“Very attractive car; powerful engine. Cabin could be roomier. 'Comfort' settings could be smoother and more quiet. Very extensive. Needs eyeglasses storage & ability to set automatic exit for taller people.”
Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC is a five-seat luxury performance SUV known for combining everyday passenger and cargo usefulness with strong power, all-wheel drive, and sharper handling than a regular GLC. Its AMG upgrades go beyond styling to include the engine, transmission, brakes, steering, suspension, and exhaust.
Since its 2017 U.S. debut, the AMG GLC has paired the GLC’s everyday usefulness with more engaging performance. The GLC 43 has remained the core model, while the GLC 63 and 63 S have pushed power and performance further. Engines and technology have changed over time, but quick response, all-wheel-drive handling, and a premium cabin remain central to the family.
Strengths
- It keeps the useful five-seat layout and cargo flexibility of a luxury SUV while adding serious performance hardware.
- All-wheel drive and adaptive suspension have been defining parts of the AMG GLC throughout its history.
- The AMG treatment changes major mechanical parts, so it feels meaningfully different from a regular GLC rather than merely looking sportier.
- The cabin has kept pace with Mercedes technology, with major touchscreen and digital-display updates arriving in 2020 and with the second-generation redesign.
- The current lineup covers two distinct levels of performance, from the 416-hp GLC 43 to the much more powerful plug-in hybrid GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE.
Who it's for
It suits someone who needs one vehicle for commuting, passengers, and cargo but wants a much more energetic driving experience than a regular luxury SUV provides. The GLC 43 is the more approachable fit for daily use, while the 63 models make more sense for buyers who place maximum performance ahead of simplicity or fuel economy.
Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC lineup
Pick the GLC 43 for the core AMG experience: strong performance, all-wheel-drive traction, and sharper responses without moving to the most extreme model. Step up to the GLC 63 or 63 S when outright power and more specialized performance hardware matter most. Older 63 models used V8 engines, while the current GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE uses a high-output plug-in hybrid system. In the 2026 lineup, the GLC 43 is the gas model and the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE is the plug-in hybrid flagship.
Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC generations
From 2017 to 2026, the AMG GLC spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation — X254 SUV/C254 Coupe arrived for 2024, following the 1st Generation — X253 SUV/C253 Coupe (2017–2023).
2nd Generation — X254 SUV/C254 Coupe (2024–Present)
The AMG GLC moved to the second-generation GLC platform with redesigned bodywork and a more screen-focused cabin. The AMG GLC 43 replaced its V6 with a 416-hp hybrid-assisted turbo four-cylinder, while the later AMG GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE added a 671-hp plug-in hybrid system.
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2026
The SUV and Coupe carry over with the same two-model performance lineup. Updates are limited to option packages and minor cabin details.
2025Trim changes
The AMG GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE joins the SUV and Coupe lineup with a 671-hp plug-in hybrid system. The GLC 43 gets an updated touchscreen system with biometric login.
2024New generation
The redesigned AMG GLC 43 moves to the second-generation platform with a 416-hp hybrid-assisted turbo four-cylinder, rear-wheel steering, and a new 11.9-inch touchscreen.
1st Generation — X253 SUV/C253 Coupe (2017–2023)
The first AMG GLC arrived with the GLC 43's twin-turbo V6, nine-speed automatic, rear-biased AWD, and adaptive air suspension. V8-powered GLC 63 models followed for 2018, and a broad 2020 refresh updated the styling and touchscreen system.
20 In Stock2023New generation
The AMG GLC 43 Coupe carries over unchanged for the first generation's final model year.
2022Trim changes
A 12.3-inch digital instrument display and automatic high beams become standard on the GLC 43 SUV. This is the first-generation SUV's final U.S. model year.
2021
Parking sensors, automatic parking assistance, and rear cross-traffic alert become standard across the range. GLC 63 models also gain a surround-view camera.
2020Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling, new LED lighting, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen system update the full AMG GLC range. The GLC 43 also gains power.
2019
The engines, AWD systems, suspension, and cabin technology carry over with no major updates.
2018Trim changes
The V8-powered AMG GLC 63 SUV and Coupe join the lineup, along with the higher-output GLC 63 S Coupe. The GLC 43 carries over without a substantial update.
2017New generation
The AMG GLC launches in the U.S. with the 362-hp GLC 43 in SUV and Coupe forms.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes-AMG GLC more than a regular GLC with sporty styling?
Yes. The AMG GLC gets performance-focused engines, transmission tuning, brakes, steering, suspension, all-wheel drive, and exhaust hardware. Its changes go well beyond badges and exterior trim.
Does the Mercedes-AMG GLC come as both an SUV and a Coupe?
Yes. Across its history, Mercedes-AMG has sold the GLC with an upright SUV body and a sloped-roof Coupe body. The Coupe favors a sportier shape, while the SUV has the more conventional roofline.
Is the Mercedes-AMG GLC a hybrid?
Some are. The redesigned GLC 43 uses hybrid assist but is not a plug-in hybrid. The newer GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE is a plug-in performance hybrid with a turbo four-cylinder and rear electric motor. Earlier AMG GLC models were gasoline-only.
Does the Mercedes-AMG GLC have a V8?
Older GLC 63 and GLC 63 S models do. Sold mainly from 2018 through 2021, they use a handcrafted twin-turbo V8. Newer AMG GLC models use turbo four-cylinder engines, with the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE adding plug-in hybrid power.
Is the Mercedes-AMG GLC practical enough for everyday use?
Yes, if you want strong performance without giving up basic SUV usefulness. It has five seats, AWD, and flexible cargo space. Its sport-focused suspension and powertrain make it more intense than a regular GLC, though.
What is the Mercedes-AMG GLC known for?
It is known for combining compact luxury-SUV usefulness with serious performance hardware. AMG versions emphasize quick response, strong engines, AWD handling, adaptive suspension, stronger brakes, and a driver-focused cabin.
How many generations of the Mercedes-AMG GLC are there?
There are two. The first-generation AMG GLC arrived for 2017 and later gained V8-powered GLC 63 models. The second generation introduced a redesigned GLC 43 and then the plug-in-hybrid GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE.
Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC.
4.3
Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC
(675 reviews)
“The GLC 43 is my dream car. It has performance, luxury, great styling, latest technology, and the fit and finish is top notch. My only complaint is the Burmester sound system. It is honestly one of the worst ""premium"" sound systems I've ever heard and I'm actively considering ways to improve the sound, such as purchasing a subwoofer, because there is no bass response at all.”
“It's classy & sporty. Fun to drive and elegant when you need it to be. Reliable like you expect the MB brand to be.”
“Make sure the ride quality is what you want. No told us that the model we order was a rough ride.”
“Vehicle performance is superb. Vehicle styling is attractive. Navigation system is sub-par.”
“It's an excellent balance of comfort, performance, style, practicality, safety & reliability - a stand-out model car.”