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Four-cylinder hybrid power is being replaced by a 330kW inline six-cylinder in Mercedes-Benz's mid-size SUV – and its sports sedan is next.
The first model to emerge from Mercedes-AMG's move away from four-cylinder plug-in hybrid power in its performance cars has been revealed: the GLC53 mid-size SUV.
The GLC53 will compete with the Audi SQ5 using a 3.0-litre turbo inline six-cylinder engine, indirectly replacing the mild-hybrid GLC43 and plug-in hybrid GLC63 sharing four-cylinders.
Australian showroom arrivals of the GLC53 are due in the fourth quarter of 2026 (October to December), pending any delays.
It is due to be followed by a C53 sedan – succeeding the equivalent C43 and C63 – as the current 2.0-litre engine is phased out amid difficulties meeting upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations in force next year.
While the GLC has always been designed to fit a six-cylinder in its engine bay – as Mercedes-Benz sells the six-cylinder turbo-diesel GLC450d in Europe – the related, but not identical C-Class has been four-cylinder only since the latest model's 2021 launch.
The 3.0-litre single-turbo is sourced from the also-related CLE53 coupe, but it has been tuned with a new cylinder head, a larger intake, and a reworked intercooler.
Power remains set at 330kW, but torque has risen from 560Nm in standard driving and 600Nm on 10-second periods of overboost, to 600Nm and 640Nm, respectively.
It compares to 500kW and 1020Nm in the GLC63 S – 350kW/545Nm of which came from the four-cylinder engine – and 310kW/500Nm in the GLC43.
The electric motor used to spin up the turbocharger at low speeds to reduce lag can now supply 7.5kW, up from 5kW, for a claimed improvement in throttle response.
The engine is assisted by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system capable of providing a 17kW/205Nm boost under acceleration, or switching off the petrol engine when coasting to lower fuel consumption.
A nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission powers all four wheels through a variable all-wheel-drive system, which can disconnect drive to the front axle in Drift Mode, a first for an AMG SUV.
Mercedes-AMG claims a zero to 100km/h acceleration time of 4.2 seconds with launch control, included in the AMG Dynamic Plus pack, towards a standard 250km/h top speed that can be raised to 270km/h with the AMG Driver's Package.
The brand touts an "emotional" engine sound from a new exhaust system, with unique resonators and an optional flap in the exhaust that are claimed to provide "characteristic crackling on throttle lift-off" and "AMG typical misfires".
An electronically-controlled limited-slip differential is available for the rear axle, assisting the drive modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual and, with options ticked, Race.
Adaptive dampers with coil springs, sports steering, and rear-axle steering – which turns the rear wheels up to 2.5 degrees in the opposite direction to the front below 100km/h, and up to 0.7 degrees in the same direction above 100km/h – are standard.
Brakes comprise 390mm discs and four-piston fixed callipers up front, and 360mm discs and single-piston floating callipers at the rear.
Styling is closer to the GLC43 than the GLC63 S, with more aggressive front and rear bumpers than a standard GLC, 21-inch alloy wheels, four circular exhaust outlets, and the option of gold exterior accents in the first year of production.
The AMG Night Package includes black exterior accents, and dark chrome exhaust tips and door handles, with the AMG Night Package II going further through black badges and grille struts.
Opting for the AMG Design Plus package includes a larger front splitter, front-bumper aero 'flics', a larger rear spoiler – a lip on the 'Coupe' body, and a roof spoiler on the 'wagon' SUV – tweaked side skirts, and a black diffuser.
Inside, highlights include AMG sports bucket seats upholstered in black leather, and a sports steering wheel with satellite pod buttons and an optional microfibre wrap.
The Mercedes-AMG GLC53 4Matic+ is due in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2026 (October to December).
Mercedes-Benz Australia's website shows about 60 examples of the GLC63 S plug-in hybrid, and 40 examples of the GLC43 mild-hybrid, remain in stock in local dealers; it's unclear if the current versions are still in production.
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
