There are SUVs, and then there’s the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 63 AMG S E-Performance. It’s a brash, electrified, unapologetically expensive, and absolutely bonkers crossover SUV. Because only AMG could look at a family-friendly plug-in hybrid SUV and say, “Let’s give it Formula 1 tech.”
Performance
Engine – The V8 is gone and in its place is a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder with a plug. But don’t roll your eyes just yet. It’s a hand-built engine that puts out 469 hp & 402 lb-ft of torque (350 kW & 545 Nm). That is insane but also impressive for a 4-cylinder with a full warranty. On the back axle, an electric motor provides an additional 94 hp (70 kW), or 210 hp (156 kW) for 10-second bursts, for a total system output of 671 hp & 752 lb-ft of torque (500 kW & 1,020 Nm). 0-100 km/h happens in 3.5 seconds according to Mercedes-Benz. But thanks to the Drag Times app in the infotainment system, I noticed other journalists managed to get it down to 3.4 seconds. The best I was able to manage was 3.8 seconds. However, the car had already been fitted with winter tires and the ambient temperatures were hovering at around 7 degrees Celsius by the time I got my hands on the car. But even so, this is a quick SUV with a “kick you in the backside” feeling of acceleration.
The reason for this punchy acceleration has to do with the sophisticated turbocharger it has. It is derived from Formula 1 technology whereby an electric motor aids the turbocharger in spooling up. This reduces lag, improves responsiveness, and it can maintain boost even if the driver lifts off the throttle pedal. Ironically, this technology will no longer be used by F1 teams for the 2026 season because it is deemed to be too complicated & not have any practical street use.
Fuel Economy – Being a 4-cylinder and a plug-in hybrid, the fuel economy is better than the old V8. It is rated for 12.3 L/100km (19.2 MPG) in a city and 11.4 L/100km (20.6 MPG) on a highway. With a gentle foot, it is possible to achieve those numbers but this car doesn’t really know gentle. Even so, I managed 11.6 L/100km (20.2 MPG) during my time with the car.
Battery, Range, & Charging – Being a plug-in hybrid, the GLC 63 has a 4.9-kilowatt-hour battery pack tucked beneath the trunk floor. It’s not here for road trips, the battery’s mission is performance. But yes, you can drive it purely on electric power for about 12 to 14 kilometers (7.5 – 8.5 Miles). This is perfect for slipping quietly through the neighborhood, or pretending, for a moment, that you’re sensible.
Once that charge is gone, it recharges through regenerative braking, the engine or via a level 2 charger in less than an hour and a half. There are different drive modes to vary the battery usage. Electric mode uses up the battery almost immediately while battery hold keeps the battery charge and lets the car drive like a normal self-charging hybrid. Comfort mode uses primarily electricity to provide movement but once that is quickly drained, the engine turns on. To my surprise, Race mode will replenish the battery almost fully. It recaptures energy under braking or partial throttle applications.
Transmission – The 2.0L engine is paired with AMG’s 9-speed MCT automatic transmission. In Comfort mode, this provides buttery smooth gear changes but in Race mode they become like gun shits. Each gear shift is felt but the responsiveness is lightning quick.
Braking – Like many other AMG models, the GLC 63 receives powerful 4-piston fixed calipers on the front axle to provide the brunt of the braking force. There is a slight difference in regenerative braking and the physical brakes taking over that can be felt, particularly in city driving, but it’s not as bad as the GLC 300 for example. The regenerative braking can be adjusted from none to a very strong force but it’s not a one-pedal mode. Additionally, the stronger modes cannot be activated when the battery is over 75% charged. Should you want more braking force, the GLC 63 AMG is available with carbon ceramic brakes.
Handling – With the aid of the electric motor in the rear, which can provide torque vectoring, and the 4MATIC+ AWD system, this family crossover really sticks through corners. AMG has fitted it with rear-axle steering, active roll stabilization, and AMG sport ride control that constantly reads the road beneath you. The result? It shrinks around you. You point it into a corner, and rather than rolling like a Labrador on the sofa, it bites in, sharpens up, and effortlessly goes around turns like a kitten clinging onto its mother. It feels more like a high riding CLE than an SUV.
Comfort
Ride Comfort – When you’re not aiming for the horizon, the GLC 63 AMG is decently comfortable for what it is. In Comfort, the suspension softens up, and the fake exhaust noises from the stereo system are reduced. Bumps and potholes are still felt, but the ride won’t make your vision go blurry.
The standard Sport seats provide ample support & padding for longer journeys along with seat kinetics that move slightly to try to prevent your bum from going numb on longer trips. The optional AMG Performance seats are worse for daily commutes. I’ve had the change to sit in them, and while they do a great job of holding you in, they have little support.
