2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe SUV

　　2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe Review

　　byNick YekikianNews Editor

　　Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the News Editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.

　　9/29/2023

　　What is the GLC Coupe?

　　The GLC Coupe is essentially a more stylish but less practical clone of the GLC SUV. However, the GLC Coupe isn't really a coupe — for that it would have to have just two doors. Instead, Mercedes has taken the meaning of the French word "coupé," which means "to cut," quite literally. The brand chops a bit of bodywork out of the rear (it also does this with the GLE) and sells the result as an alternative to the boxier, more usefully shaped GLC.

　　While 2024 saw the introduction of the redesigned GLC 300 and sportier AMG GLC 43, 2025 will add the big one: the AMG GLC 63 S E Performance. The name might be a mouthful, but it comes with a ton of added go-faster kit that earns it the higher numerical designation. The GLC 63 adds more power along with a far more aggressive look up front and at the rear. Throw in sticky tires, bigger brakes to haul you down, and trick handling tech like a limited-slip differential, and the 63 clearly has the chops to be top of the GLC food chain.

　　In case you're wondering where "63" even comes from, it used to refer to the displacement of the V8 engines found in the AMGs of old (6.3 liters). As time has gone on, downsizing has taken hold, and now some of AMG's 63 performance models have 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines augmented by a battery and electric motor combo.

　　What's under the GLC 63's hood?

　　That's exactly what's happened to the latest GLC 63 AMG. Gone is the raucous 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that was used in the previous generation and in its place resides that compact four-cylinder bolstered by an electric motor on the rear axle. Combined, they make a staggering 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque.

　　Power is sent to all four wheels, and the GLC 63 can vary output from a 50%-50% split front and rear to 100% at the rear. Mercedes says the super crossover can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 171 mph.

　　How's the GLC 63's interior?

　　The interior is much the same as the other GLC Coupe models, with two screens (one in front of the driver and the other rising up along the center console) dominating the front cabin design. The AMG can be had with synthetic suede inlays in the door, on the dash, and on the sport steering wheel (which now has dials for the drive mode selector that even feature small embedded screens). AMGs also get the option for Mercedes' firm but extremely supportive full bucket front seats. They are thickly bolstered on the sides and in the thigh area, but they feature a bolt upright backrest to help the driver remain fully supported.

　　How's the GLC 63's tech?

　　A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster sits in front of the driver and a 11.9-inch center touchscreen that houses Mercedes' clever MBUX infotainment system are both carried over from the standard SUV. The vertically oriented touchscreen is a welcome improvement over the outgoing model, as is the addition of wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment itself displays everything in large icons, as though major functions were "apps." The icons are large and easy to tap even while you're on the move.

　　The MBUX user interface can be a bit tedious at times, with its dense menu structure and many features to sort through, but this new iteration is easier to navigate than the previous-generation GLC. Oft-used functions are generally just a few taps away, and a persistent home button and row of HVAC controls mean you're never going to lose those key functions. Plus, the system is quick to react to inputs and Mercedes has one of the best voice-activated assistants in the business.

　　zzdcar says

　　The AMG 63 S E Performance adds a spice to the GLC lineup, but we can already tell we're going to miss the big V8 from the old car.