When you think of an SUV, you probably imagine something practical—something for grocery runs, school pickups, and the occasional camping trip. But Mercedes-AMG heard that and said, “Why not make an SUV that feels like you’re driving a fighter jet to the mall?” And so, the all-new Mercedes-AMG GLC was born. This isn't just any SUV; it's the kind of SUV that makes your neighbor's sedan question its life choices.

The GLC now comes in two adrenaline-pumping versions: the GLC 43 4MATIC (a.k.a. the “I’m practical but secretly wild”) and the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE (also known as “Hold my latte, watch this”).

Under the Hood : Rocket Science, But for the Road

Let’s start with the basics, which aren't basic at all. Both versions of the GLC pack an AMG 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that doesn’t just purr—it roars, kicks, and sometimes contemplates space travel. It even has an electric exhaust gas turbocharger, which sounds like something Tony Stark invented while sipping an espresso.

The GLC 43 4MATIC comes with 310 kW of power, plus a bonus 10 kW when it’s feeling extra feisty, courtesy of a belt-driven starter-generator. This is like your car saying, “Yeah, I could chill, but let’s make this commute feel like a track day.” And rear-axle steering is standard, meaning your SUV can practically pirouette in a parking lot—because who doesn’t want to feel like a ballerina while doing a three-point turn?

Meanwhile, the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE hybrid version is what happens when an SUV eats a sports car for breakfast. With 500 kW and 1020 Nm of torque, it could probably tow a small planet. Its electric motor kicks in with such force that you might momentarily forget you’re driving an SUV and not piloting a spacecraft. This car doesn't just go from 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds—it does so while winking at every other car on the road.

Exterior: Make Heads Turn, and Possibly Swivel

From the outside, the GLC isn’t shy about its intentions. The AMG-specific radiator grille, air intakes, and tailpipe trims basically scream, “I was built for speed and style.” The car's aerodynamic design manages to look both aggressive and classy, like it's wearing a tuxedo to a street fight.

And those tailpipes? They’re not just there for show. The GLC 43 has round twin tailpipes, while the GLC 63 S gets trapezoidal ones, because why not? It's like choosing between sharp Italian leather shoes or fancy boots—either way, you’re going to stomp on the competition.

Interior: Comfort, But Make It Fast

Inside, you’ll find a luxurious interior that feels more like the cockpit of a fighter jet than a family-friendly SUV. The AMG seats are wrapped in ARTICO leather, because regular leather just won’t cut it for this beast. And don’t worry—if that’s not enough, there’s optional Nappa leather, which is as soft as a cloud made of cashmere, for when you want to feel like royalty as you rocket past slower vehicles.

The AMG Performance steering wheel is flattened at the bottom because round steering wheels are for ordinary people, and you, dear driver, are no ordinary person. Plus, the AMG sports pedals are there to remind you that, even in an SUV, you’re the king or queen of the road.

It’s All in the Tech: You Could Be Racing, Even When You’re Not

The AMG-specific MBUX infotainment system is like your personal co-pilot, offering everything from lap times to dynamic drive settings. Yes, you can track your lap times on a racetrack. Because, apparently, someone thought, “What if I could measure how fast I can get my kids to soccer practice?” Now you can know exactly how many milliseconds you saved on that roundabout.

And for the real performance nerds, there’s AMG TRACK PACE, a built-in data logger. So, next time someone tells you to stop wasting time in traffic, you can say, “I’m not stuck in traffic; I’m collecting data.”

Final Verdict: Is This Really an SUV?

Sure, you can technically load this car up with groceries, but let’s be honest—this SUV was built for much more. It’s for people who need a “family car” but also feel a deep, burning desire to overtake a Porsche on the highway. It’s for the adventurer who wants to tow a boat to the lake but also wants to pretend they’re in a Formula 1™ car on the way there.

Whether you opt for the more “reasonable” GLC 43 or go all out with the hybrid beast that is the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE, one thing’s for sure: You’ll never look at SUVs the same way again. And neither will anyone else.

Facts and Figures

• GLC 43 4MATIC:

  • Engine Power: 310 kW

  • Additional Boost: 10 kW (from belt-driven starter-generator)

  • Maximum Torque: 500 Nm

  • Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 4.8 seconds

  • Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)

  • Price: R1,876,750

• GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE:

  • Combined System Output: 500 kW

  • Combined Maximum System Torque: 1020 Nm

  • Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 3.5 seconds

  • Top Speed: 275 km/h (electronically limited)

  • Electric Motor Output: 150 kW (peak power), 80 kW (continuous power)

  • Battery Capacity: 6.1 kWh

  • Electric Range: 12 km

  • Electric Motor Max Speed: 13,500 rpm

  • Price: R2,760,000

• Other Technical Figures:

  • Turbocharger Speed: Up to 175,000 rpm

  • Battery Voltage: 400 volts

  • Peak Combustion Pressure: Up to 160 bar

  • Fuel Injection Pressure: Up to 200 bar

• Braking System:

  • GLC 43 Front Brake Discs: 370 x 36 mm, 4-piston fixed calipers

  • GLC 43 Rear Brake Discs: 360 x 26 mm, 1-piston floating calipers

  • GLC 63 S Front Brake Discs: 390 x 36 mm, 6-piston fixed calipers

  • GLC 63 S Rear Brake Discs: 370 x 26 mm, 1-piston floating calipers

• Charging:

  • On-board Charger Power: 3.7 kW