When Mercedes-Benz launched the electrified C63, it wasn’t met with the enthusiasm Mercedes-Benz had hoped for. In fact, dealers have stated that sales figures for the new car were ‘close to zero’, while BMW seem to be reeling in the sales with the BMW M3. The M3 may be down on power when compared with the clever hybrid system in the C63, but the BMW’s 6-cylinder powertrain has more than twice the drama and excitement.

When the time came to replace the old GLC63, you may have thought that Mercedes-Benz would have given in to the public consensus, but unfortunately, that is not the case. To see if the GLC63 has any other redeeming qualities, it’ll be pitched against a used Aston Martin DBX. For the same £108,995, you could find yourself inside a two-year-old example with less than 20,000 miles on the clock. Best thing is, the DBX has the same engine as found in the outgoing GLC63, a 4.0l V8. This engine is soulful and suits the character of the DBX well. However, it’s not rapid with 0-60 in 4.5 seconds verses only 3.5 seconds in the GLC. If you’re on the sensible side, it’s also worth noting that the fuel economy in the DBX is below 20mpg and the GLC boasts 38mpg. On paper then, the GLC is by far the superior candidate, but the added personality of the DBX makes the engine category a tie.

The batteries soon show a flaw in the GLC, as they add weight to the car. Most of the time though, the GLC disguises its mass well and it stays flat in the corners. Under braking however, the excess mass is evidential. The DBX has clearly been designed as a performance car first and an SUV second, with tactile steering feedback and good body control. There’s no denying that the DBX is the better car to drive and would be the more enjoyable car to drive on a twisty road.

Around town, the DBX is let down by it’s large turning circle, while the GLC eliminates this problem with 4 wheel steering. The DBX is still a sports SUV when dealing with potholes and speedhumps, with a harsher edge to the GLC, but you don’t feel every imperfection either. The gearbox also does a great job at seamlessly changing gears too. At higher speeds the DBX feels every bit of the £100,000, as it goes down the road in quietness and comfort. The Mercedes GLC is also good in the same respects, but you may have thought that the softer setup could provide an even comfier driving experience. Overall though, they both ride as good as each other.

To be fair on the GLC, it is a new car so you’d expect fit and finish to not be quite up there with the equivalently priced, used DBX. In some respects, the DBX is better from an interior standpoint, with leather everywhere. However, Mercedes-Benz have improved interior quality from older models, with good fit and finish in almost all areas. The biggest interior difference between the two cars is the technology packed inside them. In this regard, the Mercedes is superior, with a crisp and responsive central touchscreen. On the other hand, the DBX borrows an older Mercedes system which lacks many nice to have features. Interior space in both cars is equal, but the DBX boasts a far larger boot.

The DBX is an impressive car when new, and used, it eliminates one of its issues, it’s substantial price. Although it’s a bit of a dinosaur with old Mercedes tech and sub 20mpg figures, the more characterful personality ultimately gives the DBX the win. Nevertheless, the GLC is still a good performance SUV, with impressive performance and comfort, as well as a more 2024 interior.