We hear so much about electric vehicles (EV) these days; so much so in fact that we assume that electrical motive power is our future. This may well be so, but not yet driving enthusiasts; not yet.
The internal combustion engine will remain with us for the foreseeable future it seems, as car manufacturers wait to see how the land lies. So if your motoring preferences extend to sporty driving pleasure, a roaring six-cylinder soundtrack and fully variable all-wheel drive (with Drift Mode, naturally) then the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+ promises a lively driving experience with even more automotive pleasure on winding country roads. Buy it in sport utility vehicle (SUV) guise or as a four-door coupé. We introduced the regular GLC last September and this is the ultimate iteration.
The Power
At the heart of this new model from the premium German car maker is the 3.0 litre inline six-cylinder engine with twin charging via an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor. The engine produces 443BHP (449PS / 330kW) and delivers a maximum torque of a hefty 600Nm (with added ‘overboost’ of 640Nm for 10 seconds at 5,200 rpm). The high-performance straight-six has been comprehensively redeveloped and impresses with an even more agile response and a strong appetite for revs. The characteristic crackling on throttle lift-off creates an exciting atmosphere, as does the bass sound during strong acceleration. Nought to sixty-two miles per hour (100KPH) is achieved in a speedy 4.2 seconds. It’s certainly a big car with a big heart.
The powerful engine is complemented by the AMG 9G auto transmission and fully variable ‘AMG Performance 4MATIC+’ all-wheel drive. Additionally, it features an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential with ‘Drift Mode’, available for the first time in an AMG SUV. This enables experienced drivers to explore the full range of driving dynamics on closed-off tracks.
The second-generation integrated starter-generator is compactly packaged in the transmission bell housing. As a central component of the 48-volt on-board electrical system, it works not only as an electric generator but also takes on hybrid functions. These include short-term power boosting, recuperation, load point shifting, gliding and the almost imperceptible restarting of the engine during the start-stop function.
A Premium Interior
The luxury interior of the optional (and desirable) ‘Golden Accents’ package is also unmistakably designed: The AMG sports seats are presented in elegant black leather, stylishly accented by seat bolsters and decorative stitching on the seats, colour-matched to the exterior accents, which offer attractive contrasts to the seat surfaces. The door panels and instrument panel also feature contrast decorative stitching in the same colour. The AMG carbon trim elements are woven with metallic threads, matching the ‘techgold’ accents of the package.
The attention to detail is also evident in the AMG door sill panels. They feature an AMG pattern design in black and illuminate the AMG logo in white. AMG floor mats with decorative stitching in beige complete the interior enhancements. The AMG ‘Performance’ steering wheel covered in microfibre material features steering wheel buttons for quick operation of driving programmes and other driving dynamics settings. Needless to say, this car comes fully loaded with the latest in safety technology and infotainment treats.
A Prestige Exterior
As you can see from our images, the design is great. Big though it is, it doesn’t look like a lumbering beast. A sleek design package ensures that the car is a real head-turner. The ‘AMG Design Plus Package’ is standard. This comprises a front apron with enlarged front splitter and additional ‘flics’ in high-gloss black and an enlarged AMG spoiler lip on the roof spoiler (SUV) or on the tailgate (Coupé) in body colour. Additionally, there’s side airflow breakaway edges around the optical air outlets of the rear apron in high-gloss black with a diffuser blade, also in high-gloss black.
From market launch, the optional ‘Golden Accents Package’ will be available for one whole year. The paint colours ‘obsidian black metallic’ or ‘graphite grey magno’ are combined in the exterior with numerous details in ‘techgold’.
In addition, extensive equipment details emphasise the special look. The subtle foiling on the car flanks with the AMG logo is another optional distinguishing feature. The matte black 21-inch AMG forged wheels in cross-spoke design are accented with ‘techgold’ rim flanges and wheel hub caps. Behind the wheels, glossy black brake callipers with white AMG logos are visible. A refined detail is the fuel filler cap in silver chrome with AMG lettering and design elements in black.
With the ‘AMG Night Package’, exterior elements such as exterior mirror housings and trim strips are finished in high-gloss black. Together with the dark chrome tailpipe trims and door handles, this creates flowing transitions. Additionally, there is the ‘AMG Night Package II’. It is ideal for individualists who appreciate high-class design details. Further elements such as the struts of the radiator grille, the AMG emblem on the hood, or the type designations are finished in black chrome.
The Ride
The all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel steering combine to deliver optimal traction for driving pleasure with a high level safety under various conditions: on dry roads as well as in wet conditions or on slippery surfaces. The transition from rear-wheel to all-wheel drive and vice versa occurs continuously because the intelligent control is integrated into the entire vehicle system architecture. This ensures that the Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+ has strong towing capability.
The AMG ‘Ride Control’ suspension is used for agile handling, neutral cornering behaviour, and high traction. The newly tuned steel suspension with its own spring-damper setup and adaptive adjustable damping offers an even greater spread between dynamic driving behaviour and relaxed long-distance comfort.
The damping adapts to the current driving situation and road conditions at each wheel. This happens quickly and precisely via separate valves for the rebound and compression stages in the dampers. Furthermore, the damper characteristic can be pre-selected in three stages: ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’, allowing for a noticeable differentiation between high comfort and sporty driving dynamics. All this with powerful brakes to match.
The five AMG Dynamic Select’ driving programmes are ‘Slippery’, ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, ‘Sport+’, and ‘Individual’ which allow the vehicle's character to be tailored at the touch of a button. Additionally, the Race’ driving programme is available with the ‘AMG Dynamic Plus’ Package. The differentiation ranges from efficient and comfortable to very sporty whereby important parameters such as the response of the engine, transmission, chassis and steering are modified.
All this tech on the GLC 53 is supported by the electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential, available for the first time on this model. It is also part of the optional AMG ‘Dynamic Plus Package’ and ensures excellent traction and great driving pleasure in all driving conditions. It also improves driving stability when changing lanes, especially at high speeds. The system operates with a fully variable locking effect in traction and overrun modes. There is a specially adapted control for Drift Mode.
MHH International With Mercedes-Benz-AMG
MHH International offer a very wide range of new and used Mercedes-Benz-AMG vehicles for export from the UK to destinations like Kenya and New Zealand. Please see our website for details of our trusted export service, VAT-free and finance options. You can see our current stock on these pages including the absolutely astonishing Mercedes-AMG GT SE Performance (here), one of the best supercars available. We look forward to hearing from you.
