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Not quite a V8, but the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 Coupe at least gets six-cylinder power.<\/p>\n
Michael Teo Van Runkle<\/p>\n
At a starting price of $75,900 before destination and delivery, the 2027 AMG GLC 53 4Matic+ Coupe<\/a> slots into Mercedes-Benz\u2019s ubiquitous crossover lineup at more than $10,000 less than the GLC 63 S E Performance<\/a> available this year. Savings come from the decision to swap in a mildly hybridized inline-six gasoline engine versus the more potent\u2014at least on paper\u2014plug-in powertrain of the GLC\u2019s current top-spec model, which previously caused a healthy dose of consternation due to the lack of an expected AMG V8 engine.<\/p>\n However, this new configuration gives up a significant edge on the spec sheet: just 443 horsepower and a matching torque figure out of the new hybrid 3.0-liter versus the combined 671 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of today\u2019s plug-in turbo-four option. For Mercedes, swinging for the heart of the luxury crossover market with a more affordable package clearly meant prioritizing the all-round appeal of a slightly less complex GLC that still lacked a beefy V8 option. I spent a week testing this 2027 GLC in Los Angeles, which proved that the peppy 53 happily splits the gap between powerful and practical with a healthy dose of sportiness thrown in for good measure.<\/p>\n Every GLC submodel features a clean and comfortable interior layout.<\/p>\n Michael Teo Van RunkleClean and Simple, with a Healthy Dose of Tech<\/p>\n The same exterior design carries over, smooth and sleek, though the form might look best in a dark blue or gunmetal metallic. Those spectacular AMG wheels will likely give detailers true nightmares while trying to clean out every last little nook and cranny, but accentuate the clean body lines and proportions with a slightly more angular edge so reminiscent of 1980s rally cars. <\/p>\n On the inside, a flowing dash dominated by the portrait-style 11.9-inch touchscreen also reveals where Mercedes hewed to the more restrained side of the technology equation\u2014versus the triple-mono-screen setup available on other models. Wood grain and electroplated touchpoints help with the premium impression, though the front seats stand out more with a supremely comfortable mix of cushion and bolstering. <\/p>\n Deep, if not tall, trunk with enough space for most of daily life’s demands.<\/p>\n Michael Teo Van Runkle<\/p>\n The second row might not fit the largest passengers, yet even with the hybrid powertrain, the GLC Coupe offers a deep trunk footprint if not quite a tall roof, which results in a cargo capacity of 21.5 cubic feet with the second row up. As usual, some of the tech features will also frustrate sensitive drivers, and on my own GLC I figure turning off as much of the voice recognition or driver aids as possible might help. <\/p>\n The touchscreen requires dipping through plenty of menus, and even the varying drive mode adjustments demanded a fair amount of attention\u2014then again, I wanted to experience everything within such a short window, and in real life the prospect of changing drive modes so frequently seems slightly less fraught. At least Mercedes-Benz\u2019s unpredictable climate control woes of the past few years seem left in the past, a critical consideration in the height of Southern California summer.<\/p>\n Mercedes-AMG’s stalwart turbocharged straight-six pumps out a healthy 443 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque thanks to mild hybrid assist.<\/p>\n Michael Teo Van RunkleStill No V8 Option, Unfortunately<\/p>\n For the 53 specifically, the familiar turbo-six engine punches out plenty of torque but lacks much in the way of guttural appeal. A sewing machine soundtrack somehow seems at odds with the sheer shove, as the hybrid-electric system contributes to a bit of drone throughout the rev range. <\/p>\n Even if Mercedes arguably masks weight as well as any automaker, the battery mass causes a fair amount of body rafting at a 4,674-pound curb weight. Coming off larger speed bumps with any speed also leads to audible clunks as the suspension hits full droop. But at least the 53 still tips the scale more than 10 percent less than the plug-in version!<\/p>\n A reasonable tire sidewall on retro-style wheels helps with suspension challenges due to weight.<\/p>\n Michael Teo Van Runkle<\/p>\n Smoother road surfaces make for happier passengers, and then spinning the steering wheel dials to firm everything up with the exhaust valving wide open can unlock a sporty character that matches just about any other crossover on the market in sheer handling prowess. Slinging around canyon corners or trying to hustle through traffic becomes a breeze, all-wheel-drive traction hooking up easily, steering taut and precise as the nine-speed transmission rips through gears with surprisingly quick shifts that never seem to upset the chassis.<\/p>\n The AMG treatment clearly suits the GLC platform, but I also spent plenty of time wondering whether the lack of a V8 engine will still still engender any hesitation among potential customers. Obviously, an inline-six as the 53 makes more sense than a 2.0-liter turbo-four for the 63. And clearly, a V8 adds cost and weight, with a concomitant hit to fuel economy and emissions. <\/p>\n Complexities of the hybrid powertrain’s multiple drive modes via the large central touchscreen.<\/p>\n Michael Teo Van Runkle<\/p>\n Then again, even the base GLC 300<\/a> with a mild hybrid turbo-four already drives so well, with a fair amount of weight saved at 4,167 pounds for the rear-wheel-drive configuration, all while starting as low as $52,400 with similar creature comforts\u2026 And there\u2019s the GLC 350e with up to 54 miles of fully electric range, too.<\/p>\n The popular crossover segment also includes plenty of solid options outside of the broad Mercedes and AMG lineup. But at least limiting choices to German luxury brands, Audi\u2019s SQ5<\/a> similarly relies on a mild-hybrid six-cylinder setup with Quattro all-wheel drive, yet lacks some of the refinement of the GLC interior. BMW leapt off the deep end stylistically and in terms of sheer mass, too. So perhaps the GLC 53\u2019s truest competitor comes from the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid<\/a>\u2014which costs about half again as much, however. <\/p>\n Without stepping into the plug-in or electric arena, instead the GLC 53 combines premium amenities, practical attributes, and sporty aspirations in a solid choice for longer distance daily driving and occasional road tripping, if not quite family hauling or packing up the gear for weekend adventures. A realistic option, then, even without the V8, for a legitimate crossover that does everything much better than well enough.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Not quite a V8, but the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 Coupe at least gets six-cylinder power. 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