More power and more gold. The 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 becomes the 53, and those two things cover the bulk of them.
The engine is a new inline-six instead of the old four-cylinder, there’s a new exhaust for more sound, and this SUV gets a drift mode for the first time. Plus, there’s a new Golden Accents Package for anyone who misses the badges on their late ’90s Lexus.
Small Changes, Big Impact
With an all-new GLC just around the corner, Mercedes-Benz has made surprisingly significant changes — ones buyers will notice, starting with a new engine.
The 3.0L AMG-enhanced inline-six replaces the old 2.0L four-cylinder. A new cylinder head, intake, turbo, and exhaust push it to 443 horsepower and a matching torque figure. 472 pound-feet are available for short periods when using the overboost feature.
That’s not up by much from the 416-horsepower that the four-cylinder made for 2026. Still, it should deliver more smoothness and refinement, not just more performance. The engine itself has been upgraded from last year’s AMG 53 engine offered elsewhere.
Its changes include a new version of the integrated starter-generator that allows start-stop and torque smoothing. Plus more electric boost from the auxiliary compressor that Mercedes-AMG says boosts throttle response.
Much Quicker & Dynamic Sound
While those changes might not seem significant, Mercedes-AMG claims acceleration is much quicker — 4.1 seconds to 60 instead of 4.7 before, if you use the optional Race Start mode.
The new exhaust is meant to let you hear that revised engine as well, thanks to “special resonators for a more emotional, crackling six-cylinder sound.” It’s not the V8 63, but it should still be a delight.
An electronically controlled, limited-slip differential is new. It’s the first time for the differential on a GLC, and it should provide for improved traction at the rear. Rear axle steering is also now standard, improving cornering and parking maneuvers.
Get the AMG Dynamics Plus package, and the GLC gains a drift mode that lets you have some tail-out rear-drive fun. On a closed course, of course.
New Gold Accents Highlight 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53
Mercedes-Benz is giving the 2027 GLC 53 a new Golden Accents Package. It includes Techgold detailing inside and out, with gold accents on the 21-inch forged wheels and carbon fiber trim with gold thread accents. You’ll find plenty of that gold thread in the carbon on the dashboard and inside door panels.
Expect the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 to be on sale in a few months. Mercedes-Benz USA didn’t announce pricing, but the current GLC 43 starts at $67,550 for the SUV and $73,450 for the Coupe.
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