I drove a $97,000 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe to see if it can be an SUV and a sports car - here's the verdict

Nov 6, 2018, 22:08 IST

The four-door SUV coupe rose to prominence with the first generation BMW X6 that debuted for the 2008 model year.

Since then, BMW has followed up with a second generation X6 and...

... A new compact X4.

In response, Mercedes introduced the GLC Coupe to take on the X6 and...

...The GLC Coupe to rival the X4.

The GLC Coupe is based on Mercedes' existing GLC compact crossover that's been on the market since 2016.

Our top-spec test car is part of the Mercedes-AMG sub-brand and thus receives all of its latest performance-oriented styling upgrades.

As result, our tester came with more aggressive front spoilers, a set of matte black 21-inch wheels, and the Panamericana front grille borrowed from...

...The AMG GT sports car.

The side profile is where it truly stands out. It melds the high beltline of an SUV with the fastback roofline of a coupe.

From the rear, the GLC Coupe looks like a hatchback with some extra ground clearance.

Here's the regular GLC for comparison.

In addition to the quad sports exhausts, there's also an optional carbon fiber spoiler.

Inside, the Mercedes' cabin, which is based on the C-Class interior, impresses with solid cabin ergonomics and top-notch materials.

Especially the Nappa leather that dominate the cabin.

In our test car, the metal accents and the two-tone leather really brighten up the cabin.

Here's a better look at the GLC's front cabin.

In front of the driver, there's a digital instrument display flanked by a pair of concise analog gauges. Our tester was also equipped with an optional head-up display.

The center stack is equipped with a high-definition 8.4-inch display running an older version of the Mercedes corporate Command infotainment system. The GLC comes standard with a seven-inch screen. Overall, the system worked well. It's clearly laid out and packed with functional content.

The center stack is equipped with a high-definition 8.4-inch display running an older version of the Mercedes corporate Command infotainment system. The GLC comes standard with a seven-inch screen. Overall, the system worked well. It's clearly laid out and packed with functional content.

Instead of a touchscreen, the Mercedes system is operated using this rotary dial and touchpad combo.

As with past Mercedes vehicles we have tested, the Burmeister surround sound system delivered a truly pleasant listening experience.

The rear cabin offers plenty of space of two passengers. However, anyone taller than six feet will find headroom to be somewhat limited to the sloping roofline.

Mercedes has not released the GLC Coupe's cargo volume. However, it looks to be around 20 cubic feet with second-row seats up. According to MB, the GLC Coupe boasts 49.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded.

Mercedes has not released the GLC Coupe's cargo volume. However, it looks to be around 20 cubic feet with second-row seats up. According to MB, the GLC Coupe boasts 49.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded.

Under the hood lurks a handcrafted AMG 4.0 liter, biturbo V8 that produces 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The motor gets power to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes's 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Both units have been beefed up by AMG for use in the GLC 63.

Under the hood lurks a handcrafted AMG 4.0 liter, biturbo V8 that produces 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The motor gets power to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes's 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Both units have been beefed up by AMG for use in the GLC 63.

According to Mercedes, the GLC 63 S can do 0-60 mph in a swift 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 174 mph.

So, what's it like to drive?

Our verdict.

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I drove a $97,000 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe to see if it can be an SUV and a sports car - here's the verdict

The four-door SUV coupe rose to prominence with the first generation BMW X6 that debuted for the 2008 model year.

Since then, BMW has followed up with a second generation X6 and...

... A new compact X4.

In response, Mercedes introduced the GLC Coupe to take on the X6 and...

...The GLC Coupe to rival the X4.

The GLC Coupe is based on Mercedes' existing GLC compact crossover that's been on the market since 2016.

Our top-spec test car is part of the Mercedes-AMG sub-brand and thus receives all of its latest performance-oriented styling upgrades.

As result, our tester came with more aggressive front spoilers, a set of matte black 21-inch wheels, and the Panamericana front grille borrowed from...

...The AMG GT sports car.

The side profile is where it truly stands out. It melds the high beltline of an SUV with the fastback roofline of a coupe.

From the rear, the GLC Coupe looks like a hatchback with some extra ground clearance.

Here's the regular GLC for comparison.

In addition to the quad sports exhausts, there's also an optional carbon fiber spoiler.

Inside, the Mercedes' cabin, which is based on the C-Class interior, impresses with solid cabin ergonomics and top-notch materials.

Especially the Nappa leather that dominate the cabin.

In our test car, the metal accents and the two-tone leather really brighten up the cabin.

Here's a better look at the GLC's front cabin.

In front of the driver, there's a digital instrument display flanked by a pair of concise analog gauges. Our tester was also equipped with an optional head-up display.

The center stack is equipped with a high-definition 8.4-inch display running an older version of the Mercedes corporate Command infotainment system. The GLC comes standard with a seven-inch screen. Overall, the system worked well. It's clearly laid out and packed with functional content.

Instead of a touchscreen, the Mercedes system is operated using this rotary dial and touchpad combo.

As with past Mercedes vehicles we have tested, the Burmeister surround sound system delivered a truly pleasant listening experience.

The rear cabin offers plenty of space of two passengers. However, anyone taller than six feet will find headroom to be somewhat limited to the sloping roofline.

Mercedes has not released the GLC Coupe's cargo volume. However, it looks to be around 20 cubic feet with second-row seats up. According to MB, the GLC Coupe boasts 49.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded.

According to Mercedes, the GLC 63 S can do 0-60 mph in a swift 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 174 mph.

So, what's it like to drive?

Our verdict.