2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63 S Coupe

The 63 S model sits at the top of the GLC range and is available exclusively with the coupe body style. For the price, the 63 S Coupe includes a wide range of standard features like power-adjustable sports front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, reconfigurable instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and a lot more. The standard powertrain is as good as it gets with a 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes also provides several optional packages to spruce up the interiors and add more safety features. Prices are on the higher side, starting at $84,500.

Sitting at the top of the range, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S already comes equipped with almost all the available features. However, there are still some notable optional packages on offer like the Driver Assistance Package and Exterior Lighting Package; each of which includes features like:

Driver Assistance Package

• Active distance assist
• Blind-spot assist
• Active brake assist with cross-traffic function
• Evasive steering assist
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane-keeping assist

Exterior Lighting Package

• LED Intelligent Light System
• Adaptive high beam assist

We Recommend

As the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S is already well equipped from the factory, there are not many options to choose from. However, we recommend opting for the Driver Assistance package for all the safety features on offer.

Release Date

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S is currently available in showrooms.

With a massive twin-turbocharged V8 under the hood, the GLC 63 S doesn't have efficiency as its first priority. However, it does surprisingly well when driven sedately, returning 15 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. Coupled with a 17.4-gallon fuel tank, the highway range is adequate at 383 miles. Mercedes has added features like the auto start/stop system to eke out more MPG.

Despite having the biggest engine here with more cylinders, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S is surprisingly efficient, beating out the BMW X4 M by a notable margin. However, the smaller and lighter Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio and Porsche Macan return higher figures, while the latter also offers a higher range with a larger fuel tank.

Step inside and the interiors are similar to the standard GLC models with notable AMG upgrades like sports front seats, AMG performance steering wheel, and upgraded materials on the dashboard and door pads. All the seats offer good support and comfort with a lot of adjustabilities on offer. However, if we consider the rear seats, the sloping roof line of the Coupe model limits headroom compared to the standard model. The dashboard design looks elegant and minimalistic with a floating infotainment system in the middle followed by some physical controls for easy access. The 63 S model also gets a fully digital instrument cluster with reconfigurable displays. Mercedes also offers plenty of customization options to choose from and spruce up the interiors. Storage space is also provided liberally around the cabin to keep bottles and other items. The overall cabin quality is typical Mercedes and there are no complaints. All the controls for the drive mode and other systems are placed neatly in the middle alongside the touchpad controller.

Along with the rear seat space, another disadvantage of the Coupe model is the limited cargo capacity. With all the seats up, the capacity is limited to 18 cubic feet, a fair bit lower than the standard GLC model. Folding the rear seats flat will liberate up to 49 cubic feet.

As some of the smallest luxury SUVs in the market, space is at a premium regardless of which option you choose. The Mercedes-GMC 63 Coupe loses out on rear seat space because of the sloping roofline limiting headroom. Both the Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe and BMW X4 M offer a lot more space at the rear compared to the Porsche Macan Turbo and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio. However, the Alfa Romeo manages to offer the most practical trunk among all four options followed by the Porsche Macan.

Some of the key interior features available with the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S include:

• Power-adjustable front sports seats with memory function
• AMG performance steering wheel
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Leather upholstery
• Power liftgate
• Panoramic sunroof

How intuitive is the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe’s infotainment system?

Like the lower trim levels, the GLC 63 S gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system placed in the center along with a touchpad controller on the center console for easy access. The system features all the latest additions like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth connectivity, 'Hey Mercedes' voice control, built-in navigation with augmented video, USB connectivity, and a lot more. The system runs the latest MBUX software and takes a while to get used to. Multi-touch gestures are also possible with the center touchpad for easier control. Another notable addition is the reconfigurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster with a lot more features. Mercedes also includes a 13-speaker Burmester audio system as standard with the 63S model along with an AMG track pace system.

