2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 Shuns 4cyl PHEV For Straight-Six

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled its latest GLC 53 model, and has confirmed that it uses a straight-six engine. You’ll be able to get one as an SUV or a coupe.
 

This announcement comes not long after the performance brand’s boss Michael Schiebe told Edmunds that the performance brand would be phasing out the four-cylinder PHEV that went down like a lead balloon in the AMG C 63, so is almost certainly doing the same with other models that use the powertrain.
 
While unconfirmed, this new GLC 53 is rumoured to replace both the AMG GLC 43 and GLC 63 which both use different power outputs of that four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain.
 
So this new AMG GLC 53 uses a twin-turbo straight-six that develops 443bhp and sends all that power to all four wheels via a nine-speed auto. The mild hybrid powertrain comes with a torque overboost for ten seconds that generates a total of 472lb ft (442lb ft is standard) and allows the GLC 53 to sprint to 62mph in as little as 4.2 seconds.
 

On top of that, the GLC 53 comes with AMG’s adaptive ride control system as well as rear-wheel steering and a limited-slip differential that allows you to drift this beast of an SUV if you’re brave enough.
 
As well as the usual AMG trinketry, the GLC 53 can be had with a gold accent pack and a matte black paint option, so you’ll almost certainly see it populating your rear-view mirror in the outside lane of a motorway very soon.