- GLC 53 replaces 43 and 63 models with one six-cylinder engine.
- Makes 449 hp and 443 lb-ft, goes zero to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds.
- Axed GLC 63 leaves big performance gap BMW M will happily fill.
AMG just did something many fans have been quietly begging for. It put load more cubes under the hood of the hot GLC and politely showed its performance four-cylinder experiment the exit.
The new Mercedes AMG GLC 53 steps in as the sole go-faster version for now, replacing both the old 43 and the plug in hybrid 63, at least for now. Instead of a highly stressed four pot – in the case of the PHEV 63, one with batteries doing the heavy lifting – the GLC 53 gets a 3.0 liter turbocharged inline six with mild hybrid help.
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The new motor makes 443 hp (449 PS) and 443 lb ft (600 Nm) of torque, with short bursts rising to 472 lb ft (640 Nm) thanks to an overboost function. The electric system can briefly add extra shove as well, smoothing response and filling gaps.
Stuck In The Middle
All that muscle drops the zero to 62 mph (100 kmh) time to 4.2 seconds with launch control. That’s three tenths quicker than the old 416 hp (422 PS) GLC 43, while delivering a far richer soundtrack.
But it also means the 53 is 0.7 seconds slower than the 671 hp (680 PS) GLC 63 PHEV. Top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 kmh), or 168 mph (270 kmh) if you tick the right option box.
But while the bare numbers make the 53 look like a poor substitute for the 63, AMG reckons the overall driving experience won’t disappoint, the focus being more on feel than headline stats. AMG says the six is fitted a new exhaust with special resonators to deliver the pops, crackles, and bassy growl people expect when they see the maker’s badge.
Sideways On Demand
Power goes through a nine speed automatic and fully variable all-wheel drive system that can send everything to the rear when conditions allow. For the first time on an AMG SUV, you can even get an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential and a drift mode if you option an AMG Dynamic Plus package that also brings active engine mounts and red brakes callipers.
Yes, a drift mode in a family crossover. That’s crossover or SUV, to be accurate, because the 53 is available as a square-back GLC SUV or as a fastback coupe.
Rear-wheel steering, adaptive dampers, and big brakes round out the hardware. Prices are still to be confirmed, but expect it to land neatly between the old 43 and 63. That should mean around £100k in the UK and a far more reasonable $85,000 or so in the US, though you can expect to pay more if you want the Golden Accents Package (shown below|) with its gold-colored cross-spoke alloys and showy AMG logos.
C53 On The Way
Get used to this new AMG model structure because we’ll be soon be seeing it replicated in the hot C-Class, which is scheduled to drop its four-cylinder 43 and 63s for a 53 later this year. But we can’t believe AMG is going be content to abandon the 63 badge permanently, because that means letting BMW M clean up with the next X3 M and M3.
German media claim AMG is working on bringing the 63 back with a tuned version of the new S-Class’s flat-plane crank V8, and wouldn’t you know it, the company recently teased just such a powertrain in the limited edition Mythos CLE.
Autocar has reported that the hot coupe will make more than 650 hp (659 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm), compared with 530bhp (537 PS) and 550 lb ft of (745 Nm) for the luxury-focused S-class sedan.
