Mercedes-AMG 35, 43, 53, 55 and 63 Explained: What Each Badge Means, From 302 hp to 671 hp

September 18 2026,

Every Mercedes-AMG wears a two-digit number on its trunk lid or tailgate: 35, 43, 53, 55 or 63. That number points to the powertrain family under the hood and shows where the model sits on the AMG performance ladder.

The Canadian Mercedes-AMG lineup spans all five badge numbers across more than a dozen models, from the 302-hp AMG GLA 35 to the 671-hp AMG GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE. This guide explains what each number means, which engines and outputs come with it, and how to match a tier to the way you drive.

At a Glance: The Mercedes-AMG Lineup by Badge Number

Badge	Powertrain	Models and Output
35	AMG-enhanced 2.0 L 4-cylinder turbo with hybrid assist	AMG GLA 35, AMG GLB 35: 302 hp, 295 lb-ft
43	2.0 L 4-cylinder turbo with mild hybrid drive and electric exhaust-gas turbocharger	AMG GLC 43, AMG SL 43, AMG GT 43: 416 hp, 369 lb-ft
53	3.0 L inline 6-cylinder turbo, mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid	AMG GLE 53: 429 hp; AMG CLE 53: 443 hp; AMG E 53 HYBRID: 577 hp (604 hp with RACE START)
55	4.0 L V8 biturbo	AMG SL 55, AMG GT 55: 469 hp, 516 lb-ft
63	4.0 L V8 biturbo, or 2.0 L 4-cylinder plug-in performance hybrid	AMG SL 63, AMG GT 63: 577 hp; AMG GT 63 PRO, AMG GLE 63 S, AMG GLS 63: 603 hp; AMG GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE: 671 hp

What the Badge Number Tells You

Within the Mercedes-AMG family, a higher number means a higher performance tier. The same number travels across body styles, so a 63 can be a roadster, a coupe or an SUV. Engine size can change inside a tier. The AMG GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE uses a 2.0 L 4-cylinder working with an electric motor, while the AMG GLS 63 uses a 4.0 L V8. Both wear the 63 badge because both deliver top-tier AMG output.

Other markings complete the picture. E PERFORMANCE and HYBRID identify plug-in hybrid drive, and 4MATIC+ refers to AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive.

AMG 35: The Entry Point to AMG Performance

The AMG GLA 35 and AMG GLB 35 bring AMG performance to compact SUVs. Both use an AMG-enhanced 2.0 L 4-cylinder turbo engine with hybrid assist, rated at 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT dual-clutch transmission sends power to all four wheels through AMG Performance 4MATIC.

A hybrid starter-generator adds an electric boost. The AMG GLA 35 reaches 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, and the AMG GLB 35 does it in 5.5 seconds.

AMG 43: Formula 1 Turbo Technology

Step up to a 43 and the 2.0 L 4-cylinder gains an electric exhaust-gas turbocharger derived from Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 technology. A thin 48-volt electric motor on the turbo shaft spins the compressor before exhaust flow takes over, for quick response from idle to high rpm.

Every 43 produces 416 hp and 369 lb-ft. The AMG GLC 43 SUV reaches 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, while the GLC 43 Coupe does it in 4.7 seconds. The rear-wheel-drive AMG SL 43 roadster runs 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, and the rear-wheel-drive AMG GT 43 coupe needs 4.6 seconds.

AMG 53: The Inline-Six Tier

The 53 badge means a 3.0 L inline 6-cylinder turbo engine, offered three ways.

The AMG GLE 53 SUV and Coupe use a mild hybrid setup with 429 hp and 413 lb-ft, reaching 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The AMG CLE 53 Coupe and Cabriolet raise output to 443 hp, with 413 lb-ft, and an integrated starter-generator that adds 23 hp and 151 lb-ft of electric assistance.

The AMG E 53 HYBRID Sedan and Wagon pair the six-cylinder with an electric motor and a 28.6 kWh battery. Combined output is 577 hp and 553 lb-ft, or 604 hp with RACE START from the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package. The Wagon reaches 0-100 km/h in as little as 3.9 seconds and can drive on electric power alone at up to 140 km/h. It is also the first performance hybrid wagon from Mercedes-AMG offered in Canada.

AMG 55: Where the V8 Begins

The 55 tier is where the V8 enters the Mercedes-AMG lineup, in two-door sports car form. The AMG SL 55 4MATIC+ roadster and AMG GT 55 4MATIC+ coupe both use a 4.0 L V8 biturbo engine with 469 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both reach 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, with power sent to all four wheels.

AMG 63: The Top Tier

The 63 badge sits at the top of the ladder and covers the widest range of body styles.

The AMG SL 63 4MATIC+ and AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ use a 4.0 L V8 biturbo rated at 577 hp and 590 lb-ft. The SL 63 hits 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, and the GT 63 does it in 3.2 seconds. The AMG GT 63 PRO raises output to 603 hp and 627 lb-ft.

The AMG GLE 63 S SUV and Coupe bring the same 603 hp and 627 lb-ft to a family SUV, using a 4.0 L V8 biturbo with mild hybrid drive. They reach 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+ matches that output and reaches 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds.

The AMG GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE SUV and Coupe take a different route to the 63 badge. An AMG 2.0 L 4-cylinder turbo with an electric exhaust-gas turbocharger teams up with a 150 kW rear electric motor in a plug-in performance hybrid. Total output is 671 hp and 752 lb-ft, the highest in this guide, with 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.

Which AMG Number Fits You?

Choose a 35 for AMG performance in a compact SUV, with 302 hp and all-wheel drive for daily driving.
Choose a 43 for the quick throttle response of an electric turbocharger in an SUV, roadster or coupe, with 416 hp.
Choose a 53 for six-cylinder power, or pick the AMG E 53 HYBRID for electric driving plus up to 604 hp.
Choose a 55 for 469-hp V8 performance in an SL roadster or AMG GT coupe.
Choose a 63 for top-tier output, from 577 hp in the SL 63 to 671 hp in the GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE.

Experience Mercedes-AMG at Mercedes-Benz Rive-Sud

Book a test drive at Mercedes-Benz Rive-Sud in Longueuil, and our team will walk you through each AMG badge, its powertrain and the packages that suit the way you drive.