Mercedes-Benz GLC 53 AMG Returns For 2026 As A Turbocharged Inline-6 Engine

Much has already been said about the choices AMG made with its mid-size models bearing a “C” in their name. Instead of clumsy, powerful V8s, they’re now modern, yet somewhat bland machines with a four-cylinder engine and a series of electric motors under the hood. 680 hp won’t help matters: classic AMG enthusiasts simply don’t want that. So Mercedes sought another solution and found it in the form of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53‘s powertrain. It’s not a V8 but an inline-6 cylinder engine with a still respectable 449 hp. And that last one is precisely the power output of the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 53. The 3.0-liter turbocharged engine also produces 600 Nm, or even 640 Nm under overboost. The engine is boosted by a turbocharger, an electric compressor, and a 48V mild-hybrid assist and is paired with a 9-speed Speedshift automatic transmission.

The figures are quite impressive, but they can’t compare to the plug-in hybrid GLC 63 E-Performance’s enormous power. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, 0.7 seconds slower than the 63.

A striking fact for such a sporty car: the GLC 53 can tow 2,400 kg, compared to 1,800 kg for the 63. Mercedes referring to the 63 as a “predecessor” in the context of this towing capacity suggests the 63 will indeed be discontinued. Officially, this hasn’t been announced yet, and the 63 is still listed as such. Since the more compliant Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 has already been discontinued, we expect the 53 to replace both of them. This will apply to the GLC but also to the C-Class. Want the space of the latter but the weight and size of the former? Then Mercedes has the perfect solution: the Mercedes-AMG GLC is also available as a GLC Coupé.

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