This 4-cylinder SUV is faster than most supercars

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Coupe is a 4-cylinder SUV powered by an electric motor and engineered by AMG to redefine what a high-performance SUV is capable of delivering.

With a combined output of 671hp and 1,020 Nm, it accelerates faster than many supercars while integrating hybrid drive elements into a highly responsive system.

The switch from V8 to 4-cylinder does not reduce the vehicle’s capability.

Instead, it brings a sharper, more controllable performance profile shaped by electric assistance and chassis refinement.

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How this 4-cylinder SUV drives, handles, and responds

Performance is immediate.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 350 kW, and the electric motor contributes an additional 150 kW at the rear axle.

Total system output reaches 671 hp, enabling a 0 to 60mph sprint in just 3.5 seconds.

The hybrid configuration is tuned for outright performance rather than efficiency, and the electric motor fills torque gaps, reducing delay under acceleration.

There is a slight initial hesitancy from a standstill in Comfort mode, where the throttle feels more relaxed than expected in a car with this output.

Handling characteristics are precise for a vehicle of this size and weight.

Rear-wheel steering increases agility at low speeds and improves stability during quick directional changes.

Active roll control and torque vectoring work together to keep the chassis composed through tighter corners.

The steering is weighted with accuracy, and the suspension adapts to road conditions without introducing float or excess stiffness.

Braking performance is strong, though the regenerative system changes pedal feedback.

Modulation feels progressive at lower speeds but requires familiarity under harder stops.

In Race or Sport+ mode, brake response sharpens and chassis inputs feel more direct, allowing the 4-cylinder SUV to behave more like a sport sedan than a crossover.

While the brakes are powerful and effective, pedal feel can vary depending on mode and driving tempo, making it harder to find consistency under repeated heavy use.

Acoustic tuning has been used to compensate for the lack of a traditional V8 soundtrack.

The engine note is artificially enhanced through the cabin, offering a clean, aggressive tone under load.

Crackles and pops accompany gear changes and throttle lifts in performance modes.

While synthetic, the sound experience adds to the engagement without relying on volume alone.

The high-performance SUV configuration supports eight selectable drive modes, each modifying throttle input, suspension stiffness, steering weight, and sound character.

AMG’s dynamic control systems are operated through steering-mounted switches and integrated into the MBUX touchscreen.

Data overlays display real-time power flow and mechanical engagement, useful for both city and track environments.

Interior materials and layout remain consistent with Mercedes-AMG standards.

Nappa leather seats, brushed metal accents, and performance graphics reinforce the model’s premium status.

Cabin space remains generous for passengers, though boot capacity drops to 470 litres due to the position of the electric motor and battery system.

The standard seats are a bit shallow during hard cornering and offer limited lateral support, which can cause occupants to shift around more than expected.

The optional AMG performance seats provide significantly better bolstering and are better suited to the kind of cornering speeds this high-performance SUV is capable of.

Why this high-performance SUV shifts the AMG formula

This 4-cylinder SUV represents a shift in performance strategy at Mercedes-AMG.

The use of an electric motor is not aimed at reducing emissions alone.

It provides functional benefits that improve response, cornering balance, and acceleration consistency.

Peak torque arrives earlier and remains available across a wider range, improving mid-range pace and exit speeds from corners.

The GLC 63 S E Performance Coupe positions itself as the first true test of hybrid powertrain integration in the high-performance SUV segment.

Mechanical grip, steering feedback, and drivetrain behaviour have all been recalibrated to match the electric architecture.

AMG’s development targets have focused on retaining brand identity while removing dependence on displacement.

With this generation, Mercedes-AMG delivers a 4-cylinder SUV that meets modern efficiency regulations while maintaining the performance benchmarks expected in its class.

The inclusion of an electric motor is not a compromise.

It is now central to the vehicle’s performance.

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