POWER WITHOUT GLORY? (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Stuttgart replaces two four cylinder Mercedes-AMG GLC performance SUV models with one, this potent straight six GLC 53. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 87

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.

Backgroundword count: 277

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 So both have been replaced by this straight six GLC 53 variant.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.

Driving Experienceword count: 311

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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