Mercedes GLC AMG: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Mercedes GLC AMG choice depends on whether you prioritize lower weight and fuel consumption, V-shaped engine character, or maximum performance. The first generation and its restyling offer GLC AMG 43, GLC AMG 63, and GLC AMG 63S versions, while the second generation changes the range to GLC43 2.0 AT, GLC53 3.0 AT, and the plug-in GLC63SE Perfomance 2.0 AT.
The Mercedes GLC AMG choice depends on whether you prioritize lower weight and fuel consumption, V-shaped engine character, or maximum performance. The first generation and its restyling offer GLC AMG 43, GLC AMG 63, and GLC AMG 63S versions, while the second generation changes the range to GLC43 2.0 AT, GLC53 3.0 AT, and the plug-in GLC63SE Perfomance 2.0 AT. Among all versions, the GLC63SE Perfomance 2.0 AT has the highest output at 680 hp and the quickest 0–100 km/h time at 3.5 seconds. The original GLC AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic is the lightest at 1,845 kg and records the lowest non-plug-in combined consumption at 8.7 l/100 km. Price, MSRP, sale listings, dimensions, oil type, reliability, and problem data are not measured in the supplied specifications.
Mercedes GLC AMG generations: what changed?
The first generation ran from 2016 through 2019 as an SUV 5-doors and included three versions. Its GLC AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic produces 367 hp, while the two 3,982 cc V-shaped eight-cylinder alternatives produce 476 hp in GLC AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic form and 510 hp in GLC AMG 63S 4.0 AT 4Matic form. Every version has Turbo induction, a 9-speed Automatic gearbox, and AWD. This generation uses independent spring suspension at both ends and a 50-litre tank.
The first-generation restyling ran from 2019 through June 2023, retaining the SUV 5-doors body and three-version structure. The GLC AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic rises from 367 hp to 390 hp, a gain of 23 hp, while torque remains 520 Nm and its 4.9-second 0–100 km/h time is unchanged. The 476 hp GLC AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic and 510 hp GLC AMG 63S 4.0 AT 4Matic retain their outputs. Tank capacity increases from 50 to 66 litres across the range. The restyled GLC AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic and GLC AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic use independent pneumatic suspension front and rear; the GLC AMG 63S 4.0 AT 4Matic combines independent pneumatic front suspension with independent spring rear suspension.
The second generation has been produced since July 2023 as an SUV 5-doors with three versions. The GLC43 2.0 AT uses a 1,991 cc Inline four-cylinder Gasoline engine producing 421 hp. The GLC53 3.0 AT uses a 2,999 cc Inline six-cylinder Gasoline engine producing 449 hp. The GLC63SE Perfomance 2.0 AT combines a 1,991 cc Inline four-cylinder configuration with a Plug-in powertrain and produces 680 hp. All three retain Turbo induction, a 9-speed Automatic gearbox, AWD, and independent spring suspension at both ends.
Mercedes GLC AMG engine specs and horsepower
| Generation | Exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | GLC AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic | 367 hp | 520 Nm | 2,996 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation | GLC AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic | 476 hp | 650 Nm | 3,982 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation | GLC AMG 63S 4.0 AT 4Matic | 510 hp | 700 Nm | 3,982 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First-generation restyling | GLC AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic | 390 hp | 520 Nm | 2,996 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First-generation restyling | GLC AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic | 476 hp | 650 Nm | 3,982 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First-generation restyling | GLC AMG 63S 4.0 AT 4Matic | 510 hp | 700 Nm | 3,982 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation | GLC43 2.0 AT | 421 hp | 510 Nm | 1,991 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation | GLC53 3.0 AT | 449 hp | 600 Nm | 2,999 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation | GLC63SE Perfomance 2.0 AT | 680 hp | 1,020 Nm | 1,991 cc | Plug-in | 4, Inline | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD |
Calculated from the supplied displacement and output figures, the first-generation GLC AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic delivers about 122 hp per litre, increasing to about 130 hp per litre after restyling. Both generations of the GLC AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic produce about 120 hp per litre, while both GLC AMG 63S 4.0 AT 4Matic entries produce about 128 hp per litre. In the second generation, the GLC53 3.0 AT produces about 150 hp per litre, the GLC43 2.0 AT about 211 hp per litre, and the GLC63SE Perfomance 2.0 AT about 342 hp per litre.
Mercedes GLC AMG 0–100 km/h, top speed, and mpg-equivalent economy
| Generation | Exact version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | GLC AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic | 4.9 sec | 250 km/h | 11.2 l/100 km | 7.3 l/100 km | 8.7 l/100 km |
| First generation | GLC AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic | 4.0 sec | 250 km/h | 14.1 l/100 km | 8.7 l/100 km | 10.7 l/100 km |
| First generation | GLC AMG 63S 4.0 AT 4Matic | 3.8 sec | 250 km/h | 14.1 l/100 km | 8.7 l/100 km | 10.7 l/100 km |
| First-generation restyling | GLC AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic | 4.9 sec | 250 km/h | 14.1 l/100 km | 8.6 l/100 km | 10.6 l/100 km |
| First-generation restyling | GLC AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic | 4.0 sec | 270 km/h | 16.7 l/100 km | 9.8 l/100 km | 12.4 l/100 km |
| First-generation restyling | GLC AMG 63S 4.0 AT 4Matic | 3.8 sec | 280 km/h | 17.0 l/100 km | 9.8 l/100 km | 12.4 l/100 km |
| Second generation | GLC43 2.0 AT | 4.8 sec | 250 km/h | not measured | not measured | 10.2 l/100 km |
| Second generation | GLC53 3.0 AT | 4.2 sec | 250 km/h | not measured | not measured | 9.9 l/100 km |
| Second generation | GLC63SE Perfomance 2.0 AT | 3.5 sec | 275 km/h | not measured | not measured | 7.5 l/100 km |
The first-generation GLC AMG 63S 4.0 AT 4Matic is 0.2 seconds quicker to 100 km/h than the GLC AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic despite having identical measured consumption. In restyled form, the same comparison also brings a top-speed increase from 270 to 280 km/h. Against the restyled GLC AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic, the restyled GLC AMG 63S 4.0 AT 4Matic is 1.1 seconds quicker but uses 1.8 l/100 km more on the combined cycle.
