Good day all, I am currently planning on ordering a 2022 GLC 63 (have confirmed the redesign is slated for 2023) and I'm trying to get my arms around the around town (city) drivability of the 2020+ facelifted 63 model. Within my research, I have seen some negative comments on the city driving characteristics of this model. Mentions of jerky shifting and clunking, as well as hesitations and puzzling incorrect gear selection are not uncommon reviews. Some reviewers actually saying it's a deal breaker. I'm ok with some transmission roughness in around town driving to get all the other goodness, but the wife won't be happy if it's happening too often and I'd prefer to avoid a constant complaining situation with her. Also, I am open to doing (probably will) at least an ECU tune (Renntech or Eurocharged), with a TCU & CPC tune maybe too. Will that help? Can owners of the 2020+ models please give me some feedback on your around town driving experience? I don't want to make an expensive mistake! Much appreciated.

 

I have the GLC43 AMG, and it’s the same as you describe, either you live with it, or go to another vehicle or brand.

Comfort mode will less it a bit, but still far from ideal.

I use sport+ and don’t mind the quirks, it makes for an interesting time while behind the wheel, but if you need to open it up, it’s right there for the taking...

I figure I have a sport type SUV, it is what it is, if I wanted plush and quiet, get a Cadillac...lol

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I never really minded the issue, as long as you have a smooth leg on the gas pedal, it doesn't do it.

All that being said, mine completely went away after tuning the car. I didn't expect that so it was a nice surprise.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. Who's tune did you use? ECU only? Model 63?

 

Yes, EC stage 2 on a 63s Coupe.

 

Don't forget the harness on city roads.

 

Not specifically for the GLC 63, but 63 models in general. With the GLC there's also 4Matic to factor in. The biggest aspect here to be aware of is that the MCT transmission doesn't have a torque converter to smooth things out, particularly at slow speeds. It uses a wet-clutch and this means a more direct connection between the engine and the rest of the drivetrain, so jolts and jerks are simply more of a thing. Much like they are in a car with a manual transmission. The key is to be aware that this is not your normal automatic transmission and treat it properly. It comes down to your foot and leg to feather and modulate the throttle and develop a feel for what the clutch is doing. Much of the sensations you get are very similar to that of a manual transmission car, except you have no direct control over the clutch and instead you have to control it with the throttle. I have a C63S and I've driven manual transmissions for almost 20 years and previously had a car with a dual clutch transmission. While city driving is not the sweet spot of these cars, it's all doable and the transmission also adapts over time to your driving style. I don't know if the GLC is affected by this as well, but there were a couple of updates to the AMG Drive Unit, because there were coding errors from the factory affecting the dynamic engine mounts (S models only) and the electronic locking differential. Those updates actually resolved some jerking in my drivetrain that I felt wasn't normal and turned out it was indeed not normal. It's a great transmission for responsive and dynamic driving, but city driving and stop&go driving does require consciously modulating the throttle. I personally hate torque converters, because they just make the drivetrain lifeless, but they are certainly a lot smoother in daily driving, except for the 43 models that seem to have issues. Seems AMG was trying to make them feel more like the MCT while still using a torque converter.

 

Thanks for your insight. I've now spent several hours researching this topic and have come away a bit frustrated. So many unhappy people. I could certainly learn to live with and drive it smoothly, but I doubt my wife will. I feel that 90 grand is too much to spend to end up having the wife complaining she's doing the 'herkie jerky'. Very frustrating indeed to see some people have a perfectly smooth tranny, while others are unhappy with all this jerkiness. I'll contact a couple tuners and inquire as to whether they can tune this vehicle to a smoother operation. I would really like to get this car, but frankly, this is a turnoff. Surprised Mercedes is feeling the negative feedback created by this 'jerky' wet clutch is an acceptable look for it's brand, normal or not. Jag SVR or Porsche is maybe the way to go. Thanks again.

