2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 brings back the six-cylinder for Australia
The new inline-six GLC 53 replaces both four-cylinder AMG GLC variants, makes up to 330kW and lands in Australia from $140,600 before on-road costs, with deliveries due September 2026.
Rob Leigh
Key takeaways
- 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 inline six lands in Australia
- Priced from $140,600, first deliveries due September 2026
- Replaces four-cylinder GLC 43 and 500kW GLC 63 PHEV
Mercedes-Benz Australia has opened orders for the 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53, a performance SUV powered by a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine.
It arrives in both SUV and coupe bodystyles and takes over from the four-cylinder AMG GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance. First local deliveries are expected in September 2026.
2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 pricing
Pricing opens at $140,600 for the five-door SUV. The coupe carries a $10,700 premium at $151,300. Both figures include GST and the Luxury Car Tax but exclude on-road costs.
| Variant | Price excluding on-roads |
| GLC 53 SUV | $140,600 |
| GLC 53 Coupe | $151,300 |
See GLC 53 driveaway pricing and specifications →
What powers the GLC 53
The headline change sits under the bonnet. Out go the two four-cylinder AMG GLCs, in comes a single 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six.
An electric supercharger and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system feed it, together good for up to 330kW and 600Nm, rising to 640Nm on overboost. AMG claims 0 to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds and combined fuel use of 9.6L/100km.
Drive goes to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic and AMG's Performance 4Matic+ system, with AMG Ride Control suspension and rear-axle steering fitted as standard.
2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 specs and performance
| Specification | Detail |
| Engine | 3.0-litre turbo inline six-cylinder |
| Electric assist | Electric supercharger and 48V mild hybrid |
| Power | 330kW |
| Torque | 600Nm (640Nm on overboost) |
| 0-100km/h | 4.2 seconds |
| Fuel use (combined) | 9.6L/100km |
| Transmission | Nine-speed automatic |
| Drive | AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive |
Standard equipment and options
Every Australian GLC 53 rolls on matte black 21-inch AMG forged alloys and gets the darkened Night Package styling, an AMG lip spoiler and roof rails.
Inside, buyers get heated leather sports seats with memory, a panoramic sunroof, head-up display and Burmester 3D audio, all run through the MBUX system with AMG's drive modes.
Four option packages are on offer:
- AMG Dynamic Plus: $3700
- Plus Package: $5500
- Performance Ergonomic Package: $5800
- Golden Accents Package: $6000
Mercedes-Benz Australia says limited stock of the outgoing GLC 43 and GLC 63 remains and will sell alongside the new car until it clears.
AMG walks back its four-cylinder GLC gamble
The GLC 53 makes 330kW, a full 170kW down on the 500kW plug-in hybrid GLC 63 it replaces. That drop is deliberate.
AMG is betting Australian buyers wanted six-cylinder smoothness and sound more than a headline power figure, and with only limited 43 and 63 stock left, neither four-cylinder looks like returning once it clears.
Expect the 53 to become the entire AMG GLC line-up here, repositioned as a mid-tier six rather than the six-figure hybrid flagship the 63 tried to be.
If you want the old four-cylinder PHEV's brute 500kW, the clock is running on the last of the stock. Everyone else finally gets the engine AMG buyers actually asked for, in showrooms from September.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 cost in Australia?
The SUV starts at $140,600 and the coupe at $151,300, both excluding on-road costs.
How fast is the Mercedes-AMG GLC 53?
Its 330kW turbo inline six sends it from 0 to 100km/h in a claimed 4.2 seconds.
When does the Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 go on sale in Australia?
Orders are open now, with first Australian deliveries expected in September 2026.
Rob Leigh
Co-founder & Director
Rob Leigh is Co-founder and Director of The Beep based in Melbourne, Australia. He has 15+ years inside a major automotive OEM, specialising in product planning, pricing and vehicle strategy.
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