The new Mercedes-AMG GLC53 4Matic+ has been revealed, and there’s not a four-cylinder engine in sight.
Set to launch in Australia during the fourth quarter (October to December) this year, the hot mid-size SUV revealed overnight has a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine.
That’s in contrast with the existing GLC43 and GLC63, both of which use a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine – with the latter featuring a plug-in hybrid system.
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The GLC53 produces 330kW of power and 600Nm of torque (or 640Nm with overboost for 10 seconds), slotting it between the 310kW/500Nm GLC43 and 500kW/1020Nm GLC63.
It uses the same basic engine as in the CLE53, even featuring the same power output, but torque is bumped up from the sporty two-door’s 560Nm (600Nm with overboost).
That makes it good for a 0-100km/h time of 4.2 seconds in Race Start mode, part of the AMG Dynamic Plus package. The GLC43 takes 4.8 seconds, while the GLC63 does it in 3.5 seconds.
Mercedes-AMG says it has “comprehensively redeveloped” the engine, with a new cylinder head with improved intake and exhaust ports, a new intake camshaft, a new intake system, and a new intercooler.
The result is not only an increase in torque, but greater responsiveness across the entire rev range. Mercedes-AMG says it has a “strong appetite for revs”.
The exhaust gas turbocharger has also been “optimised”, while the electric auxiliary compressor can now operate almost continuously for a longer period and has 7.5kW of electrical power, up from 5kW.
As with the CLE53, there’s an integrated starter-generator in the transmission bell housing, part of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and capable of producing a short-term boost of 17kW and 205Nm while also handling energy recuperation and the idle stop/start system.
For those concerned about the aural quality of the GLC53, Mercedes-AMG assures it has an “emotional six-cylinder soundtrack” thanks to a new exhaust system with special resonators for crackles on lift-off, a “bassy sound” during strong acceleration, and “AMG typical misfires”.
Optional is AMG Real Performance Sound, with a manually controllable exhaust flap.
Drive is sent to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission and a fully variable all-wheel drive system.
There are selectable Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual drive modes, plus a Race mode with the AMG Dynamic Plus package.
This package also brings a dynamic drift mode, active engine mounts, red-painted brake calipers, and a Microcut microfibre-wrapped steering wheel.
The GLC53 features AMG Ride Control suspension, with steel springs and adaptive dampers. The level of firmness changes between selectable Comfort, Sport and Sport+ suspension settings.
The hot SUV also features Mercedes-AMG’s three-stage parameter steering, with weight and feedback increasing at higher speeds – particularly in Sport and Sport+ modes.
Standard rear-axle steering sees the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the fronts at speeds of up to 100km/h, aiding manoeuvrability, and in parallel at speeds above 100km/h for greater stability.
Stopping power comes in the form of 390x36mm internally ventilated front and 360x26mm rear discs, with four-piston fixed calipers up front and single-piston floating calipers at the rear.
Combined cycle fuel consumption is 9.4-9.9L/100km in the GLC53 and 9.2-9.7L/100km in the GLC53 Coupe, both on WLTP testing.
Likewise, CO2 emissions are 214-225g/km and 209-220g/km, respectively.
Efficiency is aided by the all-wheel drive system’s ability to decouple the front axle in “moderate” driving.
In addition to the aforementioned AMG Dynamic Plus package, Mercedes-AMG will offer – at least in Europe – a limited-run Golden Accents Package.
Available only with Obsidian Black or Graphite Grey Magno exterior finishes, this package brings Techgold exterior accents, including on the rim flanges of the matte black 21-inch AMG forged wheels, behind which sit gloss black brake calipers with white AMG lettering.
The fuel filler cap also features silver chrome with AMG lettering, while the cabin features black leather upholstery contrasted with gold accents.
The AMG Night Package and AMG Night Package II bring various high-gloss black exterior details. The latter also comes with the AMG Design Plus package, bringing an enlarged front splitter and additional flics in high-gloss black, plus a larger rear spoiler, among other aesthetic enhancements.
The GLC53 is the first member of the second-generation GLC lineup to go without a four-cylinder engine, despite its predecessor being offered with six and even eight-cylinder engines.
This upgraded six-cylinder powertrain is set to be rolled out to the C-Class next, with the new C53 likely replacing the C63, which Mercedes-AMG has confirmed is being phased out.
The performance arm of Mercedes-Benz has cited Euro 7 emissions regulations as the reason it’s phasing out the plug-in hybrid four-cylinder powertrain used in the C63 and GLC63.
However, it has also faced enthusiast backlash – and corresponding slow sales – for the move from a twin-turbo V8 to a PHEV four for the hottest members of its C-Class and GLC lineups.
The GLC53 will take on the BMW X3 M50 – there’s no longer an X3 M above it – which uses a turbocharged inline six producing 293kW and 580Nm.