 

I wanna be clear here and not give you the wrong impression. I think this is being overblown by many. The 63 series cars drive very smooth for what they are. The thing you have to remember is that these are very torquey cars, so part of it is the fact that you have to take it easy on the throttle or you get a rush of torque. Some folks perhaps need to realize that they bought a ~500 hp/torque performance car and not a Buick. It seems that most complaints about the transmission come from 43 owners, but the same people seem to think it's a good idea to drive around the city in S+. The 63 series cars are very nice to drive in Comfort in my experience, the 63S perhaps more so thanks to the dynamic engine mounts, which can relax and isolate the drivetrain more at slow speeds. There are good reasons brands such as Porsche and AMG are using clutch based transmissions. Many performance buyers desire the more connected feel a clutch provides. I belong to that group. You will get a similar experience with Porsche's PDK, although it is perhaps a bit smoother overall, but many complain it has gotten too smooth for a performance car. Dual clutch transmissions if you've never owned one have their own quirks. Specifically, they struggle when they have to shift out of sequence, which happens frequently in daily driving. They are great as long as the next gear was properly predicted. The MCT on the other hand uses 7 clutches to do all the gear shifting, so it performs sequential shifts the same as it does non-sequential shifts and IMO it's actually better in many situations. The shift quality and speed is the same whether the next gear is one higher or one lower or whether it needs to suddenly drop 4-5 gears. The PDK struggles with the latter. Now if you don't want any of that and you want more of a Buick feel, then yes, you need to perhaps consider a brand that puts the ZF torque converter automatic in their performance cars such as Jag, Audi and even BMW now. I find this lame, but to each their own.

 

I view it as normal for a high powered, MCT car. Mine is smooth as butter even before the tune in Comfort. I don't think you should even ask it to be like normal in Sport+ or Race mode.

 

I would also say that if the transmission is a concern to anyone, then the ride quality might end up being the bigger concern. Just saying, but you have to go in with the right expectation. OP, I highly recommend you take one for a proper test drive along with your wife before committing to it. FWIW, here's an example of how one review describes the ride quality.

https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/31...e-whole-family

 

Again fellas, thanks for your input.



I think at this point a little insight into my situation would be helpful for you to understand where my frustration stemmed from.



My wife and I have just retired, albeit a bit early at age 57. We have always each driven our own car. We find ourselves in a situation now where we only need one car. And in fact, I am loving this one car in a two car garage scenario. So nice! But alas, I digress. I am a V8 car guy who understands all the tech talk you have been sharing. My wife is an SUV girl. So I have been trying to bridge that gap and I came to the AMG GLC 63.



When I first started researching this model AMG and saw all the negative comments regarding the tranny, I became concerned. I now understand (with the help of your explanations) how this transmission works. If a person doesn't understand the difference between their necks being snapped back by near instant high engine torque and a faulty shifting transmission, well, there’s just too much say now. So, the issue of me thinking that Mercedes has a model with a faulty transmission, which they are not effectively addressing, has been put to rest. I have no doubt that I would be driving this car smoothly in a matter of days, if not hours. But the wife, that’s another ball of wax.....



So, here's how I see it at this point. Assuming a successful test drive, we will get the 63 and see how it goes. If it doesn't work out with my wife, I'll get her the 2022 Lexus NX, which is being redesigned and will be available later this year. If I like the 63 enough, I'll keep it. If not, I'll trade it towards a CPO S63 Coupe and get used to having two cars in the garage again!

Thanks again.

 

It's difficult to put these opposing goals in a single vehicle. I think AMG has done an excellent job building performance cars that offer enough rest comfort for normal driving to not be frustrating when you just need to get somewhere, but also not dull the driving experience to the point where they lack personality, but their pendulum generally swings to the performance/sport side more than it does towards the comfort side and that's what I personally like about them. One vehicle that might suit your situation better is the Audi RS Q8. It's a big vehicle, and one segment up and also costs more, but Audi's pendulum generally swings more to the comfort side. I've had Audis before buying the AMG. The Audis I had IMO had a better balance between comfort and sport and I switched to AMG, because the current Audi RS models are more comfort than sport and they have gotten somewhat dull and if you want a V8 you have to move up to the bigger models. The Audi before my AMG was a 2013 RS5 with its sweet 8500 rpm naturally aspirated V8 mated to a proper dual clutch transmission. The engine was derived from the V10 in the R8.

 

Yeah, WAYYYYY too big......

That's what I really like about the AMG GLC 63, nice size, V8

 

I hear you. AMG is the only one left offering a V8 in this segment, but for not much longer.

