Test drive

Mercedes-Amg Glc 53 4Matic+: the sporty SUV raises the performance bar

The six-cylinder AMG evolves with 449 hp, Drift Mode and more involving driving dynamics

by Giulia Paganoni

27 May 2026

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

Six-cylinder engine: more response and more character
Exclusive design and Golden Accents package
Driving impressions: agile through bends, stable at high speeds

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

The new Mercedes-Amg Glc 53 4Matic+ brings to the road a formula that combines power, precision and comfort. We were in Hamburg, Germany, to test drive the new Affalterbach SUV that debuts with the updated 3.0 turbocharged inline-six with 449 hp and 600 Nm, with overboost up to 640 Nm. The list price starts at around 95,000 euros.

Six-cylinder engine: more response and more character

The heart of the new Glc 53 remains the 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder, thoroughly revised by Amg. The new cylinder head, enlarged intake system and optimised turbocharger improve engine response throughout the entire range of use. The electric auxiliary compressor reaches 7.5 kW and works for longer, guaranteeing immediate thrust even at high revs.

The Amg Speedshift 9G transmission focuses on speed and fluidity, with multiple downshifts and rapid gear changes in Sport+ and Race modes. The 48-volt mild hybrid system integrates an additional 17 kW and 205 Nm of boost, as well as energy recovery and cruise functions.

The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.2 seconds, while the top speed reaches 270 km/h with the Amg Driver's Package.

Drift mode also makes its debut on an AMG SUV, flanked by the fully variable Amg Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive and electronic rear differential. The result is a more direct drive with a pronounced sporty character and an even more involving sound.

Mercedes-Amg Glc 53 4Matic+, la foto del suv sportivo di Affalterbach
Photogallery31 foto

Exclusive design and Golden Accents package

For the first year on the market, Amg is offering the Golden Accents package, reserved for versions with a metallic obsidian black or graphite grey magno paint finish. Techgold elements feature forged 21-inch wheels, body details and dedicated inserts in the passenger compartment.

The exterior features an enlarged front splitter, Amg spoiler and gloss black details from the Amg Night package. In the passenger compartment are Amg sports seats in black leather, contrasting stitching and carbon-fibre inserts with metallic threads. An ensemble that reinforces the sporty character of the SUV without sacrificing perceived quality and attention to detail.

Driving impressions: agile between bends, stable at high speeds

At the wheel, the new Glc 53 immediately conveys a feeling of precision. The three-stage AMG steering offers quick steering inputs and consistent feedback, while the steered rear axle improves agility when changing direction. In the city the SUV remains manoeuvrable, in fast bends it shows solid support and remarkable traction.

The all-wheel drive Amg Performance 4Matic+ distributes torque continuously between the two axles. In sportier modes the behaviour becomes more rearwardly oriented, right up to the Drift Mode dedicated to track driving. The Amg Ride Control suspension manages to limit roll without penalising comfort on long transfers.

The sound of the six-cylinder accompanies every acceleration with deep tones and release bursts typical of the AMG tradition. With the optional Amg Real Performance Sound system, the acoustic involvement increases even further.