2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 Overview: Who Is It For?

​Coupe-SUVs are a type of physique varieties we don’t fairly perceive. Why purchase a giant SUV with a ton of cupboard space, solely to lob off half of it to make your automotive seem like a coupe? We would by no means perceive it, however clearly, some folks do. 

Mercedes-Benz has been promoting coupe SUVs for round a decade now, and never solely will the corporate promote you a daily one, like the most recent GLC, however it’ll additionally provide the full AMG expertise by means of the GLC 53 AMG, which simply acquired a facelift.

​And by facelift, we additionally imply mannequin change—form of. See, the GLC 63, what with its controversial hybrid powertrain, is useless. So, the GLC 53 takes the reins because the highest-powered GLC variant you should purchase (for now). Is that this return to a six-cylinder engine any good, or is the GLC 53 nonetheless too secure?

Picture by: Zander Sutton | Motor1

​The GLC 53 Coupe is the coupe SUV model of Mercedes’s best-selling GLC, and regardless of it getting a facelift for the 2027 mannequin 12 months, not a lot else has modified. The outside is just about an identical to the pre-facelift mannequin, with the one noticeable variations being a brand new exhaust setup and a gold accents package deal that highlights some AMG badging and rims. 

In any other case, the GLC 53 is strictly what it all the time has been. Given what Mercedes has finished to a few of its different fashions, that isn’t solely a foul factor.

​Credit score the place credit score is due, though we don’t love the coupe-SUV type, the GLC 53 isn’t a bad-looking automotive. Its smaller measurement in comparison with Mercedes’ different coupe-SUV, the GLE, makes it look much less bulbous, and the matte-finish paint could be very AMG.

Picture by: Zander Sutton | Motor1

​Contained in the GLC can also be roughly the identical because the pre-facelift mannequin. The dashboard stays the identical, as does the steering wheel and gauge cluster. Though the display screen within the GLC is sort of giant, in comparison with the screens on the lately revealed electrical GLC, we’re very happy with this setup. Plus, it means precise metallic air occasions on the dashboard, one thing costlier Mercedes fashions like the S-Class miss.

​The up to date MBUX with an 11.9-inch display screen system works nicely, however we might like extra bodily controls for HVAC and radio settings. The bodily management points prolong to the steering wheel. Whereas the haptic management is executed higher than different manufacturers, with what number of totally different capabilities are on the wheel itself, it might get complicated. Unintentionally nudging or swiping on the flawed one occurs usually. We even have a difficulty with the navigation system, the place it refuses to connect with any waypoints or instructions, even in areas with a very good cell sign.

Images by: Zander Sutton | Motor1

Images by: Zander Sutton | Motor1

​The extra bodily features of the inside are executed significantly better. The AMG bucket seats are appropriately onerous, and the carbon fiber, mixed with the seemingly infinite quantity of customizable ambient lighting, is all the time a excessive level for Mercedes-AMG fashions. Nevertheless, as a result of the GLC 53 nonetheless makes use of an older Mercedes display screen setup, it’s suffering from a hefty quantity of piano-black plastic that smudges simply, particularly on elements of the middle console you contact usually.

​As a result of coupe-SUVs have that sloped rear roofline, the backseats are by no means essentially the most satisfying locations to be. The GLC 53 isn’t any exception. Whereas it was no means an uncomfortable place to be, the rear seats themselves are fairly good; the shortage of headroom does make for a extra cramped setting than the usual GLC, and lengthy drives with tall rear seat passengers will not be one thing we advise, except you hate them.

Picture by: Zander Sutton | Motor1

​That sloped rear finish additionally causes issues within the cargo division. Whereas the common GLC has 21.9 cubic toes of storage with the rear seats up, that quantity goes right down to 19.2 cubic toes for the GLC Coupe. Positive, this doesn’t imply that half of your cupboard space is gone, however taller or simply usually bigger gadgets may have a tougher time becoming comfortably within the trunk. And once they do match, the small rear window will make it even tougher to see out the again.

​The largest distinction between the pre- and post-facelifted GLC 53 is the engine. Gone is the plug-in hybrid four-cylinder unit from the GLC 63, and as a replacement is an inline-six powertrain. This engine makes 443 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. Nevertheless, a lift perform can crank that torque quantity as much as 472 pound-feet, however just for a couple of seconds. 

Energy is distributed to all 4 wheels through a nine-speed computerized, and the GLC 53 coupe can hit 60 miles per hour in simply 4.1 seconds. You’ll sail all the best way as much as 167 miles per hour with the pace limiter eliminated.

​Driving the GLC 53 is, to be blunt, precisely what you’ll count on from an AMG SUV. The facility is classy, it will get out of its personal manner, and while you throw on Sport+ within the non-obligatory AMG Drive Unit and sail into the left lane of the Autobahn, discovering three-digit speeds turns into fairly easy. For a giant automotive, the GLC 53 additionally handles itself fairly nicely. There’s minimal physique roll, and the automotive feels extra composed than a few of its sedan counterparts.

Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 Verdict

Picture by: Zander Sutton | Motor1

The GLC 53 merely doesn’t supply the identical pleasure as different AMG fashions. Positive, whereas the 443 hp is nothing to complain about, the additional added weight from that of a CLE 53 is noticeable, and regardless of having the identical snorty exhaust notice, all of it feels too exact and secure. Nothing in regards to the GLC 53 screams, “I’m having the time of my life.”

​Consolation can also be one thing the GLC 53 lacks. Regardless of Mercedes-AMG fashions sometimes having a greater day-to-day experience than equal BMW M fashions, the game seats within the GLC 53 are a bit onerous, even for easy German roads. Until you’re throwing this factor round a observe, which we doubt, lengthy highway journeys is likely to be powerful. We propose choosing totally different seats as an alternative, particularly as these include non-obligatory heating and cooling performance.

Pricing isn’t but out there for the GLC 53, however contemplating it’s down on energy in comparison with the outgoing GLC 63, we will count on it to start out across the $80,000 to 85,000 mark. There are a couple of true opponents to the GLC 53 resulting from its coupe-SUV physique type, however equally powered SUVs just like the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio are equally priced and supply higher rear storage.

​After our day with the GLC 53, we’re left questioning, “Who is that this for?” Positive, if somebody handed you the keys ot this automotive with no expectation of paying taxes on it, you’d get pleasure from your self. The GLC 53 could be very nicely geared up, the inside remains to be a pleasant place to be, and the engine sounds nice. 

However, with worse headroom and trunk house than the common GLC 53, and worse dealing with traits than a daily AMG C-Class or CLE, we simply don’t see it as the very best model of no matter it’s making an attempt to be.

​Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 Opponents