AMG gives four-cylinder the boot! 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC53 turbo six marks engine strategy U-turn in high-performance battle with Audi SQ5, BMW X4 M Competition and Porsche Macan

Mercedes-AMG’s avowed passion for small capacity turbo-petrol four-cylinder engines in some of its most high-profile models appears to have cooled with the arrival of the new GLC53 powered by a stonking ‘twin-charged’ 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder.

Highlighting the new engine’s “high-revving character” and “powerful, sonorous sound”, AMG has clearly responded to the lukewarm reception its undoubtedly powerful but relatively low-key 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines have received since the C63S E Performance launched globally in late 2022.

Replacing the four-cylinder GLC43 and (for now, the) GLC63S E Performance, the new GLC53 is powered by a revised version of the 3.0-litre in-line six used in the E53 sedan featuring an exhaust gas turbo and an electric auxiliary compressor as well as a switch from full plug-in support to mild-hybrid assistance via a 48V starter-generator in the nine-speed dual-clutch transmission.

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Undoubtedly designed to prioritise the combustion part of the hybrid equation, mods include a new cylinder head with improved intake and exhaust ports, a new intake camshaft and a larger volume intake system as well as an upgraded intercooler.

As a result, the new five-seat SUV hot rod produces 330kW (442hp) from 5800-6100rpm and 600Nm (640Nm on overboost) from 2200-5200 rpm.

For reference, the outgoing GLC43 is rated at 310kW/510Nm with the GLC63 AMG S E-Performance pumping out a staggering 500kW/1020Nm.

The GLC53’s integrated starter-generator provides a short-term boost of 17kW/205Nm, at the same time facilitating “recuperation, gliding and the almost imperceptible restarting of the engine during the start-stop function”.

2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC53

Drive goes to all four wheels via a “fully variable” AWD system including an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential. Claimed 0-100km/h acceleration is a rapid 4.2 seconds.

The (steel) suspension tune includes a specific spring-damper set-up and adaptive adjustable damping via separate valves for rebound and compression.

Rims are 21-inch shod with Z-rated Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV rubber (265/40 fr - 295/35 rr) and braking is by ventilated discs (390 fr - 360 rr) with four-piston fixed calipers up front and single-piston floating calipers at the rear.

2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC53

The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4Matic is currently priced at $147,500, before on-road costs, and Mercedes-Benz Australia told CarsGuide the GLC53 is due to land locally in the fourth quarter of this year.