New Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+ with revised inline-six engine

Mercedes-Benz Media presented the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+ with a revised 3.0L inline-six, 48V ISG and Drift Mode, plus Golden Accents for MY2027.

The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+ arrives with a clear message: more emotion, sharper response and greater driving dynamics, all centered around a thoroughly revised inline six-cylinder engine. Rather than reinventing the formula, Affalterbach has refined it, strengthening the areas that define the character of an AMG – power delivery, traction and chassis control.

At the heart of the model lies an updated 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine featuring twin charging via an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor. Output stands at 330 kW (449 hp) and 600 Nm of torque, rising to 640 Nm for up to ten seconds in overboost at 5,200 rpm. Boost pressure reaches 1.5 bar, while the electric compressor now operates longer and with up to 7.5 kW of electrical power, enhancing throttle response and sustaining performance across a broader rev range.

The powertrain is supported by a 48-volt system with a second-generation integrated starter-generator. The ISG can briefly contribute 17 kW and 205 Nm, while also enabling recuperation, load point shifting and nearly imperceptible engine restarts. In this configuration, mild hybrid technology serves not only efficiency goals but also improved responsiveness and smoother transitions.

Power is channelled through the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, delivering rapid shift times, multiple downshifts and manual control via steering wheel paddles. With RACE START included in the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.2 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, or 270 km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.

Traction is managed by the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. Under moderate conditions, the front axle can be fully decoupled for improved efficiency. In sportier settings, torque distribution shifts rearward. With Drift Mode – available as part of the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package – the vehicle effectively operates as rear-wheel drive, a function intended for use on closed tracks.

For the first time in an AMG GLC, an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential is offered. It works with a fully variable locking effect in traction and overrun, coordinating with other dynamic control systems. The chassis features AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping in three stages, alongside standard rear-axle steering with a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees. At speeds up to 100 km/h, the rear wheels steer opposite to the front wheels to enhance agility; above that threshold, they steer in the same direction to increase stability.

The braking system reflects the vehicle’s performance focus, with internally ventilated 390 x 36 mm discs and four-piston fixed callipers at the front, and 360 x 26 mm discs with single-piston floating callipers at the rear.]

A limited Golden Accents Package, available exclusively for model year 2027, introduces exterior details in techgold and corresponding interior elements, underlining the special character of the launch version.

Combined fuel consumption under WLTP is stated at 9.9–9.4 l/100 km for the SUV and 9.7–9.2 l/100 km for the Coupé. CO₂ emissions range from 225–214 g/km and 220–209 g/km respectively, placing the model in CO₂ class G under the German labelling system.

With the return of a six-cylinder configuration and a broadened spectrum of dynamic technologies, the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+ positions itself as a versatile performance SUV – equally suited to everyday use and controlled track environments, provided its full array of systems is deliberately engaged.