Used 2019 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG GLC

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV starts from an already excellent platform (the GLC SUV), then adds an impressive list of performance upgrades all courtesy of in-house Mercedes performance tuner AMG. Everything from the suspension to the brakes to the transmission and rear differential are more substantial, as are the two turbocharged engine offerings that distinguish the 362-horsepower AMG GLC 43 from its more aggressive twin, the 469-horsepower AMG GLC 63. A healthy dose of AMG styling rounds out the package, as do a number of interior enhancements. Competitively priced to challenge rivals like the BMW X3 xDrive4.0i, Jaguar F-Pace and Audi SQ5, the AMG GLC 43 makes an alluring option, while the AMG GLC 63 revels in taunting the Porsche Macan Turbo.

In everyday traffic and around-town driving, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and GLC 63 ride with all the comfort and composure of the GLC SUV upon which they are based. We mean that as a compliment, because far too often the trade-off for a performance-oriented SUV is ride comfort. In the AMG GLC SUVs, neither version feels unruly or ponderous, with steering that is both light and responsive and brakes that stop on a dime. However, once the accelerator is pushed to the floor, the GLC 43’s twin-turbocharged V6 roars to life, with grin-inducing acceleration and a lovely exhaust note. Things only get better in the AMG GLC 63 that offers considerably quicker acceleration, thanks to its advanced front-to-rear torque distribution and MCT Speedshift automatic transmission that delivers instantaneous shifts precisely when needed. Place the Dynamic Select into Sport or Sport+, and the MCT gearbox becomes as delightful as the best manual. Fun, playful and very responsive, our only gripe with the Mercedes-AMG GLC SUVs is the annoying start/stop system, which thankfully includes an “off’ button. We highly recommend using it.

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and GLC 63 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 remind you of the luxury heritage of these vehicles. Best of all, the 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 GLC 43 presents a sporty take on the standard GLC 300 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 GLC 43 from its 4-cylinder sibling, but it’s a subtle difference, one that implies a higher level of performance without shouting it. The AMG GLC 63, 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
In the GLC 43, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 dishes up the kind of power and acceleration we’ve come to expect only from a potent V8. Assisted by 4Matic all-wheel drive and a responsive 9-speed automatic, this engine will probably satisfy 90 percent of enthusiast drivers.

TWIN-TURBO V8
The remaining 10 percent will no doubt place the need for power above all other considerations, making the GLC 63’s hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 the only choice. With 469 horsepower on tap, you may find the need to change the tires more than the oil, but hey, it’s only money.

Both AMG GLC models come standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive, performance-biased of course, and with the GLC 63 getting a fully variable torque distribution compared to the GLC 43’s 31:69 front/rear split. Beyond that, the GLC 43 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 GLC 63 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. Active LED headlights are optional on both the GLC 43 and GLC 63, as are a 3-zone climate control system, an AMG performance exhaust and the AMG Track Pace app (requires the multi-media package).

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 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 GLC 43 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 GLC 63 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 GLC 43 returns a laudable 25 mpg on the highway. The GLC 63 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 (GLC 43)
362 horsepower @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
384 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/25 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (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