Sporty driving pleasure, an emotional six-cylinder soundtrack, and fully variable all-wheel drive with dynamic Drift Mode: The new Mercedes-AMG promises an AMG-typical driving experience with even more driving pleasure on winding country roads. At the heart of the new model is the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with twin charging via an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor. The engine produces 330 kW (449 hp) and delivers a maximum torque of a hefty 600 Nm (with overboost 640 Nm for 10 seconds at 5,200 rpm). The high-performance six-cylinder unit has been comprehensively redeveloped and impresses with an even more agile response and a strong appetite for revs.
The revised six-cylinder engine is complemented by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. Additionally, it features an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential with Drift Mode, available for the first time in an AMG SUV. This enables experienced drivers to explore the full range of driving dynamics on closed-off tracks.
The new GLC 53 4MATIC+ is powered by the further developed 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbo engine. Engine upgrades include a new cylinder head with improved intake and exhaust ports and a new intake camshaft. Additionally, there is a new intake system with a larger volume and a new intercooler. These extensive modifications result in improved torque delivery and an even more responsive behavior. Customers can look forward to powerful acceleration across the entire rev range right up to the limiter, making the driving experience even more agile and sporty.
A boost pressure of 1.5 bar from the optimized exhaust gas turbocharger enables ample torque with strong high-rev performance. The electric auxiliary compressor can now operate almost continuously for a longer period. It now boosts with up to 7.5 kW of electrical power (previously 5.0 kW), further improving throttle response. Furthermore, the overall power curve is adapted to a higher engine speed range. As a result, the torque plateau has been extended, reaching a maximum of 600 Nm in continuous operation. In overboost at 5,200 rpm, up to 640 Nm of torque is possible for up to ten seconds.
The second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG) is compactly packaged in the transmission bell housing. As a central component of the 48-volt on-board electrical system, it functions not only as an electric generator but also takes on hybrid functions. These include short-term boosting with 17 kW of power and 205 Nm of torque, recuperation, load point shifting, gliding, and the almost imperceptible restarting of the engine during the start-stop function.
Performance figures leave nothing to be desired: Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h takes just 4.2 seconds (with RACE START from the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package). The electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h can be increased to 270 km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.
The powerful and emotional engine sound is further enhanced by a new exhaust system. It features special resonators that further amplify the sound experience. The characteristic crackling on throttle lift-off creates goosebump moments, as do AMG typical misfires and the bassy sound during strong acceleration. The intensity depends on the selected driving programme. Optionally, AMG Real Performance Sound with a manually controllable flap exhaust system is available.
The 3.0-liter inline engine is coupled with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, which impresses with short shift times, quick reactions, double-declutching function, and multiple downshifts. An upshift or downshift is implemented immediately. The transmission operates particularly spontaneously in “Sport+” driving mode and in manual mode. Dynamic acceleration manoeuvres and adapted shift times are available, as is fuel-efficient driving, depending on the selected driving programme. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission can be shifted manually via the galvanized shift paddles located behind the steering wheel rim on the left and right.
The five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programmes “Slippery”, “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport+”, and “Individual” allow the vehicle’s character to be tailored at the touch of a button. Additionally, the “RACE” driving programme is available with the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package. The differentiation ranges from efficient and comfortable to very sporty. Important parameters such as the response of the engine, transmission, chassis and steering are modified. Regardless of the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programmes, the driver can switch directly to manual mode via the “M” button to shift exclusively via the steering wheel shift paddles. The chassis levels can also be selected separately if required.
Integrated into the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programmes is the AMG DYNAMICS driving dynamics control system. In the “Basic”, “Advanced”, and “Pro” settings, it influences, for example, the control strategies of the ESP® (Electronic Stability Programme) or the all-wheel drive. Based on driver inputs and sensor data, the intelligent pre-control system anticipates the desired vehicle behaviour. The range extends from stable to highly dynamic, enabling either a more comfort-focused or particularly sporty driving experience. AMG DYNAMICS functions can also be selected directly via the AMG steering wheel buttons. Both the modifiable vehicle characteristics and the extensive equipment options allow a wide range between sportiness and comfort, depending on individual customer wishes.
The GLC 53 is equipped as standard with the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. This combines optimal traction for dynamic driving pleasure with high driving safety under various conditions: on dry roads as well as in wet conditions or on slippery surfaces. The transition from rear-wheel to all-wheel drive and vice versa occurs continuously because the intelligent control is integrated into the entire vehicle system architecture. It also enables an increased towing capacity from the previous 1,800 kg to now 2,400 kg (braked).
The application of power distribution is differentiated. In moderate driving, where all-wheel drive is not required, the front axle is completely decoupled. This increases efficiency. From the ESP® Sport setting, the driving behaviour is designed to be more rear-biased. In Drift Mode, which is available with the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package, the new GLC 53 acts as a rear-wheel-drive vehicle across the entire speed range.