Within the second generation, the GLC53 3.0 AT is 0.6 seconds quicker to 100 km/h than the GLC43 2.0 AT while its measured combined consumption is 0.3 l/100 km lower. The GLC63SE Perfomance 2.0 AT is another 0.7 seconds quicker than the GLC53 3.0 AT and records 2.4 l/100 km lower combined consumption. City and highway figures for all second-generation versions are not measured. Fuel economy in mpg is also not measured, so the table retains the supplied l/100 km values rather than converting them.
Mercedes GLC AMG weight, ground clearance, tank, and wheel sizes
| Generation | Exact version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | GLC AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic | 1,845 kg | 2,460 kg | 181 mm | 50 L | 235/55 R19; 255/50 R19 |
| First generation | GLC AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic | 1,925 kg | 2,580 kg | 160 mm | 50 L | 235/55 R19; 255/50 R19 |
| First generation | GLC AMG 63S 4.0 AT 4Matic | 1,935 kg | 2,580 kg | 160 mm | 50 L | 265/45 R20; 295/40 R20 |
| First-generation restyling | GLC AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic | 1,870 kg | 2,460 kg | 160 mm | 66 L | 235/55 R19; 255/50 R19 |
| First-generation restyling | GLC AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic | 2,015 kg | 2,580 kg | 160 mm | 66 L | 235/55 R19; 255/50 R19 |
| First-generation restyling | GLC AMG 63S 4.0 AT 4Matic | 2,025 kg | 2,580 kg | 160 mm | 66 L | 255/45 R20; 285/40 R20 |
| Second generation | GLC43 2.0 AT | 1,975 kg | 2,550 kg | not measured | 62 L | 235/55 R19; 255/50 R19 |
| Second generation | GLC53 3.0 AT | 2,065 kg | 2,640 kg | 117 mm | 62 L | 235/55 R19; 255/50 R19 |
| Second generation | GLC63SE Perfomance 2.0 AT | 2,310 kg | 2,885 kg | not measured | 65 L | 265/45 R20; 295/40 R20 |
Body dimensions are not measured for any version. Ground clearance is also not measured for the second-generation GLC43 2.0 AT or GLC63SE Perfomance 2.0 AT.
Calculated weight-to-power figures sharpen the comparison. The original GLC AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic carries about 5.03 kg per hp, improving to about 4.79 kg per hp after restyling. The original and restyled GLC AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic record about 4.04 and 4.23 kg per hp respectively, while the corresponding GLC AMG 63S 4.0 AT 4Matic figures are about 3.79 and 3.97 kg per hp. The second-generation GLC43 2.0 AT achieves about 4.69 kg per hp, the GLC53 3.0 AT about 4.60 kg per hp, and the GLC63SE Perfomance 2.0 AT about 3.40 kg per hp.
Which Mercedes GLC AMG version should you buy?
Choose the first-generation GLC AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic if low kerb weight and lower measured Gasoline consumption matter most. At 1,845 kg, it is 80 kg lighter than the contemporary GLC AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic and 90 kg lighter than the contemporary GLC AMG 63S 4.0 AT 4Matic. Its 8.7 l/100 km combined consumption is 2.0 l/100 km lower than either V-shaped eight-cylinder version, although its 4.9-second acceleration time trails them by 0.9 and 1.1 seconds respectively.
Choose the original GLC AMG 63S 4.0 AT 4Matic over the original GLC AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic when acceleration is the priority. The S adds 34 hp and 50 Nm, reduces the 0–100 km/h time from 4.0 to 3.8 seconds, and adds only 10 kg of kerb weight. Both have the same 10.7 l/100 km combined consumption and 250 km/h top speed in the supplied first-generation specifications.
Choose the restyled GLC AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic if you want the first-generation V-shaped six-cylinder format with the larger 66-litre tank. Compared with its earlier counterpart, it adds 23 hp and 16 litres of tank capacity, but gains 25 kg, loses 21 mm of ground clearance, and increases combined consumption from 8.7 to 10.6 l/100 km. Its acceleration and top speed remain 4.9 seconds and 250 km/h.
Choose the GLC53 3.0 AT over the second-generation GLC43 2.0 AT if the additional 28 hp and 90 Nm justify an extra 90 kg. The GLC53 3.0 AT reaches 100 km/h 0.6 seconds sooner and uses 0.3 l/100 km less on the measured combined cycle. Both have a 62-litre tank, identical listed wheel sizes, and a 250 km/h top speed.
Choose the GLC63SE Perfomance 2.0 AT for the strongest performance figures. It has 680 hp and 1,020 Nm, exceeding the GLC53 3.0 AT by 231 hp and 420 Nm. It is 245 kg heavier, yet reaches 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds rather than 4.2 seconds. Its measured combined consumption is 7.5 l/100 km, compared with 9.9 l/100 km for the GLC53 3.0 AT, and its top speed is 275 km/h rather than 250 km/h. It is therefore the numerical performance choice, while the original GLC AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic remains the lightest choice and the GLC53 3.0 AT offers the middle ground in the current three-version range.