2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+ revealed

The high-performance version of Merc’s best-selling GLC-Class has been revealed and is set to arrive Down Under by Q4, with the Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+ set to bring a reworked six-cylinder engine – yep, no four-cylinder here! – and a renewed focus on driver engagement.

That’s right, the latest addition to the German brand’s athletic SUV range will forgo four-cylinder power in favour of a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol mild-hybrid.

Featuring an electric auxiliary compressor said to improve response, the GLC 53 4MATIC+ – which will come available in both SUV and Coupe body styles – will produce 330kW/600Nm, with a temporary 10-second over boost function increasing torque to 640Nm.

Power is delivered through the AMG’s nine-speed automatic transmission and a fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive (AWD) system, while Drift mode is standard – a first for any AMG SUV, thanks to the fitment of an electronically controlled rear-axle limited slip differential.

Mercedes-AMG says the revised powertrain offers stronger pull across the rev range and a more eager, high-revving character, backed by a redesigned exhaust system intended to deliver a more distinctive AMG sound under acceleration and on throttle lift-off.

Claimed to cover 0-100km/h sprint in 4.2 seconds when fitted with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package – which also unlocks a launch control feature – top speed is limited to 250km/h and rises to 270km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.

Standard gear includes AMG’s Ride Control adaptive suspension, three-stage AMG steering, and rear-axle steering, along with beefier AMG performance brakes.
Styling highlights include an optional Golden Accents Package, offered only for the first year of manufacture, adding tech gold exterior details, while unique 21-inch forged alloy wheels and matching interior trim elements also feature.

Mercedes-AMG is yet to reveal local pricing for the sporty GLC 53 4MATIC+, which will arrive in Oz in the fourth quarter of the year.

It’s yet to be confirmed whether the new 53 will replace either, if not both, the current four-cylinder GLC 43 4MATIC+ and GLC 63 4MATIC+ plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the latter of which has been slated to make a return to eight-cylinder power as consumers shun smaller-displacement and electrified powertrains in high-performance models.

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