All of the AMG boys, girls and motoring enthusiasts alike have rejoiced at the announcement of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 53, and the headline? AMG has moved away from electric power and upgraded to a new 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. Yes, that, on top of the fact that it was announced that the C63 will also go through a change in the engine bay and nameplate, but let's focus on the topic at hand, shall we ?
Here is the new GLC 53 which will be powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with twin turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor. Together with the newly developed AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, the engine produces 330 kW and 600 Nm, this should be good for a 0 to 100 figure of just 4.2 seconds from standstill and make a top speed of 250 km/h which can be increased to 270 km/h with the optional AMG Driver's Package.
The GLC 53 is still available in either SUV or SUV Coupé body styling while featuring sportier AMG elements on the outside for the distinctness to separate normal from sport. The exterior touches span from an enlarged AMG spoiler lip on the roof spoiler (SUV) or on the tailgate (Coupé) in body color, a front splitter, 21-inch AMG forged wheels, an AMG emblem on the hood, and glossy black brake calipers.
To put its power down, the GLC 53 is equipped as standard with the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. This system is well known for its ability to provide "optimal traction" when driving enthusiastically but still maintain a high level of safety whether you are on dry roads as well as in wet conditions or on slippery surfaces.
The smart all-wheel-drive system can be explored by switching through five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs : "Slippery," "Comfort, " "Sport," "Sport+," and "Individual." Furthermore, more intense settings can be tailored to your driving needs when you fiddle with the AMG DYNAMICS driving dynamics control system. In the "Basic, " "Advanced," and "Pro" settings, it influences, for example, the control strategies of the ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) or the all-wheel drive.
"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, " meaning that the car debuts a rear-axle limited-slip differential, available for the first time in the GLC.
This new GLC 53 rides on AMG's RIDE CONTROL suspension, which is tuned and designed for agile handling, neutral cornering behavior, and high traction. The revisions to the chassis include a reworked spring-damper setup, adaptive adjustable damping, and rear-wheel steering that improves parking maneuverability and, at high speeds above 100 km/h, further enhances handling by turning parallel to the front wheels - up to a maximum of 0.7 degrees.
For those who simply desire more from a driver's perspective, an optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package is offered. This tick on the options list further ramps up performance and improves all the driving dynamics in how the vehicle delivers performance. Highlights include the electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential and the RACE driving program with Drift Mode. The DYNAMIC PLUS Package gains active engine mounts, which provide situation-dependent optimized connection of the engine to the body (increased rigidity), thus improving vehicle dynamics, especially at higher speeds.
Aesthetics can also be enhanced with the optional Golden Accents Package , which will only be available for one year. This will include obsidian black metallic or graphite grey magno paintwork, topped by details in a "Techgold" color scheme. Meanwhile, the matte black 21-inch AMG forged wheels will feature Techgold piping around the edges and wheel hub caps.
We are all glad that Mercedes-Benz is trying its best to mend what it initially broke in the hearts of many enthusiasts, which was using a very smart and impressive yet complicated and smaller 4-cylinder hybridized engine that came from EU regulation pressure. This isn't the holistic "Forgive me" that will turn the odds in their favor again just yet, but it is a good first step in realizing just how much they could have lost by choosing not to listen. We eagerly await to see all future models to come from AMG, as there was word of a V8 powerplant in the works, so it's just a matter of seeing which car will wear that honorary badge.