Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E Performance

Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S

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‍The automotive industry has historically been a battlefield for manufacturers to showcase some of their groundbreaking inventions. This competition has been ongoing for several years; in fact, it’s more alive than ever as vehicle brands are constantly at it to do whatever it takes to outdo each other and demonstrate their ability to create superior vehicles. Just look at the GTI and the Ford ST; they have always been involved in a fierce rivalry, while BMW’s M has been at it against Mercedes-AMG for countless years since the birth of the E9 and C36 AMG, which are regarded as the first M and AMG cars, respectively. The feud game is on with no end in sight. ‍

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Despite the changing times and modernisation taking a toll on both manufacturers, the two performance divisions continue to battle for supremacy, and as we all have come to know, where the AMG C63 goes, the M3 follows, or where the M5 leads, the E63 soon arrives. In much the same analogy, the X3 M has met its match in the GLC63. It’s a thrilling competition that pushes the performance envelope. 

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In Mercedes-AMG’s case, the 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine in the W204, which is widely regarded as the brand's crown jewel, was downsized to a slightly smaller 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 in the case of the W205, a change that marked the end of an era, as it was this engine that became the last of its kind. Not that the engines weren’t captivating, but they had to be downsized to meet stricter emissions regulations and improvements in efficiency. 

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BMW's M, on the other hand, has been known for its amazing inline-6 engines with turbocharging technology. These have been a hallmark of the brand, particularly in models such as the M3, M4, X4 M, and X3 M models. Despite AMG doing all it takes to modernise by electrifying its engines and downsizing, BMW’s M has resolutely stuck to its guns, at least for now, by continuing to refine its inline-6.

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Then there’s AMG’s boldest move yet: the shift from the V8 to a smaller M139L 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine that was met with huge criticism from all corners of the world, and enthusiasts aren’t having any of that. Just so you know, this is the same engine that powers the A45 S and CLA 45, and across the horizon at Lotus, the Emira. But why the backlash?

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Well, it is a significant departure from the 6.2-litre V8 that AMG lovers had loved and even the 4.0-litre twin-turbo. Despite the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine boasting advanced technology and a hybrid setup, it lacks the signature V8 roar and seems to have lost what made AMG, well... AMG. Also, many argue that it doesn’t deliver the same level of excitement and performance feel as the older V8, despite having exceptional power figures. However, everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and I don’t mean to give out the odds, but then, Mercedes-AMG has hit the nail on the head with the new GLC63. V8 or not, it’s a game changer, as demonstrated in the stunning landscapes of Dullstroom in Mpumalanga. 

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The truth is BMW’s M and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG have always been locked in a fierce rivalry on the performance front. Now in its second generation, you may ask yourself why you need the GLC63 S when the low-riding C63 S E Performance is also an option. Let me break it down for you. The GLC63, with its bold SUV body style, caters to those who crave more space, a commanding road presence, and a slightly higher ride height—all while still delivering that exhilarating performance AMG is renowned for. Need more convincing? Because it's a plug-in hybrid, you'll be able to cruise on battery power alone for up to 12km. And because it has a sophisticated onboard charger, you won't have to worry about finding a charger to recharge the battery pack, an aspect still nonexistent on the BMW X3 M and its counterpart, the M3 xDrive Touring.

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The marque has done a fantastic job by futureproofing the AMG brand amidst an EV onslaught, and the GLC63 S E Performance is a shining example of its hard work paying off. Quite a strategic move, if I am honest, and I suppose M can learn a few tricks from AMG. On the other hand, the C63 attracts critics like bees to honey; it tells a different story. The C63 is the original torchbearer, proudly carrying the AMG nameplate since the W204's debut in 2011. The GLC 63, however, came along seven years later, bringing a fresh perspective to the performance SUV family. Some may criticise the GLC63 for having a smaller engine but still bearing the ‘63’ nameplate. But here’s the thing: because it's not the original bearer of the 63 nameplate, the downsizing from a V8 is completely justifiable and, in a sense, permissible. 

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As you may know, hybrid cars confront a significant challenge: weight issues due to the battery packs. For example, the non-hybridised first-generation GLC63 S tips the weight scales at 2,020kg while the current model weighs 215kg more, bringing it up to a hefty 2,310kg. Pitting it against its controversial sedan sibling, the C63 S E Performance, it carries a weight of 2,090kg. Let's throw in its M3 xDrive equivalent in Touring guise with a setup that I can best describe as traditional, which tips the scales at a lean 1,770kg. When you look at these figures, you truly understand the weight penalty these hybrid batteries carry.

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Though the name ‘GLC63 S E Performance’ may suggest that it has a complicated hybrid setup, it’s not, and the system is quite straightforward to understand. Picture this: A 6.1kWh high-performance battery pack powers a 150kW, 320Nm electric motor neatly mounted at the back. Simple, right? Now, about the 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine?  On its own, it cranks out an amazing 350kW and 545Nm. But when you combine these two systems, you get a jaw-dropping total of 500kW and 1,020Nm—enough to make even the calmest driver giggle with glee. All this power is channelled to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic gearbox. 

