Used 2019 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe

When it comes to wordplay, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe has it all going on. This 4-door hatchback isn’t a coupe at all, although its sleek profile and high beltline give it a somewhat coupe-like appearance. Quibble all you want with Mercedes-AMG’s designation for its SUV-based coupe, because none of that matters once you look beneath the skin. Be it the twin-turbo V6 in the AMG GLC 43 Coupe or the twin-turbo V8 in the AMG GLC 63 Coupe and S Coupe, there is no shortage of power. Designed to tango with the BMW X4 M40i and Porsche Macan Turbo, these Mercedes variants place luxury and performance in the same league, but the price one must pay for admittance is a steep one.

Whether you call it a coupe, a hatchback or an SUV, nothing changes the fact the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe triplets are a force to be reckoned with. From an enthusiast’s point of view, these machines are a blast to drive and while the high profile and limited visibility preclude them from running with the best performance sedans and wagons, there is no arguing their ability. The Coupe’s lightweight body takes full advantage of the 362 horsepower in the GLC 43 or the insane 503 horsepower in the AMG GLC 63 S. Teamed with an excellent suspension, quick steering and firm brakes, the AMG GLC Coupe is great fun in twisting turns, yet when its adaptive suspension is set to Comfort, returns a very civilized ride. Switch to Sport or Sport+, however, and all attached components sharpen their pace, providing a very coupe-like driving experience. Ironically, while the larger price tag and noticeable horsepower increase of the V8-powered models might have one thinking they’re the ones to covet, we found the twin-turbo V6 extremely satisfying, with a nice balance of power, fuel economy and price.

The interior of the 2019 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.

Exterior styling 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 GLC 43 uses a diamond-pattern grille treatment bisected with "wings" extending from the enormous 3-pointed star logo. The GLC 63 and GLC 63 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
At the entrance resides a twin-turbocharged V6 engine with a stout 362 horsepower, standard all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission. This setup moves the GLC Coupe with some authority, but the twin-turbo V8 in the GLC 63 and 63 S turn a scintillating performer into a stunning machine that will literally take your breath away.

AMG DYNAMIC SELECT
While Dynamic Select is not foreign to most Mercedes-Benz vehicles, on the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe, the system gets additional duty in the form of more aggressive settings. With changes to steering input, suspension tuning, throttle response and shift points, AMG Dynamic Select offers noticeably different settings for Sport, Sport+, Eco and Comfort, plus an Individual mode for custom settings.

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 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, Mercedes bundles most into simple packages. The Driver Assistance package brings blind-spot and lane-keeping assist, speed-limit assist, active cruise control, active brake assist with cross-traffic detection and active steering assist. The Multimedia package adds the COMAND hard-drive-based navigation with a big 8.4-inch screen, touch-pad controller and SiriusXM Traffic and Weather for five years (subscription required). 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, head-up display and more. An AMG-specific exhaust system adds a sporty tone, and you can even add a backlight to the huge Mercedes logo in the grille. Oddly, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are extra-cost options.

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 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 GLC 43)
362 horsepower @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
384 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/24 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (AMG GLC 63)
469 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
479 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (AMG GLC 63 S)
503 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
516 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 mpg