2019 AMG GLC 63 S Is an Absurdly-fast Biturbo Monster

Mike Gurr of Motormouth wrangles all 503 German horses with AMG’s blisteringly-quick dual-clutch transmission in freezing Canadian snow.

The performance luxury SUV wars are hotter than ever, what with crazy examples like the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, the BMW X3 M, the Porsche Macan Turbo, and the Jaguar F-Pace SVR taking the stage. Naturally, such a competition cannot go on with Mercedes-AMG showing up to the party. Thus, that’s why they created the GLC 63 S.

Although the GLC itself has been with us for a few years (AMG versions included), YouTuber Mike Gurr of Motormouth got the opportunity to see how Mercedes-AMG’s hot ute continues to fare after some minor mid-cycle updates. Does it still live up to its badged namesake?

To boot, what’s not to be enticed about it, at least, on paper. Being a full-fledged AMG “63” and in top-spec “S” form, as you’ve probably guessed by now, it comes with the same power- and drivetrain as the C63 S that it’s loosely based off of. It’s also the same setup found in the AMG GT S sports coupe. That of course means a biturbo 4.0-liter V8 with a whopping 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.

Gurr likens the GLC 63 S as the automotive equivalent of Steve Job’s work ethic known as the “reality distortion field,” calling it downright “absurd.” We can see why: weighing in at nearly three tons, the GLC 63 S is a crossover SUV that’s faster to 60 than a BMW M4 it is one of the quickest SUVs to lap the Nürburgring Nordschliefe. Not exactly the sort of capability that comes to mind for a car meant for affluent soccer parents.

Right off the bat, the GLC 63 S is at an advantage with two extra cylinders when compared to most of the competition, majority of which feature force-fed six-cylinder engines. But the one exception is the Jaguar F-Pace SVR, with its 5.0-liter supercharged V8, with 550 HP and 502 lb-ft of torque.

Thanks to an nine-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT dual-clutch automatic and AMG-tuned 4MATIC+, the GLC 63 S will do 0-60 in almost 3.5 seconds.

“It generates a sense of occasion every time you jump behind the wheel,” Gurr remarked over the GLC 63 S. “Here’s the key. It’s fun. For somebody with $110,000 looking to buy a car like this, that’s an incredibly important factor.”

See what else Gurr has to say on the GLC 63 S in his video review.

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Christopher Chin

Ever since picking up his first MicroMachine, Chris Chin knew automobiles were his greatest passion. Since his first car, a 1994 Mercedes-Benz W124 E320 Coupe and later, a 1975 W116 280S, Chris taught himself everything he knows about automobiles and later learned of his obsession for classic Silver Arrows. He's currently giving love to a 1974 450SEL.

From learning how to wrench on them, to being the stereotypical “walking car encyclopedia,” Chris later figured out he could indulge in his passions through writing and photography, eventually earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism & Media Studies at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Aside from being a contributor to MB World, his efforts led him to manage several automotive news sites such as TheTruthAboutCars, AutoBlog, FastLaneDaily and DigitalTrend's Car section while producing for sites like Hagerty. He currently maintains a column at Automobile Magazine and TheDrive. Chris hopes to further indulge in his passion for old Mercedes-Benzes with one of his life-long favorite communities.

Chris can be reached at Christoph.M.Chin@gmail.com. You can also follow his automotive adventures on Instagram @SirChrisChin.