hear the car you drive and who want to drive a luxury German premium SUV with sports car performance.
The superlatives for describing the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63S are insufficient. Words like explosive, incomparable, phenomenal, wild animal, appear in the brain when this high-performance SUV is described for those who have not driven the car. Or maybe you have driven the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63S and recognize the description. GLC 63S is a car that must be experienced to understand how it is to drive.
How fast? Are you kidding? Faster than Ferrari F40?
Yes, 0-100 km/h is completed in 3.8 seconds if you engage Race Mode. That is faster than most so-called high-performance cars on the market today.
The GLC 63S is faster than a Ferrari 360, almost as fast as the Ferrari F50 and on par with what an early Lamborghini Diablo delivered in terms of acceleration from a stand still. And all of this in a somewhat spacious SUV with room for five. And in a car that can drive on roads where a Ferrari would get stuck.
Another explosive ability of the GLC 63S is its drive-ability on the highway. There is more power under the hood than you’ll ever need. That give you a sense of security. It does not matter what situation you find yourself in, there is always more power available.
OK. The GLC 63S is fast in a straight line. How does it do on the twisty roads?
As long as you have good visibility, you can drive very fast with the GLC 63S. However, you do not want to throw this car into a corner at high speed if you are not sure the roads is clear on the other side of the bend. This car is too heavy, this is not a Mazda MX-5 or a highly controllable Porsche 911.
There are electronics in place to assist you. But still, this is a heavy car and is best enjoyed on the Autobahn or in places where there is room for you and other drivers.
The biggest issue with GLC 63 S and all the GLCs is the thick A-pillar, the one the left (the one of the right not so much). If you are sitting low it can be quite difficult to see what is in front of you, especially when driving through tight corners.
People will comment on or know what you are driving
One of the good things, if you crave attention, is that people will come up to you and discuss the car. Some will comment on the looks without knowing what it is. Others know what it is and maybe want to have a taste of the exhaust sound.
At the time of reviewing this beast there were not many other cars around. In the area where this was tested I am ready to bet money on that there were no other GLC 63 S cruising around that week. So, lots of attention!
Björn Sennbrink