The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 has been revealed and the automaker has wisely issued the model a 3.0-liter, turbocharged straight six. After AMG pivoted both the GLC 43 and 63 to the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four, AMG fans expressed their collective dismay. But the automaker has heard their concerns and responded accordingly.
Whereas the current GLC 43 offers 416 horsepower, the larger motor fitted to the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 is said to be good for 443 bhp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The latter number can even be raised to a meaty 472 lb-ft with the help of an overboost function. However, it’s only available for ten seconds before going into cooldown.
This is a nice improvement over the 43 but is nowhere near as mighty as the 2.0-liter PHEV fitted to the GLC 63. Thanks to the addition of electric motors, that model still trumps the new 53 by boasting a combined output of 671 horsepower. But it’s also not expected to stick with the 2.0-liter moving forward. It’ll either embrace the inline six, tapping into hybridization for added power, or go back to the V8 that everyone really wants to see.
While there’s certainly nothing wrong with an inline four, it did always feel a little wrong to install one into a Germany luxury car modified by its in-house performance division — even on a smaller model like the GLC.
Fans have broadly complained that the current power plant lacked personality, with sound being the biggest gripe. Whatever the true reason, moving to the 2.0-liter M139 clearly didn’t help sales.
According to the manufacturer, the new engine is an updated version of its preexisting 3.0-liter. We’re assuming it’s the same M256 that’s been wedged inside the current AMG CLE 53. It’s supposed to come with a new cylinder head with improved intake and exhaust ports and a new intake camshaft. Mercedes also said the intake is larger, as is the intercooler. This is supposed to result in a rev-happy powertrain, presumably with more character than the outgoing AMG GLC 43.
From Mercedes-AMG:
21.8 psi (1.5 bar) of boost pressure from the optimized exhaust gas turbocharger enables ample torque with strong high-revving performance. The electric auxiliary compressor can now operate almost continuously for a longer period of time. It now provides up to 10 hp of electric boost (previously 7 hp), further improving throttle response. Furthermore, the overall power curve is adapted to a higher engine speed range. As a result, the powertrain produces 443 lb-ft of torque, as well as 472 lb-ft at 5,200 rpm for up to ten seconds with overboost.
The second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG) is integrated into the transmission bell housing. As a central component of the 48-volt on-board electrical system, it functions as an electric generator and also takes on hybrid functions. These include support at lower engines speeds with 23 hp and 151 lb-ft, recuperation, load point shifting, gliding and seamless operation of the start-stop function.
All of the above is mated to the now-familiar AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission, which runs power to the 4Matic all-wheel drive system. The system is said to be capable of rushing the vehicle to 60 mph in as little as 4.1 seconds. Adaptive dampers and rear-wheel steering are standard.
However, there is an optional “AMG Dynamic Plus” package that features an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential. This also comes with a “drift mode” and raises the GLC’s electronically limited top speed of 155 mph to 167 mph.
The rest of the vehicle doesn’t yield many surprises. There are a lot of touch screens and you can add some extra microsuede if you get the optional performance package. However, Mercedes will still let you get creative with the interior even if you don’t. The same goes for the exterior, which has a gold accenting option that’s showy without being over the top. There is also a blackout option.
Perhaps the most interesting update to the aesthetics stems from the GLC 53’s auditory enhancements. A new exhaust system has been fitted to the vehicle and has been loaded with resonators to make sure it has a distinct sound.
This is undoubtedly a response to how much people groaned about the exhaust note of four-cylinder GLC models. But we’ve yet to hear it and are forced to reserve judgement.
The 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 is supposed to go on sale later this year. Pricing has yet to be announced. But we’re assuming it’ll retail above the current GLC 43 crossover, which starts a smidgen below $70,000. Whatever the case, the version Mercedes has the audacity to call the “Coupe” will probably be a few thousand more than the “SUV.”
[Images: Mercedes]
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