Welcome back to RBR! Today we’re driving the new GLC 53 in the UK for its third and biggest appearance on the channel — our full driving review! After years of frustration with four-cylinder #AMG cars, this feels like the beginning of the course correction we’ve been waiting for.
At its heart is the new EVO 3.0-litre inline-six, with higher turbo boost pressure, a new cylinder head, revised intake and exhaust ports, and an upgraded electric auxiliary compressor. But the change you’ll appreciate most? An all-new exhaust system with new resonators and AMG Real Performance Sound. And we’re putting it next to my own E53 so you can hear just how much has changed!
There’s also 48V mild-hybrid assistance, fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension and rear-axle steering. Add the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package and you get a rear limited-slip differential and Drift Mode — in an AMG SUV!
Available as both an SUV and Coupé, the GLC 53 replaces the GLC 43, with UK prices starting at £79,250. So does it finally give us the exciting, attainable AMG we’ve been missing? And how does it stack up against the old four-cylinder GLC 63 and BMW X3 M50?
In this video:
Full UK driving review of the new AMG GLC 53
Death of the AMG 4 cylinder & whats coming
Exterior walkaround and interior
New EVO six-cylinder engine explained
Exhaust sound comparison with my AMG E53 Hybrid/ Old 53 AMGs
AMG Performance 4MATIC+ and optional Drift Mode
Suspension, rear-axle steering
UK pricing, options and Edition 53
GLC 53 vs the outgoing GLC 43 and GLC 63
What this engine could mean for the next generation of 53 AMGs
Return of the V8
Full driving review
Launch control
vs X3 M50 and SQ5
GLC 53 Exhaust sounds
This could be the most exciting mid-size AMG in years. But would you buy one, or are you holding out for the C53 and CLE 53? Let me know in the comments!
