What's the news?
We've got the '43'-badged Mercedes-AMG products, with their biturbo 3.0-litre V6 engine (which makes anything between 367- and 401hp), and the '63' models (ranging from 476- to 612hp, courtesy of a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8) - well, the performance arm of Mercedes has now filled in the gap with three brand-new '53' models... and they are AMG's first steps towards a hybrid future.
The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 (as well as the E 53 Coupe and Cabriolet twins) is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder petrol engine, which is rated at 435hp and 520Nm; one of the turbos is a standard, exhaust-driven blower and the other is an electrically-powered compressor, designed to negate turbo lag. That motor, though, is augmented by an 'EQ Boost' starter-alternator, which can momentarily add a soupcon more power (16kW, or 22hp), but a whole heap more torque, namely 250Nm. Furthermore, the EQ Boost system feeds a 48-volt on-board electrical system. All cars with the '53' badge will also all feature the AMG Speedshift TCT 9G gearbox, AMG Ride Control+ air suspension and AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive.
Like the Mercedes-AMG V8s, the CLS 53, E 53 Coupe and E 53 