Top-line AMG GLC 63 SUV: Too much of a good thing?

Mercedes-Benz has an exhaustive list of model names and trims including two new hybrid sport utility vehicles at the extremes of the carmaker s GLC lineup The e plug-in is joined by fellow newbie the AMG E Performance The latter expands the reaches of mid-sized performance SUVs offering horsepower The GLC pairs a -liter turbocharged inline-four with an electric motor mounted on the rear axle via a -kWh battery pack The gas-hybrid configuration features traditional horsepower the remainder of the hefty total is provided by the electric motor The combination also means lb-ft of torque It s an automotive oxymoron It s a family hauler advancing with race car speed via a nine-speed automatic transmission It replaces a twin-turbocharged -liter V- Drive modes include Comfort Electric and three performance options Sport Sport and Race The options adjust throttle response stability control suspension tuning and steering effort Regardless of choice the GLC follows the rest of the German manufacturer s lineup Acceleration is confident smooth and quick Mercedes touts the SUV can advance from zero to miles per hour in seconds while using one of the hybrid driving modes The new offering is also heavy nearly pounds The GLC has steel coils paired with retuned adaptive dampers for a greater range of adjustability Evolving anti-roll bars rear-wheel steering -inch front and -inch rear brakes are all new Equipment includes the oddly named MBUX Mercedes-Benz User Experience The voice command system works efficiently and its convenience is further appealing Use the words Hey Mercedes The command will operate the van s navigation system to adjusting the temperature The system also includes Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay Also standard a -inch digital instrument panel display and an -inch center touchscreen Front and rear seats are well constructed assured and spacious The seats also have the usual complement of features power adjustments to a memory function and multiple heat options to top-quality lumbar encouragement Beyond its luxury and performance the GLC is still classified as a sport utility conveyance With the second row of seats folded there s cubic feet of cargo space The rear seating offers inches of legroom The BMW M a top competitor has inches of rear legroom and cubic feet of cargo space The highest-performing GLC offering is also the the bulk expensive With its performance prowess and persona the AMG Performance Design package includes an increased top speed mph The AMG Track Pace performance material display and recording application plus red brake calipers and a steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather and microfiber are part of the deal The Performance Seat Package Current Ride Control and the -inch multi-spoke wheels are among the seven costly options One worthy package is nearly a bargain Driving Assistance includes developing lane-keeping adaptive cruise control automatic lane change evasive steering assist and several additional safety features With its traditional Mercedes-Benz luxury and AMG power the new GLC will find its buyers The manufacturer s renowned legend is warranted Still specific specs warrant a pause The new SUV gets a combined miles per gallon Its electric-only range is six miles The starting MSRP is Option packages single-item add-ons and fees push the price to Mercedes-Benz and its high-performance AMG brand don t sell bargain-priced vehicles Perhaps brand loyalists don t care but the GLC E stretches pricing norms even by luxury standards Does horsepower in a medium-sized SUV make sense for any reason Does spending on a mid-size SUV make sense Only a meager thousand consumers per year may think so And maybe that s all the German carmaker was seeking James Raia a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento also contributes business lifestyle and sports content to several print and online publications E-mail james jamesraia com