2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC53 First-Drive Evaluate: Loads of Present, Loads of Go

If you happen to’re in the marketplace for a coupe-fied SUV, you’re prone to care extra about its trendy look than its efficiency credentials. Regardless, the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC53 Coupe boasts strengths in each columns, providing a punchy driving expertise wrapped in a glossy bundle that makes it stand out amongst in the present day’s many compact luxurious SUVs.

Whether or not you select the GLC53 Coupe or SUV—and albeit, that is the primary time I’ve ever favored the sloping roofline over the extra sensible SUV form—you get a nicely-appointed inside, in addition to an up to date 3.0-liter straight-six engine that’s each turbocharged and supercharged. It produces 443 hp and as much as 472 lb-ft of torque, serving to the 4,674-pound SUV attain 60 mph in 4.0 seconds flat (estimated by Mercedes) and proceed as much as 167 mph when outfitted with the AMG Dynamic Plus bundle.

The revised straight-six pairs to a nine-speed automated transmission, and sends energy to all 4 wheels by way of an AMG Efficiency 4Matic system. Nevertheless, Drift Mode may be activated to carry out all types of RWD, smoky shenanigans—a primary in an AMG SUV.

Within the seems to be division, I consider the GLC53 Coupe lastly delivers on what the coupe-fied SUV ought to have been all alongside. The muscular entrance finish contrasts with the curvy, sloped rear hatch, however not overly so. Likewise, the hatch’s rake angle isn’t too aggressive, so it doesn’t look disproportionate, in contrast to in lots of different coupe SUVs. My tester seemed fairly cool in its Graphite Gray Magno in matte end—and I’m sometimes not a giant fan of matte finishes on automobiles. Apparently, the GLC53 is simply an anomaly on many fronts for me.

Driving the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC53

My time behind the wheel of AMG’s new compact providing was very transient, and even worse, it coincided with rush hour in Hamburg, the place I puddled round from pink mild to pink mild, barely tickling the SUV’s efficiency capabilities. As soon as on the autobahn, the place I hoped to discover the straight-six’s new chops (and its 167-mph high velocity), there was by no means a spot in site visitors massive sufficient to achieve these speeds.

Across the metropolis, nonetheless, the GLC53 felt comfy and in Consolation mode, the drivetrain was docile sufficient for each day responsibility. I felt just like the experience high quality was nonetheless a bit stiffer than it ought to’ve been for that setting, however then once more, I had simply spent two days driving the brand new S-Class, so maybe my physique couldn’t recalibrate shortly sufficient to leap from the plush sedan to a sporty SUV. Briefly exploring Sport and Sport+ modes delivered an enhanced response, louder exhaust sound (the natural kind), and crisper, faster shifts. That’s all to be anticipated and never something new.

Brakes felt sturdy, as they often do in an AMG, although I’d say the SUV’s standout dynamic is unquestionably its dealing with, probably partially to its rear-axle steering. Tackling a few curvy on-ramps allowed me to hold some velocity with appreciable steering angle, and it was stunning how exact and well-mannered it felt as I buried my foot into the floorboard. And whereas I by no means received the possibility to string greater than a few corners collectively, I undoubtedly received the sense that the glossy GLC was correctly tuned for a backroad drive.

By way of the in-cabin expertise, every part was typical Mercedes fare. Fortunately, there was no Superscreen to be discovered within the GLC, simply the normal, center-mounted 11.9-inch display. The seats had been comfy and supportive, and visibility out of the cabin was passable regardless of the sloping roofline and thicker B pillars. One factor, although: The cargo flooring within the trunk felt quite excessive, so in case you’re consistently loading heavy gadgets, you would possibly need to look elsewhere for the utmost practicality.

Early Verdict

After about an hour within the Mercedes-AMG 2027 GLC53, of which solely half-hour had been behind the wheel, I can solely say that this good-looking SUV shall be a preferred selection amongst big-city, middle-aged professionals on the lookout for a modern experience that displays their place in society. And whereas probably received’t extract each ounce of energy from the brand new straight-six motor, the few who do shall be happy. I stay up for getting extra seat time later this yr and forming a extra well-rounded opinion.

Mercedes-AMG supplied The Drive with journey and lodging, together with the usage of a automobile for the aim of penning this overview.

2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC53 Specs

Fast Take

Regardless of a really brief and uneventful take a look at drive, I can say that it seems to be good and drives good. Folks will like that.

E mail the creator at jerry@thedrive.com