2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 Revealed with More Power, More Torque, and a Drift Mode

Mercedes-AMG has revealed the latest iteration of the GLC 53, and it’s more exciting than ever, thanks in no small part to the removal of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid previously offered. Not only does the new turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six mild-hybrid setup produce more power and more torque, breathing through a new exhaust system, but in a first for any AMG SUV, there’s a drift mode. In fact, the GLC 53 is rear-driven more often than not, with the front axle only active when necessary, such as when activating Race Start launch control. The 2026 model produced 428 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, and its 0-60 mph time was claimed at 4.9 seconds, but for 2027, all of those figures have been improved upon.

2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 Is Quicker, Happier to Rev, and More Sideways

AMG has refined its latest six-cylinder engine with a new cylinder head, a new intake camshaft, a bigger intake system, and a new intercooler. The electrically assisted turbocharger also provides a bigger electric boost for improved throttle response, and the power curve is “adapted to a higher speed range,” which means the engine wants to be revved higher. Altogether, the GLC 53 now makes 443 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, the latter figure increasing to 472 lb-ft for 10 seconds when overboost is engaged. As a result, the 0-60 sprint is achieved eight-tenths quicker, at 4.1 seconds. That’s only possible with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package, but if that box is ticked, the GLC 53’s 155-mph top speed is raised to 167 mph, and the performance crossover gains an electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential, unlocking the new RWD-only Drift Mode. This option also provides the driver with an AMG Performance steering wheel with a microfiber finish and paints the brake calipers red.

Related: Mercedes-AMG Will Finally Bring Back Straight-Sixes to C-Class and GLC

As before, shifts are courtesy of a nine-speed automatic, and as standard, the GLC 53 includes rear-axle steering for keener handling, with braking from 15.4-inch discs with four-piston fixed calipers up front and 14.2-inch rotors with single-piston floating calipers at the back.

Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 Is Flashier than Ever, Just for 2027

AMG typically offers a Night Package with various gloss black touches for the mirror caps, glasshouse trims, door handles, front grille bars, badging, and exhaust tips. It also adds a larger front splitter, extra flics, side skirt extensions, and diffuser elements in the same finish, plus a larger spoiler (on the roof for the SUV, not pictured, and on the tailgate edge for the coupe) in body color, but for 2027 only, buyers can alternatively spec a Golden Accents Package. This endows the GLC 53 with either Obsidian Black Metallic or Graphite Grey Magno (matte) paint and includes matte-black 21-inch wheels with gold rims and center caps. This package also paints the calipers gloss black with white accents and changes the fuel filler cap to a silver chrome finish.

Inside, the package includes black leather AMG sports seats with contrast stitching that matches the exterior accents for these, the door panels, the floor mats, and the dash. The latter features carbon fiber trim woven with Techgold metallic threads, and the door sills are illuminated with a white AMG logo. Mercedes has not indicated pricing for any of these options, nor the vehicle itself, but the 2026 model starts at $92,150, so the Golden Accents Package will likely bring the total beyond six figures.