- The 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 drops the twin-turbo V-8 engine in favor of the hybrid setup from the C63 sedan.
- The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor join forces to produce a massive 671 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque.
- The GLC63 is also a plug-in hybrid, with a 6.1-kWh battery that can send power to all four wheels.
Mercedes-Benz launched the second generation GLC-class for 2023 with crisp, clean styling and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with assistance from a 48-volt hybrid system. Now Mercedes is giving the GLC-class the AMG treatment, with the GLC43 acting as a stepping stone to the full-blown, high-performance GLC63 S E Performance. The GLC63 arrives for the 2025 model year and replaces the twin-turbo V-8 with a hybrid four-cylinder setup.
Under the hood, the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 packs the same powertrain as the latest AMG C63 sports sedan. The 469-hp M139 turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four is mated to nine-speed wet-clutch transmission as well as a rear-mounted 201-hp electric motor that operates through a two-speed transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential to send power to the rear wheels.
All told, the system pumps out a combined 671 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque, notable upgrades over the old V-8’s 469 hp and 479 pound-feet. Mercedes estimates a 3.4 seconds sprint to 60 mph and an electronically limited top speed of 171 mph.
The turbocharger on the M139 engine features an electric motor on the shaft linking the compressor and turbine wheels that can spool up the turbo before the exhaust gases arrive, virtually eliminating turbo lag. The GLC63’s turbo is significantly larger than the unit in the GLC43 and the integrated e-motor runs off of the 400-volt electrical architecture.
Although Mercedes didn’t reveal a range figure, the all-wheel-drive GLC63 can run exclusively on electric power, drawing from a 6.1-kWh lithium-ion battery developed by AMG that lives just above the rear axle. The electric motor can also send power the front wheels if more traction is needed, and the e-motor’s second gear engages at up to 87 mph. The battery is replenished via a 3.7-kW onboard AC charger.
The GLC63 uses an unequal-length control arm suspension setup at each corner, and the steel springs are paired with adaptive dampers. The GLC63 is also fitted with active roll stabilization that runs off of a 48-volt electrical system to help reduce body roll. Rear-wheel steering should help the GLC63 feel more nimble and the brakes have been upgraded, with 14.7-inch discs up front and 14.2-inch rotors in the rear.
Visually, the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 is distinguished from standard GLCs by the AMG-specific grille and revised bumper, nearly identical to the upgrades as on the GLC43. The rear features a sizable diffuser, four trapezoidal exhaust tips, and a roof-mounted spoiler. Inside, the AMG steering wheel comes in Nappa leather, while the seats are wrapped in Mercedes’ MB-Tex faux-leather. Sport seats and Nappa leather front seats with an embossed AMG logo in the headrests are both optional. The GLC also features floor mats, door sills, and pedals proudly displaying AMG logos.
The GLC63 doesn’t reach the United States until the 2025 model year, so pricing is still a mystery. We expect the Mercedes-AMG crossover to cost a solid amount more than its predecessor thanks to its more complex powertrain, with prices likely to start in the mid-$80,000 range.
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Associate News Editor
Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.