2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S review | Wheels Australia

[@TheJasonSoon]

Still come back to this video years after. It's since been 5 years with mine and I love it more every year. Long live the V8s!

[@Jas6avant]

Lovely to see your comment in 2024! I’m looking to move from Audi. Currently have an older v8 s6 wagon, no issues but want more performance. What’s been your experience with your glc? Performance, reliability, cost of ownership?

[@TheJasonSoon]

@@Jas6avant Likewise brother. I got carried away with my review, but here it is: The performance surprises a lot of people. I've had M4 and S2K owners tell me the car shouldn't be able to handle the way it does whenever I'm taking corners, haha. It's just amazing and hilarious to me what this compact SUV can do. You can rip it down the highway, then go offroad into a campsite. Though coming from a wagon, you may find the higher CoG of the GLC's body roll to throw you off. I was actually torn between the c43/e63 estates vs the glc, but opted for the GLC for the higher ground clearance for my camping trips. I still wish merc made a v8 c63e 4matic. The v8 grumbles never fail to put a smile on my face. Whether I'm starting her up, downshifting to a stop or prepping for a pull, the crackles and pops still put a smile on my face. It never gets old. Comfort and Sport+ mode gives you two entirely different driving experiences, so the dynamic range of handling and performance is why I never get bored or overwhelmed. In fact, @TheStraightPipes's review captured the driving experience for this car very well for the 2019 model. Cost of ownership wise, I'd say play it safe and expect what you'd normally expect from long-term german auto ownership. Now double it, because it's an AMG. I've been very lucky not to pay anything out of pocket so far, I had the 4 year of warranty from purchase and made sure to make use of it. Having only 40k miles on her, I only had two mechanical issues to deal with that were covered. First was a ignition misfiring, had to replace a cylinder coil and sparks. Second was a leaky front diff casing. Neither of them stopped the car from driving, it was at a service that the mechs noticed the minor leak. The ignition misfiring would only come up when I launched/floored it, and would vibrate once it happened but disappear when I restart the engine. I'm not sure how much hard driving might've contributed to that, haha. Outside of warranty, it's only been 1 year and I've had no troubles so far. I suspect I may have a rear diff problem soon as she's been making fussy noises when I come out of parking at low speeds. Merc hasn't been able to replicate it, therefore unable to service it, because it's pretty rare when it happens. But I foresee it becoming more common. Will update you when I do. Expect a stiff ride, especially in the P-Zeros. I'm opting for Michelin PS4 rubber for a smoother ride this summer. They're less durable, but I think they'll be worth the smoother ride. When driving in the cold/wet, expect typical wheel crabbing with the 21" wheels, especially with summer tires in the wet. It goes away when I swap into my 20" winter set (I stay in the PNW). Oh, expect to pay lots for tires. 21" tires are a lot of performance rubber, and with 265 and 295s- I'm shelling out ~US$2.8k (last updated) for this summer set of PS4s. Do give it a proper test ride if you can, because the 9 speed MCT does make for a jerky or abrupt start when you're city driving from 0-30mph, you can be shifting 4 gears just to get to 30mph. I've gotten used to it, but some people don't like it. All this being said, I've loved every year of ownership and see myself keeping her for another 5. I don't think I could ever upgrade to the new 4 cyl hybrid, as I can't live without the v8 and don't like the gaudy new infotainment. I love my analog tach and speedo dials. Hope this helps! Feel free to ask if you've got any questions.

[@Jas6avant]

⁠@@TheJasonSoon from one Jason to another, Thanks man! I appreciate your time, that was a really good comprehensive review. I’m looking forward to a test drive of one this spring or summer. I’d also be dealing with the same tire issues up here in the Catskills. So good to know! Ok two questions, have you done any mods performance or otherwise? If so what are they and pros and cons? Finally, I’m very mechanically inclined, so for a coil, plugs and/or smaller/similar things like those do you see it being feasible to tackle those things in a home setting with basic but proper home tools for the job or are those A or B services when I’d want to get those things looked at? Especially since I’d be purchasing second hand and highly likely out of warranty especially if I go for a 2018 variant. Thanks for your reply 😃

[@shanea9613]

Hello Jason. I'm looking at getting one, secondhand. Have you had any dramas at all (aside from avoiding speeding tickets).

[@TheJasonSoon]

@@shanea9613 so far so good. Mine's a 2019 and I drive the car hard, so I did run into a few wear and tears like coil pack and spark plug replacement, and a front differential gasket leak. They were covered by warranties, but I do see coil/ spark plug replacements being common in the GLC63 Facebook groups. I haven't had to replace mine in 2 years, but I only launch control the car once a month so YMMV.

[@superflea72]

great video review! it's about time we saw a decent Australian car reviewer - most are either too dorky or try-hard blokey, and in general their delivery is just woeful. this guy just gets on with it...nice. Nice car too btw. :)

[@DanielSadjadian]

Lovely V8 sound, the perfect size SUV too.

[@Jacobdagunner]

Excellent review mate. I've got a C63s coupe and am considering switching to this so it was nice to hear the comparison comments in the video. Amazing! 🤝👑

[@paulm5817]

this ones a gem, it may be 2 tonnes, but give me a grunty V8 anyday and it puts a smile on the dial its a winner.

[@elementle]

Stunning work lads!

[@jameswebster5672]

It's very satisfying when a car program uses the full metric system.

[@hugolafhugolaf]

No.

[@cmphoto_]

Hey Wheels, who did the filmmaking on this? It’s absolutely beautiful, would love to follow more of their work!

[@HariNedunghat]

Double like for the presentation. Fantastic work. I love the coupe version of GLC 63.

