Flaunting a six-pack

In an era of silent, sensible performance, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 Coupe, with its straight-six, growls, crackles and thrills

- HORMAZD SORABJEE

Mercedes-Benz is on a roll. Twelve new models are planned for India in 2026. And the GLC 53 Coupe is one of the more exciting ones. It replaces the GLC 43 AMG, a car that found only around 140 buyers last year, and arrives with considerably more character, and more interesting machinery under the bonnet.

The coupe-SUV style is kind of an acquired taste, it's for buyers who want their SUV to look a little more dramatic. This is exactly where the GLC 53 steps in. Gone is the unloved four cylinder. Instead, there's AMG's 3.0-litre inline six, paired with mild hybrid assistance, producing 449hp.