Mercedes-Benz’s performance division, AMG, has designed the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S to be a top performance, luxury crossover SUV. For starters, it is a blistering fast coupe (although it has four doors). However, that’s not all that it is. Its cabin provides a premier experience for the buyer with deep pockets.

Mercedes-AMG performance

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S’s AMG 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine is handmade and generates 503 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. MotorTrend says it “leaps forward at the slightest touch of the pedal.” The engine is so powerful that MotorTrend also says “your neck snaps back when you accelerate, whether you want it to or not.”

Car and Driver calls it “one of the quickest SUVs on the market,” saying it “orbits in an entirely different solar system.” It’s able to outperform both the non-S GLC 63 and the GLC 300, racing from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. With an air-spring suspension and adaptive dampers, the GLC 63 S is able to stay stable at higher speeds even with its higher center of gravity.

As expected for a vehicle with such a powerful engine, the GLC 63 S doesn’t have the best fuel economy. It is rated for 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, leading to 18 mpg combined.

The interior of the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S is a lot more than just a fast coupe though. It provides a sporty and opulent interior as well. MotorTrend points out its round dash vents and the HVAC controls have an aviation inspiration. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara except for a leather strip at the top of the wheel.

Metal finishes and AMG badging top off the look. The steering wheel also displays paddle shifters, a dial for the drive mode, and a volume booster for the exhaust sound.

With such a powerful engine, it’s not especially quiet in the cabin. The sound and vibration are heard and felt most strongly at idle. The GLC 63 S does have dynamic engine mounts to limit some of the engine vibrations. Carbon-fiber trim around the cabin and on the dash and center console highlight the vehicle’s sporty nature. The interior mood is set by colored ambient lights and a Burmester surround-sound system.

The front seats have power lumbar support and driver-seat memory. There are three seats in the rear, and rear passengers have vents with temperature and fan speed controls. The roof sports a small sunroof in a cloth headliner.

The GLC 63 S has relatively large cargo space; however, the floor is quite high, so it’s hard to reach all the way into the cargo area. There are nets to use that will keep items from rolling too far in. The rear seats fold down when a button is pushed, increasing the cargo space from 17.6 to 36.1 cubic feet. And there is a cargo cover, which MotorTrend describes as “attractive with some decorative trim.”

Impressive technology

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S features cutting-edge technology. Its infotainment system has a 10.3-inch screen floating above the vents, but it’s still low enough on the dash not to block the view of the road. The driver uses a touchpad in the center console to make selections on the screen.

The system includes an augmented reality view of the street when providing navigation instructions. Artificial intelligence capabilities learn the driver’s preferences, and the infotainment system comes with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The GLC 63 S has several USB outlets, but they’re all USB-C. There is also a wireless charging mat. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provides what MotorTrend calls “every piece of information you can imagine.” A head-up display is an available option.

With a base price of $85,095, a fully-loaded 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe costs nearly $100,000. It does deliver though, providing both performance and luxury.