Used 2020 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe

Price: The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe starts at $63,000.

You may have to pull down your Webster’s dictionary when you first see the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe. That’s because this 4-door hatchback isn’t really a “coupe” in the traditional sense. It’s all part of a new naming scheme many manufacturers have adopted to describe a sleekly styled sedan or SUV with a coupe-like silhouette. Ironically, the GLC coupe is actually longer than its SUV counterpart and offers more front-seat headroom and better ground clearance. Regardless of what it’s called, the AMG GLC Coupe is one slick piece of work.

Offered in three exciting variations running the gamut from sizzling to scorching, the AMG GLC 43, 63 and 63 S deliver performance on par with the BMW X4 M40i and Porsche Macan Turbo. Price tags are eye-popping and availability is limited, but what do you expect from a high-performance machine with AMG tuning and a hand-built V8 engine?

Whether you call it a coupe, a hatchback or an SUV, nothing changes the fact the 2020 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 385 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 2020 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.

If you’ve grown tired of the generic “2-box” design of most luxury SUVs, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe’s rounded edges, fastback rear end and wide tires will probably come as a refreshing change of pace. Still a modern SUV inside, the GLC Coupe offers a bit more ground clearance than the GLC SUV, but it looks more like a hyped-up sports car.

All three GLC Coupes now share the same revised front end, with new headlights and massive lower air intakes plus a new vertical-slit grille replacing last year’s horizontal-slat design. Running beneath the doors are step-like lower rocker panels that add to the SUV theme, while massive staggered Pirelli P Zero tires (265/40ZR-21 up front, 265/35ZR-21 at the rear) fill the wheelwells.

TWIN-TURBO ENGINES
In the most modest AMG GLC Coupe, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 churns out a respectable 385 horsepower and sends it to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic. Move up to the V8-powered AMG 63 and 63 S, and you’ll get a hand-built twin-turbocharged V8 with more horsepower and torque than should be legal. The V8 engines even come signed by the technician who built them.

AMG DYNAMIC SELECT
Depending on the engine, the AMG Dynamic Select system allows for up to six different settings: Slippery, Sport, Sport+, Comfort and an individual custom setting. The settings change steering effort, transmission shift points, throttle response and the adaptive suspension tuning. For 2020, the 63 S adds a Race mode as well as a subset of advanced agility settings (Basic, Advanced, Pro and Master) automatically correlated to each mode.

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 10.25-inch color infotainment display with voice control featuring natural language understanding, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 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.

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe is distinguished by an electronic limited-slip rear differential (the standard GLC 63 has a mechanical limited-slip rear diff) and AMG Sport Suspension based on the Air Body Control system.

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 MBUX-augmented video for navigation, live traffic information and speed-limit assist.

You can opt for regular or premium Nappa leather and AMG performance sport seats. Audiophiles will want the Burmester surround-sound system. You can also add heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, head-up display, and digital instrument cluster. An AMG-specific exhaust system adds a sporty tone, and you can even specify a backlight to the huge Mercedes logo in the grille.

Also available on these AMG models: an Exterior Carbon Fiber Package and a Track Pace app that helps you improve your high-performance driving skills at track-day events.

Put yourself behind the wheel of a 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe, and you’ll get a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 good for 385 horsepower. An AMG-tuned 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is standard, as is a 9-speed automatic transmission. A fuel-economy figure of 24 mpg on the highway is fairly impressive given this engine’s power and torque.

For those who crave even more forward thrust, the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 in the 63 and 63 S puts out 469 and 503 horsepower, respectively. As with the GLC 43, all that power and torque go through a 9-speed automatic to all four wheels via an even more advanced AMG 4-Matic+ system. In a nod to saving both fuel and the planet, start/stop is standard, too.

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (AMG GLC 43)
385 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
384 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (AMG GLC 63)
469 horsepower @ 5,500-6,250 rpm
479 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (AMG GLC 63 S)
503 horsepower @ 5,500-6,250 rpm
516 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 mpg