Mercedes CLS to debut AMG 53 hybrid

MERCEDES-BENZ has confirmed that an all-new hybrid AMG 53 variant will slot underneath its AMG 63 flagships, beginning with the third-generation CLS coupe-sedan set for a Los Angeles motor show unveiling in November ahead of an Australian debut in the middle of next year.

Destined for most Mercedes-AMG models built on the company’s MRA modular rear-drive architecture from the mid-range C-Class up, the penultimate performance variant will offer up to 370kW of power, according to an internal source, thanks to a combination of a 320kW 3.0-litre version of the all-new M256 in-line six-cylinder petrol engine and 50kW electric motor.

Total torque output should comfortably be above 550Nm.

It will most likely supplant the existing AMG 43 line of bi-turbo V6s that in the recently launched AMG E43 4Matic all-wheel drive sedan produces 295kW and 520Nm.

Along with the all-new CLS, the just-released E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet are also in line for the AMG 53 treatments from the middle of next year. Whether these also adopt 4Matic as well remains to be seen, although the up-spec E400 versions with the outgoing M276 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 will arrive with all-wheel drive.

Additionally, Mercedes’ growing range of SUVs from the GLC up to the next-generation GLE and GLS are also expected to feature an AMG 53 4Matic variant.

As outlined by Daimler late last year, the 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine family has been specifically developed for electrification.

Among a host of other technologies, it employs a 48-volt auxiliary electrical system, an integrated starter/alternator and an electric auxiliary compressor to help the newly electric turbocharger provide what the company claims is instantaneous and lag-free acceleration, V8 performance and 15 per cent carbon dioxide emissions cut compared to the old 3.0-litre V6.

The introduction of the AMG 53 nomenclature across the entire MRA portfolio is a welcome one for Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific which this year is set to shift more than 6000 AMG units for the first time.

While the smaller AMG C43 outsold the popular C63 for two out of the first six months in 2017, it did not come at the cost of the latter’s sales, which have remained steady during this period, underlining the importance of the upcoming AMG 53’s potential in attracting new customers to the fold.