The 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63 S E Performance 2.0L 4-cyl achieves a combined 20 MPG. This number, at first glance, might seem unremarkable for a four-cylinder compact SUV. However, this is an AMG, not just a 2.0L four-cylinder. It’s a massively boosted, F1-derived, electrically augmented powerhouse in a seriously athletic package designed to redefine performance SUVs. For the buyer who chooses this particular GLC63, fuel economy is a secondary consideration, a pleasant bonus if it’s not abysmal, but absolutely subservient to the raw, visceral driving experience and technology on offer. This buyer isn’t cross-shopping a base GLC300, they’re looking for surgical precision, aggressive acceleration, and a daily driver that can dominate a track day while still hauling groceries.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the AMG GLC63 S E Performance at 19 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. These figures are surprisingly tight, revealing the vehicle’s hybrid powertrain at work. In city driving, the strong electric motor can contribute significantly, allowing for quiet starts and aiding in low-speed torque delivery, which smooths out stop-and-go traffic. Cruising on the highway, that 2.0L four-cylinder, despite its immense output, is remarkably effective. The 9-speed automatic transmission is finely tuned to find the most efficient gear for steady-state cruising, often dropping revs to conserve fuel when maximum power isn’t demanded. What this means in practice is that the dreaded “AMG tax” on fuel economy isn’t as severe as one might anticipate, especially considering the car’s 671 total horsepower and astounding 752 lb-ft of torque. It’s a remarkable engineering feat to extract this kind of power and still maintain 20 MPG combined.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63 S E Performance 2.0L 4-cyl is $2,900 per year. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles annually, with a split of 45% city and 55% highway driving, using national average fuel prices. While it might seem substantial on its own, for the demographic purchasing a vehicle with a starting price well into six figures, this expenditure is typically well within their budget. The cost of premium fuel, which this high-performance engine absolutely requires, is factored into this estimate. It reflects the reality of owning a vehicle engineered for extreme performance and doesn’t represent an unexpected burden for its intended owner.

Real-world expectations

In real-world driving, owners of the AMG GLC63 S E Performance can expect figures that hover around the EPA estimates, with some caveats. If the owner frequently exploits the phenomenal acceleration and dynamic capabilities, which is a major reason to buy an AMG, fuel economy will predictably dip. Aggressive driving, track days, and spirited mountain passes will see those MPG numbers drop into the mid-teens. Conversely, a disciplined driver using the vehicle’s hybrid capabilities during commutes and practicing gentle acceleration could potentially see slightly better than EPA numbers on occasion, particularly on mixed routes where the electric assist can shine. The key is understanding that efficiency is highly dependent on driving style. For all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data, including this powerful SUV, spirited driving extracts a greater cost from the fuel tank.

How it compares

Comparing the AMG GLC63 S E Performance against its direct rivals highlights just how competitive its 20 MPG combined rating truly is. Consider the BMW X3 M Competition, which is rated at an inferior 17 MPG combined (15 city/20 highway) from its powerful 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six. Porsche’s Macan Turbo, another formidable competitor, delivers 19 MPG combined (17 city/22 highway) from its 2.9L twin-turbo V6. Even the Audi RS Q5, with its 2.9L twin-turbo V6, records 18 MPG combined (17 city/23 highway). The AMG’s innovative hybrid powertrain, despite extracting prodigious power from a smaller displacement engine, manages to surpass or match these competitors in efficiency while often offering superior performance numbers. This positions the GLC63 S E Performance well for those seeking ultimate performance without succumbing to the most severe fuel consumption penalties. You can track AMG MPG across all years to see how this new model stacks up historically.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While outright fuel economy isn’t the primary driver for an AMG GLC63 S E Performance purchase, a few intelligent adjustments can help optimize its powertrain efficiency without sacrificing performance when it matters. Using the electric-only mode at lower speeds in urban environments, often for short distances, can significantly reduce fuel consumption during stop-and-go traffic. This uses the vehicle’s unique hybrid architecture to its fullest.

Smooth, progressive acceleration and judicious use of the brakes are always beneficial. The regenerative braking system can recover energy that would otherwise be lost, topping up the battery pack and reducing the engine’s workload. Avoid sudden bursts of acceleration unless absolutely necessary.

Maintaining proper tire inflation and ensuring regular servicing are foundational to any vehicle’s efficiency, and the high-performance components of the AMG GLC63 demand precise maintenance. Correct tire pressure reduces rolling resistance, directly impacting fuel use, and a well-tuned engine operates at peak efficiency.

Use the various drive modes wisely. While Sport+ and Race modes are intoxicating, they prioritize performance over efficiency. For daily driving, Comfort or Electric modes provide a more relaxed and economical experience, allowing the hybrid system to work more effectively in controlling fuel burn.

Finally, shedding unnecessary weight from the vehicle can have a marginal but measurable impact. Regularly clear out the cargo area of any items not essential for the drive. Every pound less the engine has to move contributes to slightly better efficiency.