The AMG GLC 63 S has long been the undisputed king of the super SUV segment, a benchmark for raw power and theatrical performance. For years, a thunderous V8 was its heart and soul. But now, the game has changed. The arrival of the 2025 AMG GLC 63 S E Performance signals a radical shift, swapping eight cylinders for a high-tech hybrid four. This article provides a definitive look at this evolution, offering a deep-dive GLC 63 S V8 review alongside a critical analysis of its new successor.
We’ll explore the new GLC 63 vs old debate and see if technology can truly replace displacement. Is this a bold step into the future or a compromise that loses the very soul of what made this vehicle a legend? Let’s find out.
Understanding the AMG GLC 63 S Legacy
Before we dissect the current controversy, let’s take a moment to appreciate what made the original AMG GLC 63 S an icon. Think of it as the automotive equivalent of a heavyweight boxer in a tailored suit. It wasn’t just another SUV with a big engine stuffed under the hood; it was a masterfully engineered paradox. It could handle the school run in serene comfort and then, with a flick of a switch, unleash hellfire to challenge genuine sports cars.
This vehicle established the benchmark that all other high-performance compact SUVs, including the formidable BMW X3 M, would be measured against. It represented the pinnacle of AMG “One Man, One Engine” philosophy within a versatile, everyday platform. The experience it delivered was multi-sensory—the push in your seat, the grip through a corner, and most importantly, the sound. This legacy is the reason the transition to a new powertrain is such a seismic event for the brand and its loyal followers.
The End of an Era: A Fond Look Back at the V8-Powered Legend
For enthusiasts, the first-generation model (codename X253) is the definitive AMG GLC 63 S. It embodies a character that many fear is lost forever. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s unapologetically powered by internal combustion. A deep analysis reveals why this model captured the hearts of so many and why the first generation GLC 63 value is becoming a hot topic among collectors and drivers who crave that authentic V8 feel.
The Heart of the Beast: The Hand-Built 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8
The soul of the original AMG GLC 63 S was its M177 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. Assembled by a single technician in Affalterbach, this engine wasn’t just a power unit; it was a musical instrument. With 503 horsepower and a tidal wave of 516 lb-ft of torque, it delivered blistering acceleration accompanied by a soundtrack that defined the modern AMG brand. The authentic, menacing GLC 63 S exhaust sound—a deep, guttural burble at idle escalating to a ferocious, crackling roar under load—was its signature calling card. This wasn’t an artificially enhanced noise; it was the genuine, mechanical symphony of controlled explosions, a key component of the visceral driving experience that simply cannot be replicated.
Driving Dynamics: A Masterclass in Controlled Chaos
You might expect an SUV weighing over 4,500 pounds to handle like a boat, but you’d be wrong. Despite its stature, the V8 model drove with the poise of a much smaller sports sedan. The magic was in the hardware. The combination of a rear-biased 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, an electronic limited-slip differential, and the adaptive AMG Ride Control+ suspension allowed it to feel both compliant on a rough road and remarkably agile when pushed. It was a vehicle that always felt alive, communicating its immense power to the driver in a raw, analogue way that has become increasingly rare in our digitally sanitized world. It was, in every sense, a driver SUV.
A Brave New World: The 2025 AMG GLC 63 S E Performance
Now, let’s turn to the future. The 2025 AMG GLC 63 S E Performance is a complete reimagining of the formula. It’s a technological statement, a rolling showcase of AMG commitment to a high-performance future, but one that relies on electrons as much as explosions. According to Mercedes-AMG’s official release, this model is “a game changer” that leverages direct know-how from their Formula 1 program (Mercedes-AMG GmbH, 2023). This new AMG GLC 63 S is defined by its staggering on-paper specifications and its embrace of complex, cutting-edge systems.
