2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC-Class

Overview

The high-performance Mercedes-AMG brand has entered the electrified era with products such as the EQE and EQS sedans, and the GLC performance SUV is part of that story too—but it’s taking the hybrid approach rather than going fully electric. The 416-hp GLC43 is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder with a 48-volt hybrid system, and the plug-in hybrid GLC63 S E Performance ups the speed-craziness quotient by adding an electric motor and an onboard battery to boost power to 671 ponies. Both models look the part, wearing more aggressive styling elements and racier interior treatments than the standard Benz-branded GLC300 upon which they’re based. Mercedes-AMG has massaged the suspension system and added go-fast equipment to make sure its compact performance SUV can go head-to-head with rivals such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, the BMW X3 M, and the Porsche Macan GTS.

What’s New for 2025?

The GLC63 returns for 2025, this time in S E Performance guise. Although you’ll find a small turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood, the GLC63 packs a 671-hp wallop thanks to an electric motor and a battery pack that work in concert with the gas engine. Mercedes-AMG hasn’t released all the specs yet, but the GLC63 S E Performance will also provide some all-electric driving range for times when you’re looking for a quiet commute without burning the premium gasoline in the SUV’s tank.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

GLC43

$70,000 (est)

$85,000 (est)

While we haven’t driven it yet, our money’s on the GLC63 S E Performance model being the one to get. Its power advantage over the GLC43 is massive and it’s sure to impress on the drag strip. Plus, it’s the only one that comes with an all-electric driving range.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

With a 416-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder under the hood, the GLC43 should provide a noticeable kick in the pants over the standard Benz-branded GLC300, which makes just 255 ponies. In our testing, the GLC300 hit 60 mph in a brisk 5.6 seconds, so imagine how quick it’ll be with 162 more horsepower. The 43’s engine uses a 48-volt hybrid system and comes standard with all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The range topping GLC63 S E Performance model turns up the heat using electrification. Mercedes-AMG has added an electric motor to boost power output to 671 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque, and the company says that the GLC63 can hit 60 mph in as little as 3.4 seconds. Like the 43 model, the 63 also comes standard with all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic. An adaptive suspension system is standard on both models, but we haven’t had a chance to evaluate the new AMG GLC’s handling yet. When we do, we’ll update this story with driving impressions.

More on the GLC-Class SUV

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Mercedes-AMG hasn’t released a range estimate for the GLC63 S E Performance’s onboard battery, but we know it will offer some. We expect at least 20 miles or so of electric driving, which should be enough for quick trips around town. When we find out more, we’ll update this story with details.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA hasn’t released the AMG GLC’s fuel economy yet, but we’re expecting it to fall a bit under the GLC300’s numbers, which sit at 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. When we get a chance, we’ll take the GLC43 on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route and publish its results here. For more information about the GLC-class’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

If you’ve been inside the Benz-branded GLC, you’ll find the AMG version quite familiar. It wears the same modern design, including art-deco-inspired air vents but it swaps the normal version’s pinstriped wood dashboard trim for a large swath of glossy carbon fiber. A set of optional sport front seats offer more bolstering than the GLC300’s, the better for holding you in place during aggressive cornering. Like other Mercedes models, the GLC-class can be heavily optioned with a host of luxurious features, including a panoramic sunroof, illuminated door sill plates, ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and leather upholstery.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

All models come with a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and an 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. The infotainment interface can recognize voice commands and features standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other notable optional features include a head-up display and a Burmester premium stereo system. There are no physical buttons for the HVAC system nor a knob for the audio volume; the systems are controlled through the touch screen, which in our view is a step backward in user-friendliness.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The GLC-class offers a host of optional driver-assistance features, but only basics such as automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring are standard. For more information about the GLC-class’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard blind-spot monitoring Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes offers warranty protection that’s on par with the coverage offered by rivals such as BMW and Audi. However, Jaguar provides longer coverage.

Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance