Used 2018 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG GLC

The 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV adds oomph to the excellent Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class with more power, better handling and brakes, and an overall better driving experience. Joining the 362-horsepower Mercedes-AMG GLC43 introduced last year is a new-for-2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 SUV with a 469-horsepower twin-turbo V8. Both AMG models get appearance and equipment upgrades befitting their enhanced performance and higher price tags, but neither lose any of the essential goodness of the Mercedes-Benz GLC300 (reviewed separately) on which they’re based. Priced competitively, the GLC43 goes head-to-head with competitors like the Audi SQ5, BMW X3 xDrive4.0i, and Jaguar F-Pace S. The GLC63 squares off against the Porsche Macan Turbo and not much else.

Drive the GLC43 or GLC63 calmly in traffic or around town, and you’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference between these high-performance models and the standard GLC300. That’s a good thing. Neither feels musclebound or unwieldy. Light and quick steering, a comfortable ride (despite the handling enhancements), and excellent brakes make the AMG versions of the GLC perfectly livable. But what fun is that? Mash the throttle and the GLC43 SUV leaps forward with an excellent growl from underhood. The GLC63 is considerably quicker, and its 9-speed AMG MCT Speedshift automatic transmission shifts crisply, exactly when you expect it to. In Sport or Sport+, the MCT gearbox — which has a clutch pack in place of a standard torque converter — is even more responsive. All told, these AMG-built GLCs are quite tossable for small SUVs, and they both benefit from razor-sharp steering. As for the standard start/stop system, the best thing we can say about it is this: The "off" button is easy to find.

The 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 and GLC63 largely share their elegantly crafted interiors. The sport seats, carbon-fiber trim, and aluminum panels give them a purposeful look, but the soft leather and padded organic shapes all remind you of the luxury heritage of the vehicle you’re driving. Best of all, these AMG SUVs lose nothing in utility despite their higher performance threshold. There’s plenty of room for five, good cargo space, and excellent outward vision all around. The infotainment system’s COMAND interface proves easy enough to use, and there’s even decent storage space with a large glove box, center console bin and door pockets.

The AMG GLC43 presents a sporty take on the standard GLC300 with a diamond-pattern grille bisected by wings extending from the centrally mounted 3-point star. Beefier wheels and a unique rear-end treatment also distinguish the GLC43 from its 4-cylinder brother, but it’s a subtle difference, one that implies a higher level of performance without shouting it. The AMG GLC63, on the other hand, bellows its pedigree from the rooftops. A deeper front bumper and larger grille with AMG GT-inspired vertical slats, wider wheel arches, and an aggressive rear end with rectangular tailpipes distinguish the V8-powered AMG model.

TWIN-TURBO V6
The 362-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 in the GLC43 boasts the kind of responsive power we used to associate with V8 engines. Aided by the 9-speed automatic, the GLC43 offers excellent performance at a reasonable price.

TWIN-TURBO V8
Then again, we’re suckers for power, and the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 has 107 more horsepower than the V6. What’s more, unlike the V6, it boasts the AMG heritage of being hand-built by one person, even bearing that person’s signature.

Both AMG GLC models come standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive, performance-biased of course, and with the GLC63 getting a fully variable torque distribution compared to the GLC43’s 31:69 front/rear split. Beyond that, the GLC43 SUV boasts a sport suspension using Air Body Control, keyless ignition and entry, and safety systems like collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring and a rearview camera. The AMG GLC63 SUV mainly ups the ante with its more powerful engine, MCT transmission and mechanical limited-slip differential. Interestingly, neither model comes standard with leather.

Topping the option list is a wide variety of infotainment and safety upgrades. The COMAND system with its 8.4-inch screen is one option package; integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is another. Active cruise control and steering assist, along with active blind spot, speed limit, a surround-view system and more are all bundled together as an upgrade package. Additionally, you can choose among multiple leather interior packages, as well as a variety of interior trims if carbon fiber isn’t your thing. LED headlights, standard on the GLC63, are optional on the GLC43. On the sillier side of things, the cabin fragrance system occasionally spritzes the interior with a light scent…don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

The 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 comes with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that we’ve come to love. With 362 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, the GLC43 is plenty quick, and the 9-speed automatic shifts as firmly or as softly as you like, depending on what drive mode you’ve selected. The AMG GLC63 comes with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 469 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, enough to get this SUV to 60 mph in about 3.9 seconds according to Mercedes-AMG. Its 9-speed automatic is fitted with a clutch pack that’s far sportier than a torque converter. Both of these AMG-built SUVs come with standard all-wheel drive, and the GLC43 returns a laudable 24 mpg on the highway. The GLC63 isn’t quite as good, rated by the EPA at 22 mpg highway. That’s still impressive, though, considering the 63’s prodigious power.

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

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (Mercedes-AMG GLC63)
469 horsepower @ 5,500-6,250 rpm
479 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22