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AUTO REVIEW

The GLC 63S Coupe is a sedan-ish vehicle that rides on the this car. Handling is sports sedan-like despite a 4511lbs curb
GLC SUV platform. Like its BMW analogue, the X4, the GLC weight, and beaucoup speed – think 0-60MPH in 3.3 seconds –
63S combines the SUV advantages of a higher seating position is readily available thanks to that delicious AMG V8. Which
and enhanced crumple zones with the handling and acceleration sounds loud, obnoxious, and amazing btw. Take that Tesla.
of a sports sedan. If that sounds like alchemy to you, that’s be- High-dollar German cars inevitably come with an extensive
cause you don’t understand how much software tweaks can opti- (and expensive) list of options and option packages, and that’s the
mize handling and how easily modern turbochargers can produce case with the GLC AMG 6.3S. For one thing, choosing to add
what used to be impossible levels of horsepower. that “S” adds $7,600 to the price of the already pricey GLC AMG
Naturally, “sedanifying” a compact SUV creates a vehicle that 6.3. The S option bumps the engine output by 74HP, but unless
may or may not be attractive to the beholder. The GLC 63S’s front neighborhood or doctors’ parking lot bragging rights matter to
end is the same as the GLC SUV while the greenhouse and rear you, I’d go with the (plenty fast) GLC AMG 6.3.
end are very coupe-like, which, not surprisingly, results in a Electric cars may be right around the corner, but until they ac-
cramped back seat and a polarizing design. It certainly isn’t ugly, tually move the needle saleswise I’m going to enjoy wonderfully
but I can’t imagine anyone looking at this Mercedes and describing emotive internal combustion vehicles like the Mercedes GLC 63S.
it with the adjectives, “sleek,” understated,” or “elegant.” Never- They’re fun!
theless, I predict that in 10 years this will be what most non-SUV
four-door cars look like. As always, contact Phil Hornbeak at 210-301-4367 to get infor-
The interior is very 2019 Mercedes, which is to say excellent. mation about options and your best BCMS deal on a new vehicle.
Mercedes more than BMW or Lexus has gone their own way
rather than just emulate the industry benchmark Audi, and I’m
AUTHOR’S NOTE: regular readers know that I am unenthusi-
grateful for that. Prominent round air vents, a stand-alone central
astic about electric cars, but that doesn’t mean I’m blind to their
infotainment screen, and a cool steering wheel dominate your view
appeal. While few American cars make people truly excited to buy
when you sit in the driver’s seat of the GLC AMG 63S, but every-
them, most Tesla customers are thrilled to buy and own their cars.
thing looks and feels like quality, which it should given its base
So I’m intrigued. Despite a very short supply of press cars, I will
price of just over $80,000. Expensive cars should make you feel
do what I can to find a Tesla to review.
special when you’re driving them, and Mercedes has that whole
thing down.
Having said that, the best thing about the GLC AMG 63S isn’t Stephen Schutz, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist
sitting in it or looking at it, it’s driving it. Obviously, a 503HP twin- who lived in San Antonio in the 1990s when he was sta-
turbo 4.0L V8 enhances the fun factor, but Mercedes’ engineers tioned here in the U.S. Air Force. He has been writing auto
clearly spent a lot of time on the test track when they developed reviews for San Antonio Medicine since 1995.

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