Acting as the replacement for both its four-cylinder predecessors, the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 is powered by a reworked 3.0-litre straight-six, codenamed M256Evo. Delivering 443bhp from 5,800-6,100rpm, the engine matches the CLE 53 for peak power, but thanks to a suite of upgraded hardware, the twin-charged powerplant offers more torque than before. Now, 443lb-ft (600Nm) is available between 2,200 and 5,200rpm, with overboost increasing this to 472lb-ft (640Nm) for up to ten seconds at a time.

The increased torque comes courtesy of a new cylinder head, intercooler, high-volume intake system, camshaft, and a higher-output electric compressor. Additionally, the engine can call upon its 48-volt mild hybrid system for boosts of 23bhp and 151lb-ft (205Nm). The new model hits 62mph in 4.2 seconds from rest, and carries on to a top speed of 155mph, with a raised limiter set at 168mph optionally available.

The performance is sent to all four wheels through a 9-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and AMG’s 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system. This continuously varies the torque split depending on driving conditions and the selected drive mode, offering a rearwards-bias in the Sport setting, or completely decoupling the front axle to increase cruising efficiency. While yet to be confirmed as an option for the UK, the Dynamic Plus Package adds an electronically controlled limited-slip differential to the rear axle, as well as Drift Mode for the first time in an AMG SUV.

What is expected to come as standard in the UK is the switchable AMG Real Performance Sound exhaust system, which features new resonators to enhance the sound of the straight-six engine. AMG promises more pops and crackles with the new pipework, returning to the more boisterous soundtracks that became somewhat muted once petrol particulate filters were introduced at the tail end of the last decade.

A revised suspension set-up for the GLC 53 sees steel springs and dual-valve dampers at each corner, with three stages of firmness selectable. All-wheel steering enhances agility at lower speeds by allowing the rear wheels to turn the opposite direction to the front axle by up to 2.5-degrees, effectively shortening the wheelbase. Above 62mph, all wheels point in the same direction, with the rear axle turning up to 0.7-degrees to increase high-speed stability. Bringing the car to a stop is a set of four-piston brake callipers gripping 390mm discs at the front, with a single-piston floating calliper acting on 360mm discs at the rear.

Beyond the new powertrain and associated hardware, little else has changed. The GLC 53 is visually identical to its four-cylinder predecessors - save for the badging on the right hand side of the tailgate. The model is available in a traditional SUV body style, or as an SUV-coupé - the latter of which actually has a larger boot owing to its longer rear overhang, and lengthened load bay. A selection of 21” wheels will fill the flared arches depending on the equipment level, and four round exhaust tips feature on every example.

Inside, there’s room for five, and a pair of customisable displays. The instrument cluster can give an insight into the engine’s output in real time, or show what the car’s sensors are picking up about the world around it. The portrait central infotainment screen is angled towards the driver by six degrees, making it slightly easier to use on the move than a flat display.

All models will get the AMG steering wheel with large galvanised shift paddles, and two dials to control vehicle settings: one for adjusting the driving mode, and another which can be customised to offer quick-selects for powertrain, suspension, exhaust, and ESP stages.

The new 53 model supersedes both the mild-hybrid 43 and the plug-in hybrid 63 S in the GLC line-up, offering a power increase compared to the former, but a 33% reduction compared to the latter. Regardless, AMG’s bet on outright performance based around four-cylinder engines didn’t pay off in the mid-sized segment, and the GLC 53 offers more performance than both its key rivals - the 362bhp Audi SQ5, and the 393bhp BMW X3 M50.

The GLC isn’t the only AMG getting a new powertrain this year, with the C-Class set to gain a 53 model when its facelift is unveiled later this year. While pricing and specifications are yet to be confirmed for the UK, we expect the GLC 53 to start from around £80,000 when order books open in the coming weeks.