--- title: "Mercedes Just Put Drift Mode in an SUV" date: "2026-02-10" modified: "2026-02-10" authors: - name: "Byron Hurd" job_title: "Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/byron-hurd" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/mercedes-just-put-drift-mode-in-an-suv" categories: - "Mercedes-Benz News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "GLC" - "GLC Coupe" - "luxury" - "Mercedes-AMG" - "suv/crossover" --- # Mercedes Just Put Drift Mode in an SUV ![2027 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 53]() The 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 has arrived. Expected to [replace the existing GLC 43]() when it departs at the end of 2026, this new offering packs a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, 443 horsepower, all-wheel drive and... a drift mode. This is normally where I'd add "for some reason," but these days, the more I ask "Why?," the more it seems the only coherent answer is "Why not?" Fair enough, I guess. *Technically*, the GLC can be had as both an SUV and a "coupe," but the latter remains entirely a crossover apart from its shaved roofline. That 443 hp is matched by an equal torque figure (which can briefly over-boost to 472 pound-feet) and the company's tried-and-true 9-speed automatic shunts that grunt to the standard 4Matic all-wheel drive system. Mercedes said the combo is good for a 0-60 sprint of 4.1 seconds with its "Race Start" launch control mode. If you covet that performance, you'll want the [AMG]() Dynamic Plus package, which not only includes the Race Start feature, but lifts the GLC's top speed from 155 to 167 mph. Go ahead and laugh, but that will knock almost 10 minutes off your drive time from Stuttgart to Berlin at full-tilt boogie—provided you don't run into any traffic. The mild hybrid system will make you feel better about yourself afterward despite having to stop to refuel... probably twice. ![]() ![]() ![]() And, as I noted above, the new GLC 53 can also go sideways. Drifting and all-wheel-drive aren't exactly natural dance partners, so to speak, so the GLC uses some powertrain wizardry to make the whole sideways thing work. [Mercedes-Benz]() described the GLC's all-wheel-drive system as "fully variable," allowing 100% of power to be directed to the rear wheels, allowing the electronic limited-slip rear differential to work its magic. The front axle also disconnects for efficiency when you simply don't need all-wheel drive, but that doesn't sound quite as impressive as "Drift Mode," now does it? That trick diff also requires the Dynamic Plus package, so budget that in if you want to get your hoon on. To celebrate the new model, Mercedes will offer the 2027 GLC 53 with a one-year-only "Golden Accents" package that does, well, exactly what it sounds like. This dress-up option throws in a smattering of "techgold" contrasted with Obsidian Black or Graphite Grey exterior finishes. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Mercedes didn't offer a starting price or exact launch window for the 2027 GLC 53, but we expect to learn both in short order, as this car will likely be on sale before the end of the year. Stay tuned. *Got a news tip? Let us know at tips@thedrive.com!* ## Author Byron is an editor at The Drive with a keen eye for infrastructure, sales and regulatory stories. He brings a light, punchy style to all of his content, believing that there's plenty out there to be laughed at—himself included. Born and raised in Maryland but now based just a stone's throw from Detroit, Byron is an auto enthusiast and generalist who enjoys building and tinkering with things of all kinds, from cars, computers and digital cityscapes, to the new garage that will soon house his fleet (a CT4-V Blackwing, a JK Wrangler and an NA Miata). Inspired by an early love of rollercoasters, Byron quickly caught the high-performance driving itch. He's been tracking and auto-crossing his cars since 2007. In his downtime, Byron enjoys reading, playing city builders, and studying the history of the Motor City. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()