By David S. Wallens
Walking back to our Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E test car made me think that, just maybe, a modern AMG is a future car for me: plenty of performance, plenty of comfort and all in something that just has some presence.
One day, perhaps, could an AMG, like maybe even a slightly used Mercedes-AMG E63 S wagon, replace my M3? It would mean losing the clutch pedal, but look at the upside: all that power, all that comfort, all that presence. Maybe not everything has to be a Miata. Maybe going on the highway doesn’t always have to mean 4000 rpm.
[“You have to drive like everyone out there is trying to kill you.”]
This latest AMG, even though it sits higher than the old wagon, still delivers all that goodness. With a combined output rating of 671 horsepower along with 752 lb.-ft. of torque–all from a hybrid-ized 2.0-liter inline-four–it’s certainly fast enough. The matching nine-speed automatic? It’ll read your mind.
Grip? All of it.
Brakes? Never even got close to making them sweat.
Are those really knock-off wheels?
And inside, it’s certainly comfortable enough. Two hours behind the wheel without a stop? We’re just getting going.
The price for all this? Only starting at $86,050 and, like our tester, seemingly loaded at $111,260. Seems high until you realize that you can spend almost that much on an Infiniti.
I’d love to see one change, though: Mercedes, please bring back some of the tactile knobs and switches. They were jewel-like, each clicking with authority. It sounds minor but it differentiated a Benz from the rest of the class.
The modern touch sliders? Just not the same–kinda like an Apple Watch compared to a classic Rolex.
Do that and maybe, once enough depreciation hits and/or I hit the lottery, we can talk.
While I'm sure the lack of V8 noises could be a bit of a letdown, I love the idea of having a car that comfortably eats up miles.
For instance, I love visiting my parents, but the 4-ish hour drive down I-4 and I-75 in a Honda Fit isn't exactly ideal.
More than anything, this really made me want one of those AMG 63 S wagons....
That's a pretty handsome SUV.
EDIT: I'm guessing it's a hybrid since it says "combined output" but I didn't see anything that specifically mentions it in the story? Because at first I was like nearly 700 hp out a turbo 4 on the street, certainly no.
EDIT EDIT: I see it says it on the sticker, but it's grainy and hard to read, and there is no option to click on it and expand it.
No V8 noises = Not a real AMG (to me). What does the 63 even mean when it is sporting a 2.0t?
Yes they are very fast and I am sure it is a wonderful place to spend time but no v8 noises just lessens the AMG experience.
I've had at least one BMW in my garage since 1983. I'm now down to one again (a one owner 1995 318ti Club Sport) because I traded my 2014 M235i for a CPO 2020 Mercedes-AMG C43. I've owned it now for going on three years and I absolutely love it (as does my lovely bride). The M276 twin turbo V6 is surprisingly powerful, the AMG Performance Exhaust is a riot and as far as handling goes I've run out of courage long before I've run out of grip.
I had driven several M340i loaners but aside from great straight-line grunt I was underwhelmed; the IP graphics are a joke and newer cars have gone full touchscreen- with a digital display that is the textbook definition of "tacked-on." I also looked at the new M240i and M2 but the Minecraft/Lego design language and the aforementioned dog's breakfast of an interior.removed them from contention. I would have jumped on a F87 M2 CS if I could have found one in my price range, but that's the only newer Bimmer I could see myself owning.
So far the C43 has been dead nuts reliable; its only demerit is a healthy appetite for tires- but I can live with that. It is really too nice to use as my HPDE instructor car, but that just gives me an excuse to add another car to the fleet.
In reply to mcompact :
“Minecraft/Lego design language:” Now I can’t unsee that.
My better half has a GLC Coupe with the AMG Line package. We ordered it this way because there was really no value to me in having a 63 AMG if it wasn't going to be a "fire-breathing" beast. She has all of the appearance "stuff" of the AMG, big brakes, big staggered wheels, gorgeous interior and more, but with the base motor. She's fine with that as it was her first time venturing into an SUV coming from 4-door German sedans. Her last car was an Audi S3 which was a HUGE upgrade over the A3 that she was looking at and we were hoping for the same thing when shopping for the GLC. The AMG just wasn't worth the hype or $$$ this time.
z31maniac said:That's a pretty handsome SUV.
EDIT: I'm guessing it's a hybrid since it says "combined output" but I didn't see anything that specifically mentions it in the story? Because at first I was like nearly 700 hp out a turbo 4 on the street, certainly no.
EDIT EDIT: I see it says it on the sticker, but it's grainy and hard to read, and there is no option to click on it and expand it.
Third paragraph, emphasis mine: "With a combined output rating of 671 horsepower along with 752 lb.-ft. of torque–all from a hybrid-ized 2.0-liter inline-four–it’s certainly fast enough"
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