2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC53 First Drive Review: Abundant Style, Abundant Performance

      Jerry Perez

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      If you're in search of a coupe-style SUV, it's likely that aesthetics are more important to you than performance. Nevertheless, the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC53 Coupe shines in both areas, delivering a thrilling driving experience in a stylish body that distinguishes it among today’s compact luxury SUVs.

      Whether you opt for the GLC53 Coupe or the SUV—though I must admit it's the first time I've preferred the coupe’s sloping roofline over the more practical SUV form—you'll enjoy a well-appointed interior and an upgraded 3.0-liter straight-six engine that's both turbocharged and supercharged. It generates 443 hp and up to 472 lb-ft of torque, enabling the 4,674-pound SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 4.0 seconds (as per Mercedes), and reach a top speed of 167 mph when fitted with the AMG Dynamic Plus package.

      The revised straight-six engine works in conjunction with a nine-speed automatic transmission and distributes power to all four wheels through an AMG Performance 4Matic system. Drift Mode can be activated for rear-wheel-drive, smoky antics—this feature is a first for an AMG SUV.

      In terms of design, I feel the GLC53 Coupe finally achieves what a coupe-styled SUV should embody. The aggressive front end contrasts well with the curvy, sloped rear hatch, but not excessively. Additionally, the angle of the hatch isn't overly steep, preventing it from looking disproportionate, unlike many other coupe SUVs. My test model had a striking Graphite Grey Magno matte finish—surprisingly, as I’m usually not fond of matte finishes on vehicles. The GLC53 seems to defy my expectations in several ways.

      Driving the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC53

      My experience behind the wheel of AMG's new compact model was brief, and unfortunately, it coincided with rush hour in Hamburg, where I crawled through red lights, hardly testing the SUV’s performance limits. On the autobahn, where I had hoped to fully experience the straight-six’s capabilities (and its top speed of 167 mph), there were always too many cars to reach those speeds.

      However, in urban driving, the GLC53 felt comfortable, and in Comfort mode, the drivetrain was gentle enough for everyday use. The ride felt slightly firmer than expected for that mode, but since I'd just spent two days in the new S-Class, my body may not have adjusted quickly from the luxurious sedan to a sporty SUV. A brief switch to Sport and Sport+ modes provided a more responsive feel, a richer exhaust note, and quicker shifts—par for the course in this segment.

      The brakes felt robust, typical for AMG models, but the standout feature of the SUV is clearly its handling, which benefits from rear-axle steering. Navigating some winding on-ramps allowed me to maintain speed with considerable steering angle, and it was impressive how precise and well-behaved the vehicle felt as I pressed the accelerator. Though I didn’t have the chance to navigate a series of corners, I sensed that the sleek GLC was well-tuned for backroad driving.

      Inside the cabin, the experience was consistent with the Mercedes standard. Fortunately, the GLC lacked a Superscreen, showcasing a traditional center-mounted 11.9-inch display instead. The seats were comfortable and supportive, and visibility from the cabin was acceptable despite the sloping roofline and thicker B-pillars. One downside was the cargo floor in the trunk, which felt quite high, making it less ideal for regularly loading heavy items.

      Early Verdict

      After spending about an hour in the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC53—30 minutes of which I spent driving—it’s clear that this attractive SUV will appeal to urban, middle-aged professionals seeking a stylish vehicle that reflects their status. While most may not fully utilize the power from the new straight-six engine, those who do will likely be satisfied. I look forward to more extensive driving in the future to form a more comprehensive opinion.

      Mercedes-AMG provided The Drive with travel accommodations and a vehicle for the purpose of this review.

      2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC53 Specs

      Base Price: TBA

      Powertrain: 3.0-liter straight-six | 9-speed automatic | all-wheel drive

      Horsepower: 443

      Torque: 472 lb-ft

      Seating Capacity: 5

      Cargo Volume: 21.5 cubic feet behind the second row | 52.6 cubic feet behind the first row

      Curb Weight: 4,674 pounds

      EPA Fuel Economy: TBA

      Score: 6/10

      Quick Take

      Despite a brief and unremarkable test drive, I can confidently say it looks great and drives well. People