The New Mercedes-AMG GLC53 4Matic+ Unveiled
The new Mercedes-AMG GLC53 4Matic+ has been revealed, and it’s a significant departure from its predecessors. Unlike the current GLC43 and GLC63 models, which use a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, this hot mid-size SUV features a powerful 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine. Set to launch in Australia during the fourth quarter of this year, the GLC53 is positioned as a high-performance alternative in the luxury SUV segment.
Power and Performance
The GLC53 produces 330kW of power and 600Nm of torque (or 640Nm with overboost for 10 seconds), placing it between the 310kW/500Nm GLC43 and the 500kW/1020Nm GLC63. It shares the same basic engine as the CLE53 but delivers more torque, making it capable of a 0-100km/h time of 4.2 seconds in Race Start mode. This is significantly faster than the GLC43’s 4.8 seconds and the GLC63’s 3.5 seconds.
Engine Innovations
Mercedes-AMG claims that the engine has been “comprehensively redeveloped.” This includes a new cylinder head with improved intake and exhaust ports, a new intake camshaft, an updated intake system, and a new intercooler. These changes result in increased torque and greater responsiveness across the entire rev range. Additionally, the exhaust gas turbocharger has been optimized, and the electric auxiliary compressor can now operate almost continuously for longer periods, with 7.5kW of electrical power, up from 5kW.
Mild-Hybrid System
The GLC53 also features an integrated starter-generator in the transmission bell housing, part of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This system can produce a short-term boost of 17kW and 205Nm while handling energy recuperation and the idle stop/start system.
For those who value the sound of a high-performance engine, Mercedes-AMG assures that the GLC53 offers an “emotional six-cylinder soundtrack.” This is achieved through a new exhaust system with special resonators for crackles on lift-off, a “bassy sound” during strong acceleration, and “AMG typical misfires.” An optional AMG Real Performance Sound package allows manual control of the exhaust flap.
Transmission and Drive
Drive is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission and a fully variable all-wheel drive system. The GLC53 offers selectable Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual drive modes, plus a Race mode with the AMG Dynamic Plus package. This package also brings a dynamic drift mode, active engine mounts, red-painted brake calipers, and a Microcut microfibre-wrapped steering wheel.
Suspension and Handling
The GLC53 features AMG Ride Control suspension, with steel springs and adaptive dampers. The firmness of the suspension can be adjusted between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ settings. It also includes Mercedes-AMG’s three-stage parameter steering, with weight and feedback increasing at higher speeds—particularly in Sport and Sport+ modes.
Standard rear-axle steering allows the rear wheels to steer in the opposite direction to the fronts at speeds of up to 100km/h, improving manoeuvrability. At higher speeds, they steer in the same direction for greater stability.
Braking and Efficiency
Stopping power comes in the form of 390x36mm internally ventilated front discs and 360x26mm rear discs, with four-piston fixed calipers up front and single-piston floating calipers at the rear. Combined cycle fuel consumption is 9.4-9.9L/100km for the GLC53 and 9.2-9.7L/100km for the GLC53 Coupe, both on WLTP testing. CO2 emissions are 214-225g/km and 209-220g/km, respectively.
Efficiency is aided by the all-wheel drive system’s ability to decouple the front axle in “moderate” driving.
Optional Packages
In addition to the AMG Dynamic Plus package, Mercedes-AMG will offer a limited-run Golden Accents Package in Europe. Available only with Obsidian Black or Graphite Grey Magno exterior finishes, this package brings Techgold exterior accents, including on the rim flanges of the matte black 21-inch AMG forged wheels. The fuel filler cap also features silver chrome with AMG lettering, while the cabin features black leather upholstery contrasted with gold accents.
The AMG Night Package and AMG Night Package II bring various high-gloss black exterior details. The latter also includes the AMG Design Plus package, which adds an enlarged front splitter, additional flics in high-gloss black, and a larger rear spoiler.
Future Plans
The GLC53 is the first member of the second-generation GLC lineup to go without a four-cylinder engine, despite its predecessor being offered with six and even eight-cylinder engines. This upgraded six-cylinder powertrain is set to be rolled out to the C-Class next, with the new C53 likely replacing the C63, which Mercedes-AMG has confirmed is being phased out.
The performance arm of Mercedes-Benz has cited Euro 7 emissions regulations as the reason for phasing out the plug-in hybrid four-cylinder powertrain used in the C63 and GLC63. However, it has also faced backlash and slow sales due to the move from a twin-turbo V8 to a PHEV four for the hottest members of its C-Class and GLC lineups.
Competition
The GLC53 will take on the BMW X3 M50, which uses a turbocharged inline six producing 293kW and 580Nm. With its powerful six-cylinder engine and advanced performance features, the GLC53 is poised to make a strong statement in the luxury SUV market.
MORE: Explore the Mercedes-AMG GLC showroom