 

I cant wait for my glc 63! I guess a lot of people just have the wrong impression about certain cars. I for one made the wrong choice on my x5 40i.
I belong to the group thats against the ZF 8spd in all the new BMWs, but i drive manual for most cars anyway.
I should be taking delivery in the next 2 months... patiently waiting.

 

I came out of an E63S wagon into my GLC 63. I too have noticed a bit more jerkiness in the transmission but would say it's not an everyday occurence to the point where I notice it, and I'm one of those guys who when something about my car gets stuck in my mind I can't get it out.

I would say that putting the car even into just Sport instead of Comfort is a significant change. I've been driving around on C for awhile now, just lazy I guess, and the other day I went back to using S. The best word I'd use is the car is much more linear than under C where it might be trying to hard to find the right C gear. I'm happy with my purchase but am already salivating over the facelifted E63S wagon that I'll be on the hunt for in about two years......

Only thing that does bug me though is the tire crabbing. When it's cold the tires crab like mad and they've now started to do it in 40ish wet weather. I'm a bit perturbed that the car only has 6K on the clock yet I'm strongly considering buying new tires.

 

One thing that some seem to be struggling with compared to the older models is that the 9-speed MCT always starts in 1st gear and has shorter gear ratios in the lower gears, so the transmission is overall more responsive and more direct. The shorter gears help with acceleration, while the additional tall gears give the fuel economy. The older 7-speed MCT like regular MB models starts in 2nd gear in Comfort making for a smoother off the line start, but less responsive. Also, at first my transmission insisted to always downshift all the way to first when coming to a stop, which was kinda jerky, but eventually as it adapted to my driving it suddenly stopped doing it and now it only downshifts to 2nd, and once I have come to a complete stop long enough it goes to 1st, but for brief stops it stays in 2nd. I can do the same in M, I can keep it on 2nd unless I come to a solid stop for a second or so. I still sometimes have a less than smooth 3->2 shift when slowing down gradually. It has more to do with the brakes being grabby, so when it downshifts it leads to a bit of oscillation. I've learned to let off the brake just before it downshifts and then get back on the brakes. It's only when I'm coming to a creeping stop around town. If I stop somewhat more spirited and consistently stay on the brakes it doesn't happen. I'm actually putting on new front brakes next week as mine are worn. I'm sticking to OE pads, but putting on full-floating Brembo rotors instead of the OE rotors. I'm curious how it'll improve the braking. On my previous car, full-floating rotors made a difference. The brakes became more consistent and easier to modulate.

 

I have a GLC-43 and there was some jerkiness in Sport+ in the city but over time, the car has learned my driving style and I have adapted by using the different modes to different driving situations. Now I’m driving the crap outta this thing and loving every minute of it... I’m sure once you get used to the vehicle, the power and the different driving modes - you’ll do the same.. As far as it being a “deal breaker”, to me that is a little excessive but maybe they were looking smoother like a Caddy or an Electric Vehicle. For me, Sport+ Mode is an awesome time for that race / sports car feel, Sport Mode with the performance exhaust is my go to for city driving. Comfort Mode with the sport suspension and exhaust on and Eco Mode are my go to for a more relaxing drive..

Another option would to rent a GLC63 and test it out for a day or two.. Here in the Bay Area, I used an App called “Turo“ to rent different cars before deciding on what car to buy.. It was money well spent because I’m absolutely happy with my GLC43 purchase - I didn’t go with a 63 due to my long commute and higher price.. Good luck and remember to drive it like you stole it..

 

Have 63S and in comfort mode in the city it is smooth as butter. I really dont have any jerkyness or other issue. BUT if swicthed to Sport + gas pedal is very sensitive and same applies for transmission. Different modes for diferent areas / situations.

