“The Hybrid Hulk”
There was a time, not so long ago, when the idea of a high-performance SUV was a contradiction in terms. And the notion of a hybrid performance vehicle felt like an even greater compromise, a polite nod to efficiency rather than a full-throated roar of power. But this is AMG we’re talking about. The maestros from Affalterbach don’t just bend the rules; they often rewrite them with a sledgehammer. And with the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E-Performance, they’ve taken every expectation of what an SUV and a hybrid can be, tossed it out the window, and crafted something truly astonishing. This isn’t your average eco-conscious hybrid; this is a fire-breathing, torque-vectoring, corner-carving monster that just happens to have an electric motor onboard, purely to make it even more terrifyingly fast. Read on till the end to find what elephant in the room is all about.
“E-Performance.” Those two words from AMG don’t signify quiet cruising or extended electric range. Oh no. They signal a new era of ballistic performance, where electrification isn’t about saving the polar bears (though it might help a little), but about instantly accessible, ludicrous power. This is an SUV that wears its AMG badge like a challenge, daring you to find something else this practical that can humble sports cars with such casual disdain.
From the moment you clap eyes on the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E-Performance, its intent is clear. The flared wheel arches, the aggressive Panamericana grille, the deep air intakes, and those imposing 21-inch AMG Cross-Spoke Forged Wheels in Black aren’t just for show – they’re functional declarations of its immense capabilities. Opt for the vibrant Spectral Blue Metallic paint ($950 CAD) paired with the AMG Night Package ($1,000 CAD), and it becomes an even more menacing silhouette. It’s an SUV, yes, but one that looks like it just finished a session at the Nürburgring. The stance is lower, wider, more purposeful than any standard GLC, embodying that perfect blend of menacing athleticism and sophisticated Mercedes-Benz luxury. It screams “performance” without needing to shout, its muscular proportions hinting at the fury coiled within.
Now, let’s talk about the controversy and heart of this beast, because this is where the “E-Performance” really shines (but for some fails). Under the hood lies the remarkable piece of engineering, the handcrafted AMG 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo Engine (M139L), a mechanical marvel capable of delivering a staggering 476 horsepower (350 kW), without any electrical assistance. This isn’t just any four-pot; it’s the most powerful series-production four-cylinder in the world, thanks in no small part to an electric exhaust gas turbocharger borrowed directly from Formula 1 tech. But AMG didn’t stop there. This mighty engine, part of a P3 Hybrid configuration, is paired with a permanently-excited synchronous electric motor on the rear axle. The combined system output for the GLC 63 S E-Performance is a monumental 671 horsepower @ 6,750 rpm and a mind-bending 752 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000-5,500 rpm. Let that sink in. In an SUV.
Yet, for the AMG purist, there’s an elephant in the room that needs addressing: the glorious, guttural roar of the outgoing twin-turbo V8. For years, that V8 soundtrack was as integral to the AMG experience as its prodigious power, a visceral symphony that announced your arrival with unadulterated aggression. Swapping those eight cylinders for a hybridized four-cylinder might, at first blush, feel like heresy to some, a compromise forced by emissions regulations. But trust AMG to turn a potential drawback into an undeniable advantage. While the traditionalists might mourn the V8’s departure, the new E-Performance powertrain isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about pushing the boundaries of performance further. The instant electric torque, the F1-derived turbo technology, and the sheer combined output of 671 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque don’t just match the old V8; they decisively surpass it in raw acceleration and responsiveness. It’s a different kind of sensation, yes, perhaps less acoustically dramatic, but dynamically, it’s a leap forward, proving that electrification, in AMG’s hands, is a tool for enhanced ferocity, not diminished passion.
Now that you have put your reservations aside; what does this translate to on the road? Absolute, unadulterated velocity. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9-Speed transmission and fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system work in perfect harmony to launch this missile from 0 to 100 km/h in a jaw-dropping 3.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 275 km/h, a limiter that is cleverly included and raised as part of the AMG Design Package. The real magic of this hybrid setup, however, is the instant torque delivery. That electric motor fills in any potential turbo lag, providing an immediate, electrifying surge of power that pins you back in your AMG Performance seats. The compact 4.84 kWh battery isn’t for extended electric range (you’ll get an EPA-rated14 km), but purely as a high-output energy buffer, ready to deploy maximum boost at a moment’s notice. When the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine takes over, with fuel economy rated at 12.3 L/100km city, 11.4 L/100km highway, and 11.9 L/100km combined. Factor in the electric assistance, and the combined Gas + Electric consumption improves to 7.7 Le/100km. Recharging the battery takes just 1.25 hours on a 3.7 kW AC charger.
