The Mercedes-AMG GLC53Mercedes-AMGWhen Mercedes' performance unit AMG gets its hands on a Benz, the results are usually scintillating. We're taking big engines, snazzy wheels and gutsy styling upgrades over the base Mercedes cars and SUVs. But not always. The AMG variant of the previous GLC ran a powerful turbo four-cylinder that in its top trim, the GLC63, cranked out 671 hp. Pure insanity. It just didn't drive that way.That changes for 2027, and AMG drops its well-received 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline six-cylinder into the GLC53, enlivening a grocery-getting compact crossover with the fury of some of Benz's great sedans.It's not hyperbole to call the GLC53 a hooligan. The AMG engine is rated at 443 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, enabling sprints to 60 miles per hour as quick as 4.1 seconds en route to a top speed of 155 mph. Reminder: This is the GLC, a crossover aimed at small families, single people or commuters. We're not talking about some Hammer-inspired Autobahn successor.I tested the GLC53 for a week and was impressed with its power (that should be obvious) as well as the muscular yet tasteful design enhancements. I sampled the SUV version. The similar coupe model shown in these press photos has a slightly steeper roofline.Let's start under the hood. The six-cylinder is powerful and produces grunts and cackles through the quad-exhaust with enhanced resonators. I cued up sport mode via a switch mounted within the sphere of the steering wheel and had no issues winning battles for lanes or executing quick turns.As expected, an AMG-tuned Mercedes is screwed together like a tank, and this GLC is loud and rowdy when you want, but also reasonably chill when cruising in comfort mode with the moonroof back. Thanks to AMG's ride-control suspension with active dampers, the crossover is composed through corners with relatively little body roll, and the steering has pleasing feedback. The brakes, as expected, have AMG's nimble bite and pleasing pedal feel.This is at least the fifth time I have tested Mercedes-AMG's 3.0-liter straight six, including in the E53 sedan and wagon, AMG GLE and most memorably in the Aston Martin Vantage S (Mercedes and Aston have an engine and technology sharing partnership). The engine teams with an electric generator that functions like a mild hybrid system, plus a nine-speed automatic gearbox and 4Matic all-wheel drive. The engine delivers in all of its executions and Mercedes' reliance on inline sixes is old-school, different and gives its vehicles a unique character.That character holds true with the GLC53. I expected it to be a more studious cousin of some of the other AMGs I have reviewed, but through creative use of design ploys, this grocery-getter has a slammed, almost SEMA-like vibe.Mine came in Obsidian Black Metallic paint, a sinister look that immediately sets the GLC53 apart from the typical black or gray Mercedes crossovers. It also had the Golden Accents package, an exclusive upgrade available only for the 2027 model year. It adds gold accents to the matte black 21-inch AMG forged wheels with highlights around the rims and center caps and subtle AMG graphics on the back doors. You might think graphics are cheesy on cars, but these work. It also includes a larger front splitter, larger rear spoiler and grille finished in dark chrome. The Golden Accents pack is $9,800 and not really worth it, but when you see it in real life – I would probably say to get it. The gold is almost like a bronze or copper color in daylight, which is very of the moment.2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC53: Behind the WheelMercedes-AMG graphics are aa highlight of the Golden Accents Package.This GLC stickers for $89,850, and if you're going to go for an AMG-tuned GLC, you might as well get some of the bells and whistles. From a performance standpoint, I would suggest spending this level of money on a nicely equipped GLE (larger) or E-Class, but here's the thing: the GLC is a great daily driver. It's comfortable when you want it to be. It's easy to park. Visibility is outstanding. There's enough room in the cargo hold for golf clubs, camping chairs and all of the necessities of daily life.I have driven German performance machines around the world, but when I'm going to school drop-off or the golf course, the GLC is the most appropriate option. If I needed more space, sure, go bigger. If I no longer needed daily family utility, sedans and coupes are what we as card-carrying enthusiasts are supposed to drive. Despite their merits, they're lower to the ground and/or larger and/or less what you want to drive as a tired parent, at least most of the time.After roasting my passengers and fellow motorists with the raw and visceral power of one of Affalterbach's finest engines, I could turn up the seat heaters and zone out to the XMU channel on satellite radio through the Burmester speakers, one hand on the steering wheel and with a clear view of the road. Just another dad in a crossover. The compact crossover segment has grown in size during my time in the industry, and frankly it suits me at this moment.2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC53: Eye on the TechThe interior of the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 features a carbon-fiber overlay.Inside, Mercedes creates a nice balance of technology and luxury. This isn't the wall-to-wall "Star Wars" screen found in more expensive models, rather the GLC53 has a colorful 11.9-inch touchscreen in the center stack and a configurable 12.3-inch digital driver's display. The touchscreen is easy to navigate and responsive, which I like.Mercedes interior designers have been using the air vents creatively for more than a decade, and this layout bookends them at the edges of the dashboard and sets three across the top in the middle. It's a futuristic nautical look. It's all set against AMG carbon-fiber overlay with gold flecks. At night, with the ambient lighting on, it's quite a scene. The seats, which are also dressed up with Golden Accents details, get contrasting stitching and bolsters.Outside of some well-done saddle brown leather color schemes, this black, gray and white palette is one of my favorites in the industry. Mercedes is aggressive with its interior design – there's a lot going on here – but it's all additive. Sometimes luxury brands like Lexus, Infiniti or even Mercedes in some of its other models go too far with colors, screens, sharp angles or all of the above. The GLC53, perhaps because it's based on a humble crossover, is modest enough to keep things simple with just a touch of flair.With all of this as evidence, I put the GLC53 ahead of high-powered segment rivals from Audi, BMW and Porsche. Mercedes uses the inline six as the centerpiece, with AMG adding a muscle-car vibe.Yet it's tasteful. I generally don't give out high marks for graphics packages that center on gold color schemes – but this works. I don't generally like the vanilla pudding feel of the compact crossover segment, but the GLC gets an injection of the Affalterbach genetics. It is in fact, a real AMG, and for some people, the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC53 is the one to get.
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