High-line AMG GLC 63 SUV: An excessive amount of of a very good factor?

Mercedes-Benz has an exhaustive listing of mannequin names and trims, together with two new 2025 hybrid sport utility autos on the extremes of the carmaker’s GLC lineup. The 350e plug-in is joined by fellow beginner, the AMG 63 E Efficiency.

The latter expands the reaches of mid-sized efficiency SUVs, providing 671 horsepower. The GLC 63 pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with an electrical motor mounted on the rear axle by way of a 6.1-kWh battery pack.

The gas-hybrid configuration options 469 conventional horsepower; the rest of the hefty complete is supplied by the electrical motor. The mix additionally means 752 lb-ft of torque. It’s an automotive oxymoron. It’s a household hauler advancing with race automobile pace by way of a nine-speed computerized transmission. It replaces a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8.

Drive modes embody Consolation, Electrical and three efficiency choices, Sport, Sport+ and Race. The choices modify throttle response, stability management, suspension tuning and steering effort. No matter selection, the GLC 63 follows the remainder of the German producer’s lineup. Acceleration is assured, clean and fast. Mercedes touts the SUV can advance from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.4 seconds whereas utilizing one of many hybrid driving modes.

The brand new providing can be heavy, practically 5,100 kilos. The GLC 63 has metal coils, paired with retuned adaptive dampers for a better vary of adjustability. Energetic anti-roll bars, rear-wheel steering, 15.4-inch entrance and 14.6-inch rear brakes are all new.

Expertise consists of the oddly named MBUX (Mercedes-Benz Consumer Expertise). The voice command system works effectively and its comfort is additional interesting. Use the phrases “Hey, Mercedes.” The command will function the car’s navigation system to adjusting the temperature. The system additionally consists of Android Auto and wi-fi Apple CarPlay.

Additionally normal: a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel show and an 11.9-inch heart touchscreen. Entrance and rear seats are properly constructed, comfy and spacious. The seats even have the standard complement of options, energy changes to a reminiscence operate, and a number of warmth choices to top-quality lumbar help.

Past its luxurious and efficiency, the GLC 63 continues to be categorized as a sport utility car. With the second row of seats folded, there’s 56.3 cubic toes of cargo area. The rear seating gives 37.4 inches of legroom. The BMW M50, a high competitor, has 36.3 inches of rear legroom and 67.1 cubic toes of cargo area.

The best-performing GLC providing can be the costliest.

With its efficiency, prowess and persona, the AMG Efficiency Design bundle ($4,000) consists of an elevated high pace (174 mph). The AMG Observe Tempo efficiency knowledge show and recording software program, plus pink brake calipers and a steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather-based and microfiber are a part of the deal.

The Efficiency Seat Bundle ($3,700), Energetic Experience Management ($3,400) and the 21-inch multi-spoke wheels ($2,850) are among the many seven pricey choices. One worthy bundle is sort of a cut price:  Driving Help ($1,950) consists of energetic lane-keeping, adaptive cruise management, computerized lane change, evasive steering help and several other extra security options.

With its conventional Mercedes-Benz luxurious and AMG energy, the brand new GLC 63 will discover its consumers. The producer’s famend legend is warranted.

Nonetheless, some specs warrant a pause. The brand new SUV will get a mixed 20 miles per gallon. Its electric-only vary is six miles. The beginning MSRP is $86,050. Possibility packages, single-item add-ons and costs push the worth to $115,145.

Mercedes-Benz and its high-performance AMG model don’t promote bargain-priced autos. Maybe model loyalists don’t care, however the GLC 63 E stretches pricing norms, even by luxurious requirements.

Does 671 horsepower in a medium-sized SUV make sense for any purpose? Does spending $115,000 on a mid-size SUV make sense?

Just a few thousand shoppers per yr might imagine so. And possibly that’s all of the German carmaker was searching for.

James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, additionally contributes enterprise, life-style and sports activities content material to a number of print and on-line publications. E-mail: [email protected].