2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV

Mercedes-AMG is the king of making large and unwieldy SUVs insanely fast and slightly less bungersome, and the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV is a perfect example. The GLC SUV is basically the equivalent of a C-Class SUV, which is a perfectly capable family car in its standard form, but as soon as the letters AMG make an appearance, all hell breaks loose. This rowdy people mover is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, which sends 469 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. As with every AMG model, the interior is sublime, and the technology good, but there are a ton of options to choose from to make this SUV even more capable and luxurious. The 2021 GLE 63 might not look as aggressive as some of Mercedes-AMG's other offerings, but we appreciate the subtle approach. Going up against theBMW X3 MandPorsche Macan Turbo, does this Merc have what it takes to come out on top?

Under the hood of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV, you'll find some proper German muscle. The GLE 63's twin-turbo 4.0-liter 8-cylinder gas engine produces a hefty 469 hp and 479 lb-ft, making it more powerful than the 434-hp Porsche Macan Turbo, but the BMW X3 M still reigns supreme with 473 horses. Power delivery is smooth, and the 9-speed automatic transmission sends power to the four-wheel drivetrain with superb efficiency and refinement. The GLC 63 will reach 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds, matching the legendary SLR McLaren.

AMG's tried and tested recipe never gets old. Stuffing a powerful turbocharged V8 under the hood of the 5-door GLC transforms it into a straight-up muscle car, and we love it for that, but this vehicle is so much more than that. Firstly, it's still a rather practical machine and is more than happy to accommodate kids and all your groceries. The GLC will also happily act as a grand tourer and simply gobbles up highway miles. The best part is that it will destroy most modern performance cars off the line, all while you sit back in one of the most refined cabins in the class. There is no safety review of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV in the USA, but the sheer number of standard safety features should quell any concerns. We know that the fifth-generation AMG C-Class is coming with four-pot power, which means the next AMG GLC should too, so if you're in the market for a V8, now is the time to buy.

When buying any fast Mercedes-AMG SUV, it is required by law that you get it in black. Okay, not seriously, but we do strongly recommend it. If we were buying, we'd go for the optional Obsidian Black Metallic and add the $1,500 Panorama roof and $1,400 AMG Aerodynamics package for a touch more aggression. As far as packages go, the $1,700 Driver Assistance Package is a must and adds driver aids such as emergency stop assist, speed limit assist, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot assist. The $200 wireless charging system is a bargain, and we'd also spend a hundred bucks on hands-free access. The total price of a 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV with this build comes to $79,520, including destination charges.