Welcome back to RBR, and today I’m back with the new AMG GLC 53 for a proper first drive. Last time, I experienced this car from the passenger seat, but now it’s time to get behind the wheel and find out whether this new EVO inline-six is the AMG comeback we’ve been waiting for.
The old GLC 43 and GLC 63 were some of the worst AMG's ever made with the horrid 4 cylinder set up. They are thankfully gone, and in their place comes this new GLC 53: a 449PS, 640Nm AMG SUV and Coupé with a heavily updated 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, 48V mild-hybrid tech, a new ISG, more boost, a new cylinder head, revised intake and exhaust ports, and most crucially — a proper AMG exhaust system with real sound and flaps!
Andi it's hugely important for the future, because this engine isn’t just important for the GLC: It’s also the future of AMG’s entry-level ICE line-up, with this new six-cylinder expected to appear across cars like the C53, CLE 53, E53, GLE 53, SL53 and GT53.
So this is more than just a new GLC — this is AMG trying to fix one of the biggest problems customers have had with its recent smaller performance cars!
In this video, we’ll cover:
The new AMG GLC 53 SUV and Coupé
The upgraded 3.0-litre inline-six engine
The new AMG exhaust and sound
4MATIC+ with fully variable all-wheel drive
The first AMG SUV with Drift Mode
AMG Ride Control suspension
UK pricing, including Premium Plus and Edition 53
How it compares to the BMW X3 M50 and Audi SQ5
Why Audi’s possible RS Q5 could be a real threat
What this engine means for future AMG models
First drive
Exhaust sound /revs
The closest rival is the BMW X3 M50 — a car I really liked, and one that is undoubtedly very strong inside. But the AMG has more power, more theatre, more sound, and on paper, a more exciting drivetrain. The Audi SQ5 is cheaper still, but with 367PS it sits well below this GLC 53 in terms of performance.
But AMG cannot afford to stop here. This new six-cylinder is a huge step in the right direction, and the first sign of healing for AMG customers after the disappointment of the previous four-cylinder era. But with Audi potentially working on an RS Q5, and AMG’s 60th anniversary approaching, the question remains:
Is the new GLC 53 enough… or does AMG need to bring back the V8?
