2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC53 Drive: The Good Ol' DaysMercedes-AMG (Mercedes-AMG)We love great four-cylinder engines as much as anybody—especially in small, light cars. And we understand the fuel efficiency benefits you can get from high-output, downsized engines. But when you're talking high-performance models, weighing well over two tons and costing 70 large, we'd rather have a few more of the big holes in our cylinder blocks.Mercedes seems to have gotten this message and is replacing the four-cylinder AMG GLC43 and GLC63 hybrids with the new GLC53. As the numerical designation in other models suggests, this means a supercharged and turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six under the hood. The latest version of the company's M256 engine is also going into the S500 version of the heavily revised 2027 S-class.Mercedes-AMG (Mercedes-AMG)This straight-six sports a new cylinder head, intake camshaft, intake manifold, and intercooler. It still uses a single dual-scroll turbocharger, but the electric supercharger, which provides a quick boost at low revs, now has a 10-hp motor, up from the previous 7-horse unit. And it still employs the 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which includes a starter-generator that can kick in 23 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, though that doesn't factor into the powertrain's overall output.AdvertisementAdvertisementPeak power is now 443 ponies, up from 416 in the four-cylinder GLC43, but it's achieved at 5500 to 6100 rpm, much lower than the four-banger's 6750-rpm power zenith. And the six-cylinder achieves its 443 pound-feet of peak torque (472 with a brief overboost function) at 2200 rpm, while the outgoing model's 369 pound-feet didn't arrive until 5000 rpm.Mercedes-AMG (Mercedes-AMG)With the power flowing through a nine-speed automatic transmission and the AMG-calibrated 4Matic all-wheel drive, Mercedes predicts that the GLC53 will hit 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and top out at 167 mph with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package. The GLC43, by comparison, was quoted as needing 4.7 seconds to hit 60. The more powerful GLC63 hybrid's estimate was a mere 3.4 seconds. AMG's claims are generally conservative, so we expect the new GLC53 to reach 60 in the high-three-second range.More important than the raw times is how the new model goes about its work. Effortless, muscular, and smooth are what we expect from AMGs, and this new engine delivers those qualities. In a brief drive during Friday rush-hour traffic in Hamburg that closely resembled the San Diego Freeway in Los Angeles, the new model proved very responsive and delivered strong thrust from rest.The collaboration between the immediate torque from the starter-generator and the quick boost from the electric supercharger, followed by the 21.8 psi of boost generated by the turbocharger, made the new GLC feel like it had one of AMG's old 6.3-liter V-8s under the hood. Though unlike that fantastic-sounding naturally aspirated V-8, this new six generates a little more of a droning sound than we'd like—at least in Comfort mode.Mercedes-AMG (Mercedes-AMG)The GLC53 is fairly compact but should weigh close to 4800 pounds once we get one on our scales—almost 800 pounds more than a similarly sized Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. That extra weight creates a substantial feeling behind the wheel. Even the steering feels a touch ponderous, though the car comes with 2.5-degree rear-wheel steering as standard equipment.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe brakes, on the other hand, feel direct and are easy to modulate. And the brakes should be plenty powerful with big 15.4-inch rotors on the front wheels and 14.2-inchers in the rear. Adaptive dampers come standard, coupled to coil springs and multilink suspension geometry at both ends.Mercedes-AMG (Mercedes-AMG)This revised AMG GLC doesn't look much different than its predecessor, retaining the aggressive grille, side skirts, rear spoiler, and prominent front air intakes and rear vents. With chunky 20-inch wheels and tires (21s are optional), the car certainly projects a powerful, if somewhat hulking, stance. The slicker-roofed coupe version is much the same, trading some cargo space for that sleeker roofline.The interior is pretty much carried over from the previous GLC, with separate floating displays for the main instrument cluster and the central screen to control the various functions. These are, in modern Mercedes fashion, highly customizable. We counted eight different design options for the main cluster, including one that simulates the classic large speedometer and tachometer that we think should be a mandatory choice for every car with an electronic cluster.There are numerous individual options and packages available to either dress up the GLC's appearance, boost its performance, add driver assistance, or increase comfort and audio-system performance. As an AMG model, it's worth mentioning that you can separately specify performance seats, a performance steering wheel—in nappa leather, microfiber, or carbon fiber—and various wheel designs.Mercedes-AMG (Mercedes-AMG)These GLCs should be arriving at American dealers in the third quarter of 2026. Prices have not been announced yet, but the current GLC43 starts at $68,900, while the GLC63 opens at $88,100. Since the new GLC53 tentatively replaces both of those models and is spared the complication of a PHEV powertrain, we reckon that the GLC53 will carry a base price around $70,000 to $75,000. Just keep in mind that when configuring one, the options add up, and a six-figure MSRP is probably within range.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029
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