- The Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4Matic+ uses a revised 3.0-litre straight-six with 330kW/600Nm.
- Overboost lifts peak torque to 640Nm for 10 seconds at 5200rpm.
- AMG Performance 4Matic+ includes Drift Mode availability and rear-axle steering.
Mercedes-AMG has sharpened its mid-size performance GLC range, giving the GLC 53 4Matic+ Coupé and SUV more bite, more voice and more edge.
This new model effectively consolidates the AMG line-up, taking over from the previous four-cylinder GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance as the definitive high-performance GLC offering.
At the heart of the update is a heavily revised 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine, now producing 330kW and 600Nm, with a 10-second Overboost function lifting torque to 640Nm at 5200rpm.
It translates to a claimed 0 to 100km/h time of just 4.2 seconds with Race Start engaged, and a top speed limited to 250km/h (or 270km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package)
Boosted brains and brawn
AMG hasn’t simply tweaked the software. The engine receives a new cylinder head, revised intake system and larger intercooler, plus a reworked turbo running up to 1.5 bar of boost. There’s also an upgraded electric auxiliary compressor, now contributing up to 7.5kW to sharpen throttle response.
An integrated second-generation starter-generator adds mild-hybrid assistance via a 48-volt system, offering up to 17kW and 205Nm for brief bursts, while also handling energy recuperation and near-seamless stop-start.
Michael Schiebe, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG, says: “With the new GLC 53, our goal was to make its Affalterbach DNA even more tangible – with more emotion, more character, and even more fun to drive. To achieve this, we have significantly upgraded our six-cylinder engine.”
Translated to Kiwi roads, that means a louder, more characterful exhaust (complete with crackles on lift-off), and a broader torque band for stronger mid-range shove.
Drift mode? In an SUV?
Drive is channelled through AMG’s Speedshift TCT 9G transmission and fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive.
For the first time in an AMG SUV, Drift Mode is available, enabled via the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package. It works with an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential to allow rear-drive antics on closed circuits.
Rear-axle steering is standard, turning up to 2.5 degrees opposite the fronts at lower speeds for tighter manoeuvring, and up to 0.7 degrees in the same direction at higher speeds for added stability.
AMG Ride Control suspension with adaptive damping aims to balance cornering composure with long-distance comfort, while sizeable brakes (390mm front discs with four-piston calipers) keep things in check.
Combined fuel consumption is quoted at 9.9 to 9.4L/100km for the SUV and 9.7 to 9.2L/100km for the Coupé.
A touch of gold
At launch, buyers can opt for a one-year-only “Golden Accents” package, pairing dark exterior finishes with tech-gold highlights and 21-inch forged wheels. Inside, contrast stitching and carbon trim woven with metallic threads complete the look.
With 2400kg braked towing capacity and a broadened dynamic range, from Comfort to full Race mode, the GLC 53 is positioning itself as both family haulier and backroad weapon. A rare dual personality, then, one that seems quite comfortable letting its hair down when asked.
The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 could reportedly arrive locally within the year.