 

I just received my 2021 GLC63S coupe 2 weeks ago. I drive in Toronto everyday and I’m in love. I love the rougher ride. My husband has a 2019 GlC 43 and I had a c43. I prefer my 63. If you are smooth on the throttle it’s smooth. It’s responsive and I feel like I drive it less like a lunatic because the sound and feel is so raw. I am not into new technology like the way some of the other mercs are going and I dislike the Tesla. I need raw and power and I think the 63 gives you that but also very comfortable in comfort mode around town. If someone complains about the roughness then they should take an Uber)))

 

Do you know if any tune type (ECU, TCU or CPC) can reprogram this 9 speed MCT transmission to always perform a second gear start from standstill? I test drove a 2019 63 and it was marginally smooth shifting in Comfort mode and bucking in Sport mode during around town type driving. (Granted, Sport mode shouldn't be used in around town driving, but I just wanted to try it). This roughness in Comfort mode was NOT torque related. It was a rough shifting tranny, pure and simple. The same kind of feeling you get when you let the clutch out a little to quick on a manual, if that makes sense. Anyway, if a second gear start in Comfort mode could be programed as the default process, I think that would be good. - Thanks

 

I haven't come across anything. Making a car more comfortable is generally not what people are looking for in a tune. The tunes usually go the other direction. I know what you are referring to with the clutch feel. The clutch does generally engage rather aggressively, even in Comfort, but I have learned how to start it smoothly with the right level of throttle input. I'm also realizing more and more how the AMG Drive Unit updates improved how my C63S shifts and drives, but just pointing out again that the S models have the dynamic engine mounts which make a difference. You may wanna test drive a GLC 63S Coupe for comparison, but if it's a '19 or '20, make sure it had all the updates.

I just went on a 250 mile canyon run today with some mixed driving including being stuck behind some slow pokes and I noticed how much smoother it drives now. I also just put on new front rotors and pads. Decided to go with full-floating Brembo rotors instead of the stock rotors and this made quite a difference in terms of coming to a smooth stop. I've always felt the stock brakes were a bit grabby at slow speeds which caused some bucking downshifts, particularly 3->2 when coming to a stop. My brakes are now more linear and easier to modulate making for an overall smoother drive. I really like them. I'm newly in love with my car after today's drive. It was the first longer drive and fun canyon run since the car got the latest updates in January.

 

I spent some time researching dynamic engine mounts and it seems they can indeed help smooth out automatic tranny's to some small degree, so I guess my plan for ordering a 63 could change to a 63s, which is fine. Now if I read between the lines of your last post, you are suggesting that because the stock brakes were 'grabby', this was slowing the car a bit quicker than maybe intended, and the tranny was responding to that quicker deceleration information with quicker downshifting, which in turn feels a little rough. Is that the correct scenario you were experiencing with the stock brakes? So if I'm going to move to the S model, that would give me the option to also order the Ceramic floating brake package. Your comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Not quite. The issue occurred under light to medium braking. The harder, more spirited you slow down the smoother the downshifts actually get. If you slow down spirited it even skips gears like going from 7 straight to 5, and then straight to 3 or maybe even 2. In fact the shift strategy is amazing when driving spirited. This is the first transmission I can drive in automatic mode w/o getting frustrated when I'm expecting a sudden response out of the drivetrain, like suddenly need to accelerate. Also even in Comfort mode it seems to always be in the right gear and ready to accelerate again, as opposed to other automatics that hang out in a high gear and then have to scramble to downshift when you are ready to accelerate again and do it a bit more spirited like out of a turn. It's downshifting very proactively. This does mean that it is less comfortable, though, because there is more engine braking in lower gears. Many other transmission stay in high gears to almost glide when you take the foot off the accelerator, whereas this one quickly starts downshifting the moment you take the foot of the throttle pedal.

The roughness happened when coming to a steady slow stop like a granny stop. For the most part the downshifts are smooth, but that final downshift from 3 to 2 at those slow speeds caused the bucking. Basically, the brief interruption of engine braking during the shift and then the stronger engine braking of the 2nd gear, causes the bucking. Pretty much what happens in a manual transmission if you downshift at very low speeds and let the clutch out too quickly instead of letting it slip to ease in the engine braking. I found the stock brakes in my C63S (the GLC S I believe has different brakes) were not as linear as I wished and somewhat difficult to finely modulate at low speeds. The way I've learned to work around it is to let off the brakes while it downshifts from 3 to 2 and then get back on the brakes. That way the downshift is super smooth. I only have to do that if I creep to a stop essentially. It still occurs a little bit with the new brakes and I apply the same strategy, but the new brakes are more linear and easier to modulate.