This isn’t just about straight-line speed; AMG has infused the GLC 63 S E-Performance with dynamics that defy its SUV stature. The optional AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL ($4,600 CAD), combined with the standard AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension and adaptive damping, allows for a range of driving experiences, from surprisingly comfortable cruising to track-ready stiffness. Crucially, it features standard active rear-axle steering, which effectively shortens the wheelbase at lower speeds for incredible agility and tight turning, then lengthens it at higher speeds for unflappable stability. The optional active roll stabilization further flattens corners, making this SUV handle with a surgical precision that borders on witchcraft. Push it hard, and you’ll find a level of engagement and control that truly belongs in a top-tier sports car, not a family hauler.
Inside, the cabin is a masterclass in performance luxury. AMG-specific displays and readouts fill the dual screens, showcasing everything from G-forces to power flow. The deeply bolstered AMG sports seats, available in luxurious AMG Titanium Grey Pearl / Black Nappa Leather (AMG Two-Tone for $3,400 CAD), hug you in all the right places, providing comfort for long hauls and unwavering support when you decide to explore the limits of adhesion. The latest MBUX infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, featuring augmented reality navigation (part of the Pinnacle Trim, $3,200 CAD). The Pinnacle Trim also adds DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps, a Head-Up Display, and Heat and Noise Insulating Glass. You’ll grip the AMG Performance Steering Wheel in Nappa Leather/MICROCUT, part of the AMG Design Package, and appreciate the craftsmanship of the AMG Carbon Fibre Trim ($1,200 CAD). It’s a space that’s both technologically advanced and utterly driver-focused, yet still offers the practicality of an SUV.
For the enthusiast, the GLC 63 S E-Performance offers an unparalleled package. Its sophisticated 4MATIC+ AWD system means this performance beast is ready to tackle our challenging climate year-round, making it a truly versatile daily driver for those who demand uncompromising power, regardless of the weather. Safety and driver assistance are also top-tier, especially with the Driver’s Assistance Package ($2,500 CAD), which includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Lane Change Assist, PRE-SAFE® PLUS, and Active Steering Assist, offering a comprehensive suite for enhanced safety and reduced driving fatigue.
As for pricing, this level of cutting-edge performance and luxury comes with a significant tag. The base price starts at $109,500 CAD. However, with essential performance and luxury options like the AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL ($4,600 CAD), AMG Design Package ($4,500 CAD), 21″ AMG Cross-Spoke Forged Wheels ($3,500 CAD), Pinnacle Trim ($3,200 CAD), and the aforementioned interior and exterior enhancements, a well-equipped model like the one detailed here totals $134,350 CAD. It’s a significant investment, but one that firmly plants this SUV in the realm of high-performance exotics.
Now, let’s be realistic. While the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E-Performance is a technical tour de force, it isn’t without its… character traits. The sophisticated hybrid powertrain adds considerable weight, bringing the curb weight up significantly compared to its pure ICE predecessors. This mass, while brilliantly managed by the chassis and sophisticated AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL, is always present. The four-cylinder engine, despite its incredible output, might lack the guttural symphony and emotional resonance of AMG’s traditional V8s for some purists (me included), though its sheer power and the added electric boost more than compensate dynamically. Finally, while it’s a “hybrid,” don’t mistake it for a fuel-sipper; its primary goal is performance, and when you’re tapping into all 671 horsepower, efficiency takes a back seat.
When stacked against its full-size luxury SUV rivals, the GLC 63 S E-Performance carves a unique and aggressive path. Competitors like the BMW X3 M and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio (now discontinued) offer immense performance, but they lack the cutting-edge hybrid powertrain and the sheer system output of the AMG. The Porsche Macan Turbo is arguably its closest rival in terms of dynamics and prestige, but even it struggles to match the raw horsepower figure of this hybridized brute. This AMG stands apart not just for its incredible power, but for how it achieves it; blending a motorsport-derived four-cylinder with a potent electric motor to create an SUV that performs more like a supercar. It’s a statement of technological prowess, a bold declaration that true performance can now be found in the most unexpected of packages.
The 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E-Performance is more than just a fast SUV; it’s a paradigm shift. It’s a testament to AMG’s relentless pursuit of performance, proving that electrification can elevate rather than dilute the driving experience. For the discerning driver who craves supercar levels of power, an engaging chassis, year-round usability, and the undeniable prestige of an AMG badge, all wrapped in a practical SUV body so long as you can set aside misconceptions of older powertrains.
