All-new Mercedes-AMG GLC53 Makes Debut

A few days ago AMG boss Michael Schiebe made it public that the heavily boosted four-pot engine found in the C63s and its sibling GLC63s would soon be retired. Click here to read that article. The timing now makes sense as an all-new Mercedes-AMG GLC53 has just debuted.

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With the new GLC53, 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. Together with the sophisticated chassis and the fully variable all-wheel drive, it makes the GLC 53 a highly dynamic vehicle with exceptional versatility
– Michael Schiebe chairman of the management board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH

Making Amends

It’s fair to say that the heavily electrified four-cylinder engine found in the C63S is unloved. Fans the brand spoke with their wallets as the performance saloon suffered poor sales. Some even claim that BMW’s M3/4 sales increased due to the lack of a V8 in the Merc. AMG took note and this new powerplant is the first step to making amends. The engine is one we already know from the likes of the CLE53, which we drove some time back.

However, Mercedes press material proudly claims: the high-performance six-cylinder unit has been comprehensively redeveloped and impresses with an even more agile response and a strong appetite for revs. That’s an excellent start.

They also made note of the soundtrack stating: The powerful and emotional engine sound is further enhanced by a new exhaust system. It features special resonators that further amplify the sound experience. The characteristic crackling on throttle lift-off creates goosebump moments, as do AMG typical misfires and the bassy sound during strong acceleration. You can listen to the engine note in the video at the bottom of this post.

More Cylinders

Most notable is that the Mercedes-AMG GLC53 is powered by a 3,0-litre six-cylinder engine. Upgrades include a new cylinder head with improved intake and exhaust ports and a new intake camshaft. Additionally, there is a new intake system with a larger volume and a new intercooler. The inline-six features an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor

Boost pressure runs as high as 1,5 bars above ambient. The engine also has an integrated starter-generator (ISG) that helps with 17 kW and 205 N.m. As a result, the engine produces 330 kW and maximum torque of 600 N.m (with 640 available on overboost for 10 seconds). Mercedes says the GLC53 can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4,2 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h, or add another 20 km/h to that with the optional AMG driver’s pack.

A nine-speed automatic transmission is the only option. Power is put to pavement via an all-wheel-drive system that has a limited slip diff’ on the rear axle. The drivetrain also features a drift mode, available for the first time in an AMG SUV. In addition there is an active rear-wheel steering system as standard. 390 mm front discs with four-piston calipers and 360 mm rear units are tasked with slowing the performance SUV.

Racey inside and Out

The GLC53 derivative will be available in coupe and ‘regular’ body styles. As expected, the raciest of the GLC family will stand out thanks to bespoke styling touches. On the outside this means an AMG body kit with bumpers, AMG alloys, a lowered stance and badging to remind onlookers. The same, go-faster treatment is applied inside with deep bolstered seats, a pair of high-resolution screens with AMG menus and a sea of premium materials.