[@mrchams]

Great review. Can’t wait for the new face lift and new mbex system

[@tylercouture216]

Definitely prefer this body style I've been hoping they would make a performance model of the GLC I like it more then the GLE

[@DanielSadjadian]

Yeah it's much nicer than the GLE, as it's the perfect size/shape coupled with that awesome V8!

[@tylercouture216]

Daniel Sadjadian love the rear on these

[@DanielSadjadian]

Yes especially in the coupe design! Looks stunning.

[@thelarry383]

The current GLE dates back to 2011. New one should be out soon. It's overdue imo

[@tylercouture216]

Megatron 2011 I seriously never knew that!!!

[@WeAreWatchingU]

Great review. Looking forward to you reviewing the F-Pace SVR soon and how it compares.

[@scottyparky7]

Great camera work!!

[@aleksandarcucukovic9710]

Great video!

[@badroo]

Eight cylinders, power oversteer and Tasmania. What's not to like?

[@DanielSadjadian]

And a great soundtrack!

[@rtorbs]

Exactly. No one needs this shit. Everyone wants it though.

[@peterassel562]

Great video in a great series 'Road Versus Car' from the best mag anywhere. We need more from Wheels in this series. Just one thing, no mention of front wheel skip??

[@YogoTonyEugine0]

Either this or the C250 imma work it through

[@Blackirish__]

Amazing car amazing scenery great review

[@mrchams]

Great review. Well written, great unique footage over many other reviews on this vehicle. Well done.

[@722stirlingmoss]

Suuuuuper nice video

[@malcolmscott4150]

Unique not always better however that sound - Alfa Stelvio Q would be a great comparison

[@whoeverwhoever400]

Much better than the coupe but it has 63S? when i go to the MB website, i only see the coupe has 63S.

[@kszeng]

does this beast feature a dual clutch system or something similar?

[@andyp8464]

9. speed wet clutch but shifts like a dct

[@mixalis6168]

Would love one !!!!

[@maas5898]

this has the e class gearbox and 4wd, definitely more advanced than the c class, also faster, oh only if they gave it the new c class interior, it would be perfection

[@MrFatalus]

It is coming in the facelift in 2019

[@andyp8464]

but the C class is so much more fun especially the wagon . rear wheel drive, lighter and more of a hooligan

[@SheepRacing]

Honestly this is my dream car !! In this "suv" shape it looks so fucking good (compared to the shitty coupe version) This car is properly insane omg

[@keinnoj1619]

GLC, GLE and E class amgs are the best

[@TheBurnAlive]

what performens 100km/h ???? Driving anAMG in Australia is like taking aMarshall Stack to an Acoustic Gig.!!!!

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

This is a compact. The gle is a mid size

[@m.h.3679]

*stelvio quadrifoglio has entered the chat*

[@b2bkiwistyle291]

Twin Turbo V8 wow I like it very much. Can someone buy me 1?

[@swanblake]

I don't want a SUV. Like ever. It's not all about straight line acceleration. If that's all that matters get a Tesla Model X

[@djp4nfa]

Blake Swan reliability and Tesla shouldn’t be used in the same sentence

[@Notsure00700]

Yep because those Tesla are such a drivers car that sounds awesome

[@andyp8464]

@@Notsure00700 the whirring of the tyres is to die for zzzzzzzzz

[@m.h.3679]

you’ll never afford it so don’t worry bud

[@MODIT]

Love mine :-)

[@alexshe9552]

No one uses kilowatts now, grandpa

[@mjazizinahavandi851]

Monkey 🐒 it's Australia we use KW here

[@djp4nfa]

Surely wheels can ask for something other than white.....

[@BobbyDazzler888]

Lathen Loibl its cooler in summer

[@djp4nfa]

Greg Mieg yes, but it’s June.....

[@jasonswift7098]

Designo Diamond White Bright is the best colour, black is shit and not for australian conditions.

[@gipsyavenger9829]

Sorry but I find it hard to justify a $25k premium for the 63 over the 43. GLC63 will do 0-60 a whopping .2 seconds faster than the 43. Is anyone buying this thing for the way it handles if so you bought the wrong type of vehicle(its an SUV). The 43 sounds awesome with the performance exhaust (think Nissan GTR). Most of the folks who buy the 63 wont ever use half of its power anyway.

[@peterassel562]

I use the power every day driving to school...

[@gipsyavenger9829]

Classic. A spoiled momma's boy who has struggled to make his way in this world with a $95k SUV. Does mommy still wipe your ass too? My heart bleeds for you and your pathetic generation.

[@m.h.3679]

Gipsy Avenger lol the amount of people i’ve left in the dust in my 63s is insane lmao, 43 wouldn’t have beat half of them

[@coopsnz1]

$7000 more lct blame government

[@urelite]

I have had both. 63 is worth it.

[@diegosorochin5922]

Porsche Macan aaaaallll day...

[@BobbyDazzler888]

Diego Sorochin which macan badge?

[@DanielSadjadian]

Doesn't;t sound anywhere near as good.

[@Notsure00700]

You’re a comedian....even the top shelf turbo macan is only equal in 0-100 to the new bmw x3m40i

[@diegosorochin5922]

Chief Wiggum did you ever drive a Porsche? (Even rented) the 0 to 60 time is totally pointless!!! The point is how the car make you feel when you drive.

[@andyp8464]

not a chance. the macan is extinct , wait for the refresh . save yourself a fortune and get a gla 45. it's faster and much more fun than the macant. that's what I did when I test drove the lovely looking but boring as hell , grossly overpriced macan. they should be ashamed to put a Porsche badge on that piece of junk.