The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 has been globally revealed in SUV and Coupe body styles, which has marked the comeback of a six-cylinder engine for the nameplate. The AMG model comes with a 449hp, 3-litre inline-six turbo-petrol engine with mild-hybrid assist, that replaces the 4-cylinder engine options available until now.
- Gets rear-axle limited-slip differential with Drift Mode, first for an AMG SUV
- Globally available for a year with a “Golden Accents” design package
Notably, Mercedes was offering the AMG GLC Coupe with either a 421hp, 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged mild-hybrid petrol or a 671hp, 2-litre 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid petrol engines. As these engines are not compliant with the upcoming Euro 7 emission norms, they are being replaced by the new six-cylinder engine.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 53: Powertrain
Revised six-cylinder engine gives it a 0-100kph time of 4.2 seconds.
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 is powered by a 3-litre inline-six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that puts out 449hp and 600Nm (640Nm with overboost for 10 seconds at 5,200 rpm). It is mated with a 48V mild-hybrid system that produces 23hp and 205Nm. The engine is coupled to a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all wheels (AWD). It does the 0-100kph run in 4.2 seconds, which is 0.6 second quicker than the India-spec 421hp, AMG GLC 43 Coupe.
Although the engine is not entirely new, it has been thoroughly updated with a new cylinder head, improved intake and exhaust ports, as well as a new intake camshaft. There is also a new, larger-volume intake system and an intercooler. Mercedes says that these enhancements have resulted in “powerful acceleration across the entire rev range”, resulting in “an even more responsive behaviour.” Notably, the new AMG GLC 53 has a top speed of 250kph, which can be increased to 270kph with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.
In a first for any AMG SUV offering, the GLC 53 also features a powered rear-axle limited-slip differential with Drift Mode, which is offered with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package. It also gets a new exhaust system with “special resonators” that deliver a deeper note, a rear axle steering, adaptive dampers and five driving modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 53: Other changes
Gets bigger alloy wheels, and golden accents on the outside
There are dual-pod projector LED headlights, eyebrow-shaped LED DRLs, an AMG grille with vertical bars, and wraparound LED taillights like the India-spec model. The new AMG GLC 53 comes standard with 21-inch forged alloy wheels, unlike the India-spec GLC 43 Coupe’s 20-inch rims.
Mercedes is also offering a one-year Golden Accents Package for the new AMG SUV. The package includes Obsidian Black Metallic or Graphite Grey Magno exteriors, golden alloy accents, and an AMG decal on the door.
Gets a similar dashboard design and feature suite as the India-spec model
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 has a 12.3-inch freestanding digital driver’s display, 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and 3-spoke flat bottom steering wheel. Upper dashboard is leatherette, while the middle portion is carbon fibre with a golden tint. It has leatherette seats with contrast stitching and golden accents. The black door sills have illuminated AMG lettering.
New AMG GLC 53 has the same 15-speaker Burmester 3D sound system, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charger, powered front seats with memory function, dual-zone climate control, and powered tailgate as the India-spec model. In safety, it has a 360-degree camera with a transparent bonnet, TPMS, ADAS, an electronic parking brake, and disc brakes on all wheels.
Notably, the AMG GLC 53 replaces the 43 and 63 trims globally, with the four-cylinder engine rendered obsolete by the upcoming Euro 7 emission standards. It also signals a shift in strategy, as Mercedes-AMG abandons plug-in hybrid powertrains in favour of a new mild-hybrid setup.
In India, the AMG GLC 53 is expected to be pricier than the AMG GLC 43 Coupe, which costs Rs 99.85 lakh (ex-showroom). The AMG GLC 53 will be the only AMG GLC trim available worldwide until an all-electric AMG GLC model is revealed in 2027.
