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The SUV segment is a profitable niche for car makers - and the high performance end of it even more so. Here's the fastest version of the Merrcedes GLC model that claims to rule the mid-sized part of that segment, the thunderous Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+. There's a step backwards in electrification here given that this six cylinder model replaces two more battery-orientated four cylinder variants, the old mild hybrid GLC 43 and the PHEV GLC 63. But potentially, this Affalterbach-tuned model still offers an addictive recipe.
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Performance Sporting Cars
Background
This is the fastest, most powerful mid-sized SUV you can buy, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+. No longer quite so politically correct but still fantastically desirable, the Mercedes-AMG GLC seems to still have all the right ingredients for an addictive mid-sized uber-high-speed SUV.
It's the kind of machine you might conceivably come up with if, in a pleasant few moments, you were to mentally assemble all the elements necessary to create your ideal car - assuming you could only have one and that money was no object. It'd need plenty of interior space, yet couldn't be so large that cornering agility would be compromised. You'd want a commanding driving position, 4WD traction, storming acceleration and a potent engine soundtrack. This Mercedes confidently ticks all those boxes. You can even have it in coupe-SUV form if you don't want the standard SUV body shape.
No other brand has more experience in high performance SUVs like this one, the Mercedes legacy in this market niche dating back to 1999 and the fast but rather wayward ML55. The company's AMG tuning division in Affalterbach has got rather better at producing go-faster versions of Mercedes products since then - they're now good for corners as well as straight lines - and it really shifted up a gear with the introduction of the 4.0-litre V8-powered first generation GLC 63 in 2019. This second generation model initially got a performance PHEV powertrain borrowed from the C 63, but that sold badly, as did the lesser 2.0-litre mild hybrid unit fitted to the cheaper GLC 43 model. So both have been replaced by this straight six GLC 53 variant. Let's take a closer look.
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Range data
| Min | Max |
| Price | 79250 | 94250 |
| Insurance group 1-50 | 47 | 49 |
| CO2 (g/km) | 215 | 222 |
| Max Speed (mph) | 155 | 155 |
| 0-62 mph (s) | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Combined Mpg | 29.4 | 29.4 |
| Min | Max |
| Length (mm) | 4749 | 4792 |
| Width (mm) | 1920 | 1920 |
| Height (mm) | 1640 | 1640 |
| Boot Capacity (l) | 545 | 620 |
| Power (ps) | 449 | 449 |
| Torque (lb ft) | 600 | 600 |
Driving experience
So what do we have here as a replacement for mild hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Mercedes-AMG GLC drivetrains? Well, a redesigned 3.0-litre in-line six cylinder engine with twin charging via an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor. The engine produces 449hp and delivers a hefty 600Nm of maximum torque (with overboost to 640Nm for 10 seconds at 5,200rpm). To give you some class perspective, a rival BMW X3 M50 has 398hp with 580Nm; an Audi SQ5 has 367PS with 550Nm.
This Mercedes model's six-cylinder engine is complemented by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. And those engine upgrades? Well they include a new cylinder head with improved intake and exhaust ports and a new intake camshaft. Additionally, there is a new intake system with a larger volume and a new intercooler. Plus the electric auxiliary compressor can now operate almost continuously for a longer period. It now boosts with up to 7.5 kW of electrical power (previously 5.0 kW), further improving throttle response.
Performance figures should leave nothing to be desired: Acceleration from a standstill to 62mph takes just 4.2 seconds. The electronically limited top speed of 155mph can be increased to 168mph with the optional AMG Driver's Package.
The powerful engine sound is further enhanced by a bespoke exhaust system with special resonators that further amplify the sound experience. The characteristic crackling on throttle lift-off creates goosebump moments, as do AMG typical misfires and the bassy sound during strong acceleration. The intensity depends on the selected driving programme. Optionally, AMG Real Performance Sound with a manually controllable flap exhaust system is available. Rear-axle steering's standard across the line-up but only the top pricey 'Edition 53' version has the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package with its 'RACE' and 'DRIFT' modes and its electronic rear-axle locking differential and dynamic engine mounts.
