Mercedes-AMG is finally giving the GLC performance crowd what many of us have been asking for since the latest generation arrived: more cylinders and more character. The new 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC53 slots into the lineup with a turbocharged and electrically assisted 3.0-liter inline-six, marking the first time in years that the compact AMG SUV family has leaned on a six-cylinder again. It feels like AMG correcting course after the four-cylinder-heavy direction that left some buyers impressed by numbers but underwhelmed by personality.
To understand why this matters, you have to look at today’s spread. The GLC43 uses a potent 2.0-liter turbo four making 416 horsepower, while the range-topping GLC63 goes full science project with a plug-in hybrid setup built around a turbo four and electric motors for a combined 671 horsepower. The new GLC53 lands right in the sweet spot between those two, and it does so with an engine layout that many enthusiasts simply prefer. Output is 443 horsepower, and torque can climb to as much as 472 lb-ft in an overboost function that’s available for short bursts.
AMG didn’t just drop the inline-six in and call it a day, either. The engine gets key upgrades like a revised cylinder head and intake camshaft, plus changes to the intercooler and intake system aimed at flowing more air. The electric supercharger is also said to be able to run almost continuously now, and AMG is talking up improvements in how the exhaust is tuned to enhance sound. In a segment where these SUVs can feel a little too polished for their own good, any extra edge and attitude is welcome.
Power is routed through a nine-speed automatic with an integrated starter-generator as part of a 48-volt system, feeding standard 4Matic+ all-wheel drive. The real fun begins if you check the box for the AMG Dynamic Plus package. That upgrade introduces an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential and unlocks Drift mode, which effectively enables a rear-drive setting for the kind of playful, tail-happy behavior you do not normally associate with a compact luxury SUV. AMG also claims that package helps deliver a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.1 seconds, while bumping the top speed from 155 to 167 mph.
Inside, the GLC53 sticks closely to the modern Mercedes playbook with a digital gauge cluster and a tall, vertically oriented center display. The Dynamic Plus package adds a microsuede-wrapped steering wheel and extra drive-mode controls, while adaptive dampers and rear-axle steering are standard to keep the SUV sharp in corners and easy to maneuver in tight spaces. If you want your AMG to look a little more special out of the gate, Mercedes is also offering a debut-year Golden Accents package with Techgold detailing, 21-inch forged wheels with matching highlights, and interior stitching that ties the theme together.
The 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC53 is expected to hit dealerships in the second half of this year, and pricing should land around $70,000 for the standard SUV, with the sleeker GLC53 Coupe likely starting north of $75,000. If those numbers hold, the value proposition will come down to how much you care about that inline-six feel and the more mischievous hardware. Either way, this looks like the GLC performance model that many AMG fans wanted from the start, and it sets the stage for an even hotter future if a V8-powered GLC63 ever makes its way back into the conversation.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