Interior Space – The Mercedes-Benz GLC has always been one of the larger crossover SUVs in this segment. This new generation is no different. It has a longer wheelbase than its closest competitor, the BMW X3, which means almost an inch more rear legroom than the X3. But the back of the front seats are made out of hard plastic instead of soft leather so if the driver brakes hard enough, your knees could be digging into that hard plastic. Otherwise, there’s plenty of space for adults in the new generation Mercedes GLC.
Where you’ll notice a massive difference in interior volume is behind the seats. Due to the hybrid battery, the floor of the GLC’s trunk has been raised when compared to the trunk floor of the GLC 300. This means that it has 470 L (16.6 cu-ft) of cargo space behind the 2nd row and 1,530 L (54 cu-ft) with the 2nd row seats folded. Both these numbers are 150 L (5.3 cu-ft) less than the GLC 300. Furthermore, you cannot lift the trunk floor for additional small item storage. All that there is a small sliver of space big enough for the charging cable.
Noise, Vibration, & Harshness – For an AMG, this GLC is not the loudest car in the lineup. Of course it doesn’t have the gnarly sounds of the old V8 but it also doesn’t have too many real sounds as well. Almost everything that you hear in the cabin is augmented by the audio system. From the outside, there are a few pops and bangs from the exhaust upon each upshift but it’s not going to win any sound contest.
When not driving as though your pants are on fire, there’s a noticeable amount of road noise from the tires which is par for the course in these high performance vehicles. Additionally, there are a few squeaks and rattles from the trim pieces when driving on really rough roads.
Odds and Ends
Pricing – In Canada, the GLC 63 S E Performance starts at $111,500 CAD ($88,000 USD) before options. Add in some nice wheels, performance seats, carbon trim pack, and carbon ceramic brakes… and you’re knocking on $140,000 CAD ($120,000 USD).
Gadgets – Usually when you see a vehicle with a six-figure price tag, you expect it to be brimming with gadgets. Well, in this one, you’re paying for the performance. It has heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, 64-colour ambient lighting, and power front seats with memory. Everything else is an optional extra such as ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, real leather upholstery, a head-up display, and a wireless phone charging pad.
The MBUX infotainment system is the same one that is used in all other Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This infotainment system is fairly easy to navigate around but you’ll have to dig through it to change some functions which would be distracting to use while driving. And herein lies the problem I have with modern day Mercedes-Benz vehicles. A lot of the most commonly used functions (climate control, fan speed, etc) are integrated into a touchscreen rather than individual buttons like the previous generation GLC. It’s much more distraction and forces you to take your eyes off the road to make sure that you selected the item you wanted to select.
Interior Design – For the most part, the GLC 63’s interior looks like any other GLC but it has a few differences from your neighbors GLC 300. It can be equipped with carbon fiber trim, a microfiber wrapped steering wheel, and the AMG dynamics knobs on the steering wheel that allow for quick and easy change of drive modes or different vehicle parameters. Apart from the lack of physical controls, my other gripe is the use of gloss black plastic, especially on the center console lid.
Exterior Design – Just like the interior, the exterior is almost the same as other versions of the GLC. But with its optional 21-inch wheels, Panamericana grille, quad exhaust tips, and aggressive bumpers, the GLC 63 AMG does stand out a bit more.
Safety – The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 63 AMG comes equipped with a lot of standard safety features. All of the important safety & driver aids are present such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot sensors (which also function when the car is at a stop light), vehicle exit warning, 7 airbags, and much more. Some optional features include active lane keeping assist, a built-in dashcam, surround view cameras, trailer stability assist, and evasive steering assist among many more.
Warranty – Just like every other Mercedes-Benz vehicle, the 2026 GLC 63 comes with a 4 year / 80,000 km new vehicle warranty. For more information on Canadian warranty,click here. For U.S.A. warranty information,click here.
Conclusion – AMG’s goal with the E Performance badge isn’t to go quiet, it’s to be clever. This hybrid system is F1-inspired technology adapted for the road. Instant torque from the motor, relentless pull from the powertrain, and electronic aids that work faster than human reflexes. It’s the evolution of V8 madness, not the end of it. Yes, the soundtrack has changed, and I do miss it, but the essence of AMG is still there. It’s outrageous, complex, and quite a lot of fun to drive.
Thank you to Mercedes-Benz Canada for providing the GLC 63 AMG S E-Performance. www.Mercedes-Benz.ca
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 63 AMG S E-Performance Gallery