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Design and build
Get one of these bearing down in the fast lane upon you and you'd scuttle over pretty quickly. Whether you choose your GLC 53 in its SUV guise or in its alternative Coupe form, it's a mean-looking beast. Setting it apart from lesser GLC is the deep front bumper, the AMG signature Panamericana front grille, revised wheel arch treatment, wider door sills, AMG mirrors, a big roof spoiler, huge 21-inch AMG Y-spoke wheels and a bespoke rear bumper with 4 rectangular exhausts.
As with the standard GLC, the cabin features a huge MBUX centre screen, which here gains various bespoke AMG and Hybrid-specific displays. The instrument screen is bespoke too, gaining a 'Supersport' display style which uses a vertical menu structure. Even the Head-up display has AMG-specific 'Race' and 'Supersport' formats. Away from screens, you grasp a twin-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel. And there are AMG sports seats.
Out back, this MK2 GLC model's 15mm wheelbase increase has been put to good use in the slightly more spacious rear section of the cabin - mainly to improve legroom, not one of the previous model's strong points. The bench slides back and forth too, which aids cargo flexibility. Ah yes, boot space. That's rated at 620-litres, a big increase on the restricted 470-litre figure of the previous GLC 63 PHEV. There's a 75-litre reduction in that figure if you opt for the alternative GLC Coupe body shape.
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Market and model
Prices for this Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+ start from around £79,000 and there are three trim levels - 'AMG Premium', 'AMG Premium Plus' and 'Edition 53'. That's an awful lot more than you'd have to pay for obvious rivals - it's around £73,000-£74,000 for rival BMW X3 M50 and Audi SQ5 models. But both of those have less power. As with the Audi, this Mercedes offers a choice of bodyshapes, with the sleeker-looking GLC Coupe version costing £2,000 more.
You do of course get plenty of kit for the figures being asked. The AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes system with AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension. There are 21-inch Y-spoke forged AMG alloy wheels, an AMG high-performance braking system with silver-painted calipers, DIGITAL LIGHT LED headlamps and privacy glass. Inside, there's a bespoke Mercedes-AMG interior with AMG leather upholstery and a wheel trimmed in nappa leather and MICROCUT microfibre. There are sports pedals in brushed stainless steel and a Parking Package with a 360-degree camera You also get THERMATIC two-zone automatic climate control, AMG floor mats and illuminated AMG door sills.
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Cost of ownership
The CO2 emissions stat is rated at 220-222g/km for the SUV and 215-217g/km for the Coupe. The combined cycle fuel figure is 29.4mpg. To give you some perspective on that, the old PHEV GLC 63 model was quoted at 37.3mpg and 170g/km in SUV form at launch - but owners will tell you that those were fantasy figures. This one should get much closer to the quoted official stats.
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Summary
The easy way to summarise here would be to point out that if you want a versatile, spacious, high performance road burner of this size, a Mercedes-AMG C 63 estate makes far more sense. But you'd need another £20,000 for one of those and in any case, this GLC 53 4MATIC+ will be the car that a potential buyer in this segment is much more likely to want. It has a road presence that C 63 just doesn't possess and from your elevated perch at the wheel, you'll enjoy it all the more. Does any Mercedes-AMG product make more of a statement than this one? Possibly only the GT sportscar. Ideally, you'd have both.
Critics of course are lining up to snipe at this car for its weight, its still prodigious thirst and what in their eyes is a misguided sense of automotive fashion. It tries, they'll tell you, to be five cars in one - SUV, estate, performance sportscar, luxury saloon and, in its alternative form, coupe as well. Yet ends up hitting none of these marks satisfactorily. To some extent, that's true, but it's quite a thing to watch this model strive to reach such an impossible objective. And get surprisingly close to meeting it.
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