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But here's the kicker, as I've come to learn during my time with the GLC63 S E Performance: when the battery pack runs low, you miss out on a lot of the hybrid magic. The car leans more heavily on the engine until you can recharge the battery. You’ve got a couple of options for that: either plug it into a charging station using the 3.7kW onboard AC charger or rely on recuperation. I found the latter to be more convenient than using a wall box, which would not have been feasible owing to my residence on the third floor of a complex building. Imagine you're cruising through your daily routines—school run, grocery shopping, and a quick detour to your favourite hairdresser. All the time, the car is recharging itself through braking and coasting. 

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In the lineup we've got here—BMW’s plug-in hybrid M5, M3 Touring xDrive, and the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance—the GLC63 S E Performance is a true standout. Before settling into the driver’s seat for the Family Feud showdown, I had my reservations. Will it feel like a heavyweight champion in a ballet recital? Will it understeer through corners due to its substantial weight? Will I miss the growly roar of the previous model’s V8? First, I had to navigate around traffic to get through peak-hour Johannesburg traffic, which revealed how versatile the performance plug-in hybrid is. With our overnight stay located at the stunning Highland Golf and Trout Estate in Dullstroom, this allowed me to fully experience the GLC 63 through some of the best driving roads in Mpumalanga, including TGSA’s beloved Speed Week 2022 venue, Slaaihoek Pass. 

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Driving the GLC63, there are no polite words to best describe just how quickly it blasts off the line. Dial it into Race mode and launch it, and there’s zero lag, thanks to the F1-derived technology. Pushing it through the tighter corners that Slaaihoek has to offer as I try to make it pose for the best shot, the SUV manages to maintain a tighter and more composed ride, defying its substantial body mass. The ride quality is good and arguably more relevant to our local roads, while the added height offers a level of compliance that its sedan stablemate just can't match.

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And speaking of the weight, the GLC63 is fast, and this is where I feel it will score many points when put up against its closest rival from Munich, the X3 M Competition. However, it's here that you feel the greatest inertia, demanding more from both the driver and the car. Similarly, when braking, the heft of the GLC63 becomes apparent, requiring more stopping power to manage its mass effectively. Don’t get me wrong; the car stops just fine, and the brakes themselves are excellent, yet there's a bit of a quirk to it, as the pedal feels rather spongy when called upon. Another standout feature is how the GLC63 manages to carry itself around with so much simplicity. Just how fast is it? It blisters from 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds. That’s supercar fast. 

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Also, it comes with impressive towing capabilities with braked and unbraked capacities of 1,800kg and 750kg, respectively, plus a retractable tow bar as standard. This should appeal more to those who enjoy towing and exploring the great outdoors. 

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The topic of pricing is a bit of a contentious one. Among the pack, the GLC holds the title for the priciest in the feud here, starting at R2,772,259. The model I tested, fitted with an additional R354,710 worth of options, brings the total to R3,126,969. It's a substantial investment, no doubt. For comparison, the plug-in hybrid M5 xDrive here is priced at R2,690,000 with its hybridised 4.4-litre V8 engine with 535kW and 1,000Nm, while the M3 Touring xDrive carries a price tag of R2,218,506. Its counterpart, the C63 S E, commands a R2,796,389 premium. You do the math. 

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Despite having a hybrid system, you might expect the SUV to be economical at the pumps, but that's not quite the case. It takes work to drive this car efficiently. Mercedes-AMG has even mentioned that this hybrid isn’t designed for efficiency, and I can confirm it’s far from being a fuel-saver. Moreover, while the EV mode is supposed to provide up to 12km of driving, I could only manage much shorter distances. So, if you were hoping for extended electric-only driving, you might be disappointed.

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In the GLC63’s application, the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine can be viewed in a much more forgiving manner. Yes, I admit, there’s still a part of me that misses the V8, but we just have to move on with the times and embrace what lies ahead. This car may not be for everyone, but if you crave outright performance, it certainly delivers. If it’s more cylinders you want, the M5 and M3 Touring are the obvious choices that exist to scratch that itch with their roaring growls and breathtaking power, with the latter offering more space without compromising on performance. Yes, it’s not a natural GLC63 S rival in wagon form, but it combines the practicality of a wagon with the punch that has always been associated with the M3.

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Even without the V8 growl, the GLC63 is still mighty impressive, and I challenge you to judge this car only after experiencing it. The GLC63 S E Performance, like its sedan sibling, truly needs to be driven to be fully appreciated. Who knows? This could be the start of a new dynasty that will be remembered long after the sound of its engines has faded away.

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