Deconstructing the F1 Powertrain: M139 Engine and Hybrid Tech
At its core is the M139l engine—the “l” denotes its longitudinal mounting—which is already famous as the world’s most powerful production four-cylinder. But the real story is the E Performance hybrid system. Forget everything you know about fuel-sipping hybrids; this is Mercedes F1 hybrid technology adapted for the road. A powerful 201-hp electric motor sits directly on the rear axle, integrated with a two-speed gearbox and the differential. It’s fed by a lightweight, high-performance AMG E Performance battery designed not for maximum range, but for incredibly rapid power deployment and energy recovery. This intricate system delivers instantaneous torque fill, completely eliminates turbo lag, and produces a colossal combined output.
The Shocking Numbers: Power, Torque, and the GLC 63 S 0-60 Time
The statistics are, frankly, mind-boggling. The new model’s 671 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque absolutely dwarf the outgoing V8. This translates to a blistering GLC 63 S 0-60 time of just 3.3 seconds, as tested by publications like Car and Driver (Car and Driver, 2024). That’s faster than many dedicated supercars from just a few years ago. On paper, it is a clear and decisive victory for the new generation. This is a level of performance that fundamentally redefines what a compact SUV is capable of.
Agility Through Technology: Rear Axle Steering and Active Roll Stabilization
To manage its immense power and considerable mass, AMG has equipped the new AMG GLC 63 S with its full arsenal of dynamic aids. For the first time, this model includes standard AMG rear axle steering, which turns the rear wheels opposite the fronts at low speeds for a tighter turning circle, and in the same direction at high speeds for enhanced stability. This, combined with active roll stabilization that uses electromechanical actuators instead of traditional anti-roll bars, works to digitally counteract the laws of physics, keeping this heavy SUV remarkably flat and composed through corners.
New GLC 63 vs Old: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Comparison
This is the central debate for any potential buyer or enthusiast. Does the new model’s technological superiority make it the better vehicle? Or does the old model’s character and soul win out? This isn’t just a comparison; it’s a clash of philosophies.
Performance on Paper vs. The Feel on the Road
Imagine this real-world scenario: An owner of the V8 model test drives the new E Performance version. The first full-throttle launch in the hybrid is a shock to the system—it’s undeniably, violently faster. The instant electric torque makes it feel like a high-speed train. Yet, as they navigate a winding road, a different feeling emerges. The old V8 was a muscle car in an SUV body—visceral, a bit brutish, and emotionally engaging. You felt the engine’s vibrations and heard its thunder.
The new model is more akin to a digital supercar—immensely capable, surgically precise, and almost surreal in its speed, but with a layer of technological mediation between the driver and the road. The feedback is more filtered, the experience more synthesized.
The Sound of Progress? Tackling the GLC 63 S Exhaust Sound Controversy
The most significant and controversial downgrade for many is the sound. The M139 is a potent and angry-sounding four-cylinder, but it cannot replicate the V8 acoustic drama. To compensate, AMG uses speakers to augment the engine note both inside and outside the car. While it’s a technologically clever solution, critics and owners almost universally find it to be an artificial and unsatisfying substitute for the genuine article. The thrilling GLC 63 S exhaust sound that was once a core part of its identity has been replaced by a digital approximation.
The Elephant in the Room: The GLC 63 S Weight Issue
The hybrid system adds significant mass. The new model’s curb weight is a staggering 5,500 pounds, nearly 1,000 pounds heavier than some versions of its predecessor. As noted in a detailed review by MotorTrend, while the tech is “incredibly effective at masking this weight,” it can’t be entirely hidden (MotorTrend, 2024). In tight, successive corners, the GLC 63 S weight issue becomes apparent. It feels less nimble and more like a force of nature being managed by computers compared to the more tossable and communicative V8 model.
The Competitive Landscape: GLC 63 S vs BMW X3 M
No discussion of the AMG GLC 63 S is complete without comparing it to its arch-rival, the BMW X3 M Competition. This rivalry now highlights the diverging philosophies in the high-performance SUV segment.
Powertrain Philosophy: Hybrid Four vs. Twin-Turbo Six
The GLC 63 S vs BMW X3 M debate is now a fascinating clash of engineering ideologies. While AMG has gone all-in on complex hybridization, BMW has stuck with a more traditional formula: a high-revving, 503-horsepower S58 twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. It offers a pure internal combustion experience that stands in stark contrast to the GLC’s setup. The BMW is significantly lighter, mechanically simpler, and offers a more classic performance feel that many purists crave. It represents the peak of the old guard, while the AMG represents the dawn of a new one.
