The era of the four-cylinder hybrid AMGs is officially over, and a new six-cylinder contender has arrived! Mercedes-Benz has decided to retire its potent, yet somewhat controversial, four-cylinder hybrid AMG models. This significant shift sees them replaced by more traditional inline-six powerplants in both the C-Class and GLC-Class lineups. And guess what? One of these exciting new arrivals is already here!
Introducing the Mercedes-AMG GLC53 4Matic+, representing AMG's latest vision for a high-performance compact crossover in this generation. While it might boast a bit less raw horsepower than the plug-in hybrid it replaces, Mercedes-Benz is banking on a return to the engaging driving dynamics that enthusiasts loved in the AMG models predating the hybrid experiment. It's a move that prioritizes the driving experience, and we're eager to see if it pays off!
Under the hood, you'll find a 3.0-liter inline-six engine, a powerplant also featured in the CLE53 coupe and convertible. This engine delivers a robust 443 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. But here's where it gets interesting: for brief, 10-second bursts, that torque figure can surge to an impressive 472 lb-ft thanks to an overboost function. It's worth noting that the total horsepower is less than the 470 hp produced by the outgoing GLC 63's four-cylinder engine alone, before even factoring in its electric boost.
This represents a major philosophical change for the GLC's top-tier model, impacting its acceleration. The 0-60 mph time is now projected to be 4.1 seconds, a noticeable increase from the previous 3.5 seconds. And this is the part most people miss: the upside is expected to be in how the car actually feels to drive. While we'll have to get behind the wheel ourselves to confirm, the adoption of a lighter and simpler powertrain should translate into a more enjoyable and connected driving experience, even if it's a touch slower off the line.
What do you think about this shift back to inline-six engines for AMG? Are you excited about the potential for improved driving dynamics, or do you miss the sheer power of the hybrid system? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
