Mercedes-AMG took the wraps off its newest creation, the 2025 GLC 63 S E Performance, on Monday. It dials the firm’s small SUV to 11, bringing a staggering 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque thanks to a four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain shared with the mighty Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance.
The GLC 63 S E Performance uses Mercedes’ venerable M139l 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four which, thanks to add-ons like electrically assisted turbocharging and port and direct fuel injection, makes 469 hp and 402 lb-ft of torque all on its own. It’s connected to a nine-speed transmission that, through a driveshaft, is connected to an electric drive unit at the rear that incorporates an e-motor and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. It’s fed by a battery mounted above in the trunk area, and makes 201 hp and 236 lb-ft by itself. In addition to the C 63, the S 63 E Performance also uses this kind of powertrain, except with a V-8 engine.
Mercedes says the GLC 63 S E Performance can sprint to 60 mph in an estimated 3.4 seconds, onto an electronically limited top speed of 171 mph. Helping through corners is double-wishbone suspension front and rear with adaptive dampers, a speed-sensitive steering rack, active anti-roll bars, rear steering, and six-piston front brake calipers.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
The 2025 GLC 63 S E Performance is easy to spot if you know what to look for. There are vertical slats in the grille and a different lower fascia, a new rear fascia, 20-inch black-painted wheels, and unique badging throughout. Inside you’ll find a microfiber-wrapped steering wheel with a flat bottom, sport pedals, illuminated door sills, specific floor mats, and AMG-specific seats. Bucket-like AMG performance seats are available as an option.
If the 63 S E Performance is too rich for your blood there’s also the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. It gets the M139l as well, tuned to 416 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque thanks to a smaller turbo and paired to the same nine-speed transmission. In place of the trick high-voltage powertrain is a 48-volt mild hybrid system to spin the electric turbocharger. At low speeds, the mild-hybrid system can also deliver an extra 13 hp via the belt-driven starter-generator.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes says the GLC 43 will arrive at dealerships starting early 2024, with the GLC 63 S E Performance appearing later that year. Pricing has yet to be released, though for reference, the last-gen GLC 43 and 63 S started at $60,950 and $74,950 respectively. So that should give you an idea of where in the market they’ll lie once they go on sale next year.
Brian Silvestro
Road & Track staff writer with a taste for high-mileage, rusted-out projects and amateur endurance racing.
Keyword: 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Gets Supercar-Like 671 HP, 752 LB-FT