A Matter of Choice: Which Super SUV Is for You?
So, which one should you choose? The decision comes down to your personal priorities.
- Choose the 2025 AMG GLC 63 S E Performance if: You are a tech-focused driver who craves the absolute latest in performance innovation, the fastest straight-line speed, and the bragging rights that come with F1-derived technology.
- Choose the BMW X3 M (or a used V8 AMG GLC 63 S) if: You prioritize a more analogue, raw driving experience. If the sound of a pure combustion engine, a lighter and more tossable chassis, and a more direct connection to the road are what get your heart racing, then the traditional formula still holds immense appeal.
Final Verdict: Is the New AMG GLC 63 S a Worthy Successor?
The new AMG GLC 63 S E Performance is an engineering masterpiece and a monumental achievement. It is faster, more advanced, and more capable by almost every objective metric. It pushes the boundaries of what an SUV can do, proving that hybrid technology can be used for breathtaking performance, not just efficiency.
However, in its relentless pursuit of technological supremacy, it has traded the emotional, V8-powered soul that defined its predecessor for a new identity built on digital precision and overwhelming force. It is undeniably a successor, but whether it is a worthy one will be a matter of intense debate for years to come. The new AMG GLC 63 S is a brilliant machine, but for those who fell in love with the thunder of the original, it may feel like a genius that has lost its soul. It’s a look into the future of performance, a future that is quieter, heavier, but undeniably, shockingly fast.
AMG GLC 63 S FAQs
Question: What is the main difference between the old and new AMG GLC 63 S?
Answer: The biggest difference is the powertrain. The old AMG GLC 63 S used a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine known for its sound and character. The new 2025 AMG GLC 63 S E Performance uses a 2.0L four-cylinder engine combined with a powerful electric motor and F1-derived hybrid technology.
Question: How much horsepower does the 2025 AMG GLC 63 S have?
Answer: The 2025 AMG GLC 63 S E Performance has a combined system output of 671 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque. This is a significant increase over the previous V8 model’s 503 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful compact SUVs ever produced.
Question: Why is the new GLC 63 S so much heavier?
Answer: The significant GLC 63 S weight issue is due to its complex hybrid system. The addition of the AMG E Performance battery, a powerful rear-axle electric motor, and associated cooling and control systems adds several hundred pounds compared to the lighter, V8-powered first-generation model.
Question: Is the old V8-powered AMG GLC 63 S a good investment?
Answer: Many experts believe the first generation GLC 63 value may hold strong or even appreciate over time. As manufacturers move away from large V8 engines, models celebrated for their sound and analogue feel are becoming increasingly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors, making it a potentially solid investment.
Author Bio
Alex Carter is a senior automotive journalist with over 15 years of experience test-driving and reviewing high-performance vehicles. With a background in mechanical engineering, Alex combines technical expertise with a passion for the art of driving, offering readers in-depth, trustworthy analysis of the latest industry trends. He has contributed to several leading automotive publications and specializes in German performance brands.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information, manufacturer specifications, and expert reviews from reputable automotive publications as of late 2024. All information is provided for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, performance figures and vehicle specifications may vary by region and testing conditions. Readers are encouraged to consult official sources and conduct their own research before making any purchasing decisions.
You can refer to more:
- Official Mercedes-AMG Technical Data : This link directs readers to the official manufacturer’s page for the new GLC 63 S E Performance, providing authoritative and precise technical specifications, which builds trust and offers a primary source for fact-checking.
- Car and Driver Instrumented Test : This links to a comprehensive review and instrumented test from a highly respected automotive publication. It provides an unbiased, third-party analysis with real-world performance data (0-60, quarter-mile), adding credibility and depth to the article’s claims.
- Top Gear Video Review : This provides a link to a video review from a globally recognized automotive authority. It offers a different medium for readers who prefer visual content and allows them to hear the controversial GLC 63 S exhaust sound and see the car in action.
