Used 2018 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is a liftback version of the excellent GLC SUV, a vehicle we like so much we awarded it our 2017 Best Buy award for luxury SUVs. The Coupe isn’t really a coupe, but rather this 4-door sports a coupe-like roofline. The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe is a performance-oriented model featuring a more powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, adjustable suspension, sharper handling and massive brakes, taking the fight to the BMW X4 M40i. This year, a twin-turbo V8 AMG GLC63 Coupe joins the family, yet even it has a topper: the AMG GLC63 S, with an even more powerful twin-turbo V8 engine. The V8 models boast even sharper handling, unique styling, and higher price tags to boot, pitting the AMG GLC63 Coupe against the Porsche Macan Turbo.

Whether an SUV — even one as sleek as the AMG GLC Coupe — should be classified as a "performance coupe" is a philosophical question we’ll get to after we finish counting the angels on this pinhead. As a driver’s car, though, the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC43, GLC63, and GLC63 S are winners. Sleek looks hide a tall body, one that you’d think wouldn’t be fun. But it is. It’s lighter than you might expect, letting the GLC43 take full advantage of the 362-horsepower V6 engine and taut suspension. The responsive engine, sharp brakes, good steering and excellent 9-speed automatic transmission are already good, and in Comfort mode the GLC43 Coupe is indeed comfortable. But switch it to Sport, or especially Sport+, and all of those vehicular senses are heightened, and the Coupe acts more like a sporty coupe. The new V8-powered AMG GLC63 is undoubtedly faster, especially the GLC63 S, but don’t discount the excellent balance of the V6.

The interior of the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe blends organic curves with carbon-fiber and aluminum accents in a way we rarely see outside of science fiction movies. Real wood trim and leathers keep it from feeling cold and distant, and make it feel a cut above others in its class, even considering its asking price. The front seats offer plenty of room, too, although the rear seat loses a good chunk of headroom because of the plunging roofline. By far, the biggest difference between the Coupe and the standard GLC SUV is the cargo area behind the rear seats. Cargo space suffers, as does rear visibility thanks to the sloping hatch.

The exterior style of the Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe is why folks will buy it over the GLC SUV, and it’s hard to argue against it. It’s a good-looking car for the most part, although the idea of a "coupe" profile on a high-riding SUV still takes some getting used to. The AMG GLC43 uses a diamond-pattern grille treatment bisected with "wings" extending from the enormous 3-pointed star logo. The GLC63 and GLC63 S borrow their grille design from the AMG GT sports car, with bold vertical bars across its width, and a deeper spoiler and larger air inlets. Both share a rear end styled to look more like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, but with different exhaust outlets and a few other details distinguishing the models.

TWIN-TURBO ENGINES
On one hand, there’s the GLC43 Coupe with its twin-turbo V6 engine. Paired with the 9-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, it gives the GLC Coupe serious moves. Then there’s the twin-turbo V8 available in the GLC63 and GLC63 S. With even more power, it makes all those moves that much more serious.

AMG DYNAMIC SELECT
Most Mercedes vehicles have Dynamic Select, but in AMG models it goes a step further. This simple control adjusts the steering sharpness, suspension stiffness, and engine and transmission responsiveness with a simple click, with immediately noticeable results and a clear distinction between the super-sporty Sport+ to the perfectly livable Comfort and Eco, and everything in between.

Every Mercedes-AMG GLC-Class Coupe starts with the push of a button, and all come with an AMG-enhanced version of the Mercedes-Benz Air Body Control springs. Also on the standard-equipment list are a power liftgate and power-folding side mirrors, heated front seats that adjust 14 different ways, and dual-zone automatic climate control. There’s a 7-inch color infotainment display, plus Bluetooth and dual USB ports for the audio system. Safety features include collision prevention, attention assist, a rearview camera, and even crosswind assist. Leather upholstery is an option however, with the standard MB-Tex upholstery covering the seats and doors.

When adding options, it’s easiest to just get the Premium 3 package, which adds virtually everything else you’d want for a bit more than $5,000: blind-spot and lane-keeping assist, a cabin fragrance system, active cruise control, adjustable LED interior lighting, and COMAND hard-drive-based navigation with a big 8.4-inch screen. You can opt between regular or premium Nappa leather, and audiophiles will want the Burmester surround-sound system. You can also add heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and more. A new AMG-specific exhaust system adds a sporty tone, and you can even add a backlight to the huge Mercedes logo in the grille.

The 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 comes with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that routes its 362 horsepower to all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission. It’s a solidly powerful engine, and even offers up to 24 mpg on the highway, which isn’t bad. However, the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 is where you’ll find the most power. The standard version puts out 469 horsepower, while the S model adds even more: 503 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. All that power and torque goes through a 9-speed automatic to all four wheels and, in a nod to the environment, start/stop is standard, too.

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (AMG GLC43)
362 horsepower @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
384 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (AMG GLC63)
469 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
479 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (AMG GLC63 S)
503 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
516 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22