Some of the most notable infotainment features available with the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe include:

• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 12.3-inch reconfigurable digital driver’s display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Touchpad control with multi-touch gestures
• Type-C USB ports
• 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system

The coupe design comes into its own when compared to the standard SUV, offering a lot more aggression and style. The recent refresh has given the GLC an exterior facelift with a bigger grille at the front sporting the tri-star logo in the center, flanked by sleek yet small headlamps. The AMG models get a sportier grille at the front with fewer chrome elements. The front splitter and LED elements on the headlamps add a lot more aggression. From the sides, the fender flares and strong body lines give it more aggression while still remaining elegant. However, move to the rear end and the Coupe model looks sportier with its sloping roofline that ends in a curvy rear end that features a small spoiler along with wide taillights. The exhaust system is also executed perfectly with dark tips and a prominent rear diffuser. Overall, the GLC Coupe is as handsome as it gets in the segment and Mercedes has done a good job of differentiating the AMG models from the standard offerings.

Dimensionally, the GLC Coupe is on the smaller side, measuring just 186.9 inches in length and 76 inches in width. For the performance on offer, ground clearance is lower at 6.4 inches to aid handling. With the massive V-8 under the hood and all the extra additions, the GLC 63 S is on the heavier side at 4,590 lbs.

As the heaviest option here, the Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe is also larger than the competition by a small margin, only being matched by the BMW X4 M. With such tough competition in the design department, the Mercedes takes an elegant approach compared to the aggressive Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Porsche Macan. The Mercedes-AMG also inches ahead in terms of wheelbase.

Some standout exterior features include:

• 20-inch AMG twin 5-spoke alloy wheels
• LED adaptive headlights
• Dual exit AMG performance exhaust
• Rear lip spoiler
• Panoramic sunroof
• AMG front grille

Because of the limited sales, there are no official safety tests for the GLC Coupe models. However, the standard GLC scored an impressive 5-star overall safety rating in the NHTSA tests and a good overall rating in the IIHS tests, securing the ‘Top Safety Pick’ award. The optional driver assistance features on offer also received a ‘Superior’ rating. Unfortunately, even with the range-topping GLC 63 S model, a lot of these features are not available as standard. Some of the notable features on offer as standard include active radar-based forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, driver attention assist, adaptive braking technology, blind-spot assist, surround-view camera, and more. The optional Driver Assistance Package also adds active steering assist, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic assist, lane keeping assist, evasive steering assist, and more. Some of the notable features on offer include:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind spot monitor
• LED Adaptive headlights
• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
• Pre-collision safety system
• Lane change assist with steering assist

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe vs 2021 BMW X4 M

With similar performance on offer, the BMW X4 M Competition matches the GLC 63 S even with its smaller powertrain. Both SUVs also offer similar interior space and cargo capacity, although the GLC 63 leans more towards luxury with its elegant interior design and feature set, although the BMW is not far behind. Both SUVs offer athletic handling and performance. Even with its coupe design, the BMW X4 M offers more practicality with a larger trunk. It's a tough choice between the two, but for the same price, the GLC 63 is the better overall package.

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe vs 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio has always managed to stand out from the pack with its distinctive and seductive styling. The Quadrifoglio model matches some high-performance sedans in terms of handling, offering more excitement than the GLC Coupe even in the range-topping 63 S trim level. However, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio loses out on luxury and interior space. The feature list on offer is also lacking for the high price it demands. Between the two, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 is the balanced choice, offering better interiors, more refinement, and an excellent V-8 powertrain.

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe vs 2021 Porsche Macan Turbo

Following the usual Porsche formula, the Macan Turbo prioritizes driving experience and handling above all else, making it a lot less practical and cramped compared to the Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe. The GLC Coupe also offers a longer feature list, including a wide range of extra features. The rear seats of the GLC Coupe also feel a lot more comfortable and spacious. When comparing the range-topping models, the Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe comes out on top, bringing a lot more to the table without any notable difference in handling capabilities and outright performance.

Even with the sacrifices in interior room and practicality, there is no denying the style and road presence of the GLC Coupe especially in AMG guise. The GLC 63 S Coupe offers a balanced package with plenty of performance and no notable sacrifices in luxury. The standard air suspension system provides good ride quality, while the luxury interiors pamper passengers with all the latest features. The GLC Coupe achieves all this without sacrificing handling and ride quality, making it one of the most balanced options out there. Overall, if you're in the market for a stylish and luxurious SUV that offers supercar levels of performance, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S is an excellent choice.