Used 2020 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG GLC

Starting with the already proven Mercedes-Benz GLC platform, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV ramps up the GLC’s style, power and performance courtesy of some massive upgrades from in-house tuner AMG. The changes begin under the hood, where a choice of V6 or V8 twin-turbocharged engines delivers tire-scorching power, the V8 version being a hand-built engine.

AMG also lays hands on the suspension, transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, as well as the adaptive suspension and rear differential. Whether it’s the 385-horsepower AMG GLC 43 or 469-horsepower AMG GLC 63, the performance and technology of these two SUVs put them in the same league as the Audi SQ5, Porsche Macan, BMW X4 M40i and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio.

In everyday traffic and around-town driving, the 2020 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 Slippery, Comfort, Sport or Sport+, and the MCT gearbox becomes as delightful as the best manual.

Our only gripe with the fun, playful, and responsive Mercedes-AMG GLC SUVs is the annoying start/stop system, which thankfully includes an “off” button. We highly recommend using it.

The 2020 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 10.25-inch touch screen and MBUX interface prove easy enough to use, and there’s even decent storage space with a large glove box, center-console bin and door pockets.

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 gets a fresh look this year, with revised front-end styling that replaces last year’s horizontal-slat grille with a new, wider unit made up of numerous slightly curved vertical slats. The headlight treatment is more expressive, and there are wide openings for airflow and fog-light housings below each headlight.

Twenty-inch wheels with exceptionally wide staggered high-performance tires fill the wells, while around back new LED taillights sit flush with the body panels. On the GLC 63, rectangular quad tailpipes replace the standard round units found on the GLC 43.

TWIN-TURBO V6
While the V8 model is tempting, we think most enthusiasts will be more than happy with the acceleration and performance offered by the GLC 43’s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6. Smooth, responsive and relatively good on gas, this engine also carries a lower price than the GLC 63.

TWIN-TURBO V8
For those select few who demand the biggest and the best, the GLC 63’s hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 is the only choice. Dishing up a whopping 469 horsepower, the engine is mated to a unique 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and electronic limited-slip rear differential.

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. Entertainment is handled via a 10.25-inch touch screen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and the voice-controlled MBUX system that includes natural language understanding.

The AMG GLC 63 SUV mainly ups the ante with its more powerful engine, MCT transmission, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an electronic limited-slip differential. Interestingly, neither model comes standard with leather.

Most of the AMG GLC’s best options are bundled into packages. Active cruise control and steering assist, along with active blind spot, speed limit, active lane keeping and more are all bundled together in the Driver Assistance 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, ventilated seats, AMG performance seats and an AMG performance exhaust. The excellent 13-speaker/590-watt Burmester audio system is optional on the GLC 43 and standard on the GLC 63

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 comes with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that we’ve come to love. With 385 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 24 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)
385 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
384 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,000 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