2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+ Is An SUV That Thinks It’s A Sports Car

Mercedes-AMG just dropped the specs on their latest performance SUV, and the 2027 GLC 53 4MATIC+ is packing some serious heat. With a reworked inline-six engine that’s pumping out 443 horsepower, fully variable all-wheel drive, and (for the first time in an AMG SUV) a Drift Mode, this thing’s ready to throw down on the road or the track.

Whether you are looking for a daily driver with supercar DNA or a weekend warrior that can handle school drop-offs and spirited canyon runs, the new GLC 53 is positioning itself as the ultimate do-it-all performance SUV. Here’s everything you need to know.

Power Plant: AMG’s Enhanced 3.0L Inline-Six Gets Even Better

Under the hood sits AMG’s completely reworked 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. This isn’t just a mild refresh. Mercedes went all-in with a new cylinder head, improved intake and exhaust ports, a new intake camshaft, larger intake system, and beefed-up intercooler. The result? More responsive throttle and torque delivery that makes this SUV feel more like a sports car.

The numbers speak for themselves: 443 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. But that’s not all. Activate the overboost function and you’ll get a temporary spike to 472 lb-ft of torque for up to 10 seconds. That’s the kind of power surge that pins you back in your seat when you need to make a move.

The twin-charging setup combines a traditional exhaust gas turbocharger running 21.8 psi of boost with an electric auxiliary compressor that’s been upgraded to deliver up to 10 hp of electric boost (up from 7 hp in previous models). Translation: virtually zero turbo lag and instant throttle response.

Performance Numbers That Matter

Let’s get to it. The 2027 GLC 53 4MATIC+ hits 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds (with the optional RACE START feature). Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, but spring for the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package and that ceiling jumps to 167 mph.

The 3.0-liter inline-six engine is coupled with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, which delivers lightning-quick shifts, double-declutching functionality, and multiple downshifts on demand. The transmission is especially dialed in during “Sport+” mode and manual operation via the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

All-Wheel Drive With A Twist: Enter Drift Mode

The fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system is the real star of the show. This isn’t your average AWD setup; it can seamlessly transition from front-wheel drive (for efficiency) to rear-biased power delivery to full rear-wheel drive.

Here’s where things get interesting: opt for the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package and you unlock Drift Mode—making the GLC 53 the first AMG SUV to offer this feature. In Drift Mode, power goes exclusively to the rear wheels, letting experienced drivers explore the full dynamic range on closed courses.

The AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package also includes an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential (another first for the AMG GLC), which improves traction, handling stability, and overall driving dynamics. Between the rear diff and Drift Mode, this sporty SUV is ready to get sideways when the moment calls for it.

Sound and Fury: Exhaust Note That Commands Attention

AMG knows half the fun of a performance vehicle is how it sounds, and they’ve engineered a new exhaust system with special resonators to deliver an emotional auditory experience. Expect characteristic crackling on throttle lift-off and a deep, throaty roar during hard acceleration.

The exhaust intensity varies based on your selected drive program, so you can keep things civilized during morning commutes or unleash the full symphony when you’re in the mood. There’s also an optional AMG Real Performance Sound system with a selectable exhaust for those who want even more control over the soundtrack.

Drive Modes for Every Situation

The AMG DYNAMIC SELECT system offers five drive programs: “Slippery,” “Comfort,” “Sport,” “Sport+,” and “Individual.” Each mode adjusts engine response, transmission behavior, chassis settings, and steering feel. Add the DYNAMIC PLUS Package and you get a sixth “RACE” program that unleashes the full potential of the vehicle.

The AMG DYNAMICS driving dynamics control system works within these modes, offering “Basic,” “Advanced,” and “Pro” settings that influence ESP behavior and all-wheel drive characteristics. Whether you want stable and comfortable or aggressive and sideways, there’s a setting that fits.

Handling and Braking: Built in Affalterbach

The AMG GLC 53 comes standard with AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension featuring adaptive adjustable damping. The system offers three damper maps (“Comfort,” “Sport,” and “Sport+”), each delivering noticeably different driving characteristics. Whether you’re cruising or carving corners, the suspension adapts in real-time to road conditions.

Standard rear-axle steering with up to 2.5 degrees of angle makes low-speed maneuvering surprisingly nimble for an SUV. At speeds below 60 mph, the rear wheels turn opposite to the fronts, reducing the turning circle and making parking easier (the 2022 Range Rover we drove also had this, absolute game changer). Above 60 mph, they turn parallel for improved stability during lane changes and high-speed cornering.

The AMG high-performance braking system features 15.4-inch internally ventilated front discs with four-piston fixed calipers and 14.2-inch rear discs with single-piston floating calipers. You can also throw in optional red AMG brake calipers from the DYNAMIC PLUS Package for some extra visual punch.

What The Boss Says

Michael Schiebe, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, put it this way:

“With the new GLC 53, our goal was to make its Affalterbach DNA even more tangible – with more emotion, more character, and even more fun to drive. To achieve this, we significantly upgraded our six-cylinder engine. Together with the sophisticated chassis and the fully variable all-wheel drive, it makes the GLC 53 a highly dynamic vehicle with exceptional versatility.”

That’s corporate speak for: we made this thing an absolute riot to drive.

Limited Edition Golden Accents Package

For model year 2027 only, Mercedes is offering an exclusive Golden Accents Package that takes the GLC 53’s visual game to another level. This special package is available exclusively with Obsidian Black Metallic or Graphite Grey Magno exterior paint and features techgold accents throughout.

The standout feature is 21-inch AMG Forged Cross-Spoke wheels in matte black with techgold rim flanges and center cap details, paired with black brake calipers sporting white AMG logos. Subtle AMG graphics in techgold adorn the vehicle’s profile, and you’ll find an AMG fuel filler cap in silver chrome with black design elements.

Exterior upgrades include a larger front splitter with additional flics in high-gloss black, a bigger AMG spoiler lip on the roof (SUV) or trunk (Coupe), side airflow breakaway edges around the rear fascia optical air outlets in high-gloss black, and a high-gloss black diffuser blade.

The AMG Night Package and Night Package Plus add high-gloss black mirror housings, trim, door handles, and dark chrome tailpipe trims. The Night Package Plus goes further with black chrome radiator grille struts, hood emblem, and rear badging.

Inside, AMG sports seats get dressed in elegant black leather with seat bolsters and contrast stitching color-matched to the exterior techgold accents. Door panels and dashboard feature matching contrast stitching, while AMG carbon fiber trim woven with techgold metallic threads adds a premium touch. Even the AMG door sill panels get the treatment with an illuminated AMG logo in white and a black AMG pattern design. AMG floor mats round out the package with matching contrast stitching.

When Can You Get One?

The 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+ arrives at U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2026, available in both SUV and Coupe body styles. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but expect it to command a premium over the standard GLC given all the performance hardware and exclusive features.

The Bottom Line

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+ represents what happens when a luxury automaker decides to take performance seriously in the SUV segment. With a comprehensively reworked inline-six engine, genuine performance hardware like the limited-slip rear diff and Drift Mode, and the versatility of an SUV platform, this thing checks boxes for enthusiasts who refuse to compromise.

Whether you’re daily driving it, taking it to the track, or just enjoying the exhaust note on backroad runs, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 delivers the kind of driving experience that reminds you why you love cars in the first place. And with the limited-edition Golden Accents Package, you can make sure everyone knows you’re driving something special.

What do you think of the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+?