Stepping into the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV, any apprehension about its intricate powertrain quickly dissipates. Despite the sophisticated engineering beneath the surface, the GLC delivers a remarkably seamless and intuitive driving experience. A suite of driving modes – Comfort, Electric, and the performance-oriented Sport, Sport+, and Race – are available, each meticulously calibrating throttle response, stability control, suspension dynamics, and steering feel to suit diverse driving preferences. Electric mode operates as expected, prioritizing all-electric propulsion. Comfort, the default setting, intelligently blends electric and gasoline power for optimal efficiency. The Sport modes maintain continuous gasoline engine engagement, also actively replenishing the battery. Regardless of the selected mode, unleashing full power is instantly accessible with a firm press of the accelerator. While there’s a momentary pause for the gasoline engine to engage in Electric or Comfort modes, the surge of power is readily available when needed.
The GLC SUV’s acceleration is characterized by its smoothness and consistency, devoid of any jarring transitions between electric and combined power sources. This refined integration is a notable advantage, especially when compared to some plug-in hybrids that can feel underpowered when relying solely on electric propulsion. For context, while the Toyota Prius Prime demonstrates a significant drop in 0-60 mph times when switching from hybrid to electric mode (6.9 seconds vs 10.8 seconds at Edmunds testing), the GLC maintains a more consistent power delivery. Even in electric-only mode, the GLC offers a respectable 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for city driving and confident highway overtaking.
Although formal testing is pending, Mercedes-Benz estimates a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.4 seconds for the GLC 63 S, slightly edging out the 3.5-second time achieved by the previous V8-powered GLC 63 S. This marginal improvement, despite a considerable increase in horsepower from the previous model’s 503 hp, likely reflects the added weight of the new model. Official specifications are yet to be released, but the inclusion of a 6.1-kWh battery and other advanced equipment suggests a heavier 2025 GLC.
However, this added weight is not perceptible in the GLC’s driving dynamics. The SUV possesses more than sufficient power for everyday driving scenarios, requiring expansive roads to truly explore the full potential of the GLC 63 S. The transmission operates with seamless fluidity in typical driving conditions, yet executes rapid upshifts in Sport modes. Paddle shifters enhance driver engagement, but the intelligent automatic transmission tuning generally ensures optimal gear selection.
Handling prowess is another hallmark of the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S SUV. AMG engineers have skillfully mitigated the effects of the vehicle’s weight on its agility. Standard adaptive dampers dynamically adjust suspension responsiveness based on road conditions and selected drive mode. Unlike some competitors, such as the BMW X3 M Competition, which can deliver a harsh ride on imperfect surfaces, the GLC maintains a composed ride, even though firmness increases noticeably in Sport+ and Race modes. The optional active roll stabilization system utilizes multi-piece anti-sway bars, allowing for independent decoupling of the left and right sides. This innovative design enhances both comfort and performance.
Body roll is well-controlled in cornering, although predictably, the GLC exhibits slightly more lean than a lower-slung sedan like the C 63 S. Similarly, brake dive is minimal but more pronounced than in a sport sedan. The brakes offer substantial stopping power, but the pedal feel is firm, requiring slightly more effort than anticipated, particularly during gentle stops. While drivers acclimate quickly to this characteristic, a more immediate initial bite would be preferable. The available one-pedal driving function, offering multiple settings including off, is not particularly aggressive and does not bring the vehicle to a complete stop. It is arguably more effective to drive without engaging one-pedal mode. Carbon-ceramic brakes are planned as a future option, though they were not available on the test vehicle and will not be offered at the initial launch.
Standard rear-axle steering enhances maneuverability and stability. At speeds up to 62 mph (100 kph), the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels, reducing the turning radius for easier parking and sharper cornering. Above this speed, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels, enhancing high-speed stability. While early rear-axle steering systems could feel artificial, AMG has implemented a seamless integration. The GLC exhibits quicker turn-in than expected, yet maintains a natural feel, contributing to enhanced responsiveness. The steering system itself, while not brimming with feedback, offers well-weighted effort and a quick, yet not overly sensitive ratio.
The GLC 63 S proves to be genuinely enjoyable on winding roads, though truly tight corners may limit the ability to fully exploit its capabilities. It thrives in environments where its power can be unleashed, yet remains highly competent in diverse driving situations. While the new engine delivers impressive power and performance, the exhaust note lacks the auditory drama of the previous V8 engine’s signature sound.