This is supported by the electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential, available for the first time in the GLC. It is also part of the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package and ensures excellent traction and great driving pleasure in all driving conditions. It also improves driving stability when changing lanes, especially at high speeds. The system operates with a fully variable locking effect in traction and overrun modes. It is tuned to all road friction coefficients and communicates permanently with the other control units relevant for driving dynamics. There is a specially adapted control for Drift Mode.
The AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension, developed in Affalterbach, is used for agile handling, neutral cornering behaviour, and high traction. The newly tuned steel suspension with its own spring-damper setup and adaptive adjustable damping offers an even greater spread between dynamic driving behaviour and relaxed long-distance comfort. The damping adapts to the current driving situation and road conditions at each wheel. This happens quickly and precisely via separate valves for the rebound and compression stages in the dampers. Furthermore, the damper characteristic can be pre-selected in three stages: “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+”, allowing for a noticeable differentiation between high comfort and sporty driving dynamics.
The AMG high-performance braking system is matched to the power and performance of the GLC 53: Internally ventilated discs measuring 390 x 36 mm with four-piston fixed callipers and AMG lettering are used on the front axle, and internally ventilated discs measuring 360 x 26 mm with single-piston floating callipers on the rear axle.
The steering layout also contributes to increasing both dynamics and comfort. The new GLC 53 features a three-stage AMG parameter steering that adapts to the selected driving programme. When manoeuvring and parking, only a comparatively low effort is required, while at higher speeds, the driver experiences even more feedback, especially in the “Sport” and “Sport+” chassis settings, via the adapted steering characteristic curve.
The standard rear-axle steering operates with a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees. At speeds of up to 100 km/h (variable depending on the AMG DYNAMICS setting), the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels. This leads to significantly more agile turn-in, less steering effort, and better handling. For example, the turning circle is noticeably reduced when turning or parking. At speeds above 100 km/h (variable depending on the AMG DYNAMICS setting), the rear wheels steer parallel to the front wheels – up to a maximum of 0.7 degrees. This has a positive effect on driving stability: it builds up lateral force more quickly during direction changes, allowing for more direct vehicle reactions to steering commands.
For an even sportier driving experience, the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package bundles high-performance equipment for special dynamism. Highlights include the electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential and the RACE driving programme with Drift Mode. Active engine mounts provide situation-dependent optimized connection of the engine to the body, thus improving vehicle dynamics, especially at higher speeds. The AMG Performance steering wheel in MICROCUT microfiber features steering wheel buttons for quick operation of driving programmes and other driving dynamics settings. Red painted brake callipers with AMG lettering on the front and rear axles visually underscore the sporty character.
From market launch, the optional Golden Accents Package will be available for one year. The paint colours obsidian black metallic or graphite grey magno are combined here in the exterior with numerous details in techgold. In addition, extensive equipment details emphasize the special look. The subtle foiling on the car flanks with the AMG logo is another optional distinguishing feature.
The matte black 21-inch AMG forged wheels in cross-spoke design are accented with techgold rim flanges and wheel hub caps. Behind the wheels, glossy black brake callipers with white AMG logos are visible. A refined detail is the fuel filler cap in silver chrome with AMG lettering and design elements in black.
With the AMG Night Package, exterior elements such as exterior mirror housings and trim strips are finished in high-gloss black. Together with the dark chrome tailpipe trims and door handles, this creates flowing transitions. Additionally, there is the AMG Night Package II. It is ideal for individualists who appreciate high-class design details. Further elements such as the struts of the radiator grille, the AMG emblem on the hood, or the type designations are finished in black chrome here.
The AMG DESIGN PLUS Package is also included. It comprises:
Front apron with enlarged front splitter and additional flics in high-gloss black
Enlarged AMG spoiler lip on the roof spoiler (SUV) or on the tailgate (Coupé) in body colour
Side airflow breakaway edges around the optical air outlets of the rear apron in high-gloss black
Diffuser blade in high-gloss black
Sporty interior with special accents
The interior of the Golden Accents Package is also unmistakably designed: The AMG sports seats are presented in elegant black leather, stylishly accented by seat bolsters and decorative stitching on the seats, colour-matched to the exterior accents, which offer attractive contrasts to the seat surfaces. The door panels and instrument panel also feature contrast decorative stitching in the same colour. The AMG carbon trim elements are woven with metallic threads, matching the techgold accents of the package.
The attention to detail is also evident in the AMG door sill panels. They feature an AMG pattern design in black and illuminate the AMG logo in white. AMG floor mats with decorative stitching in beige complete the interior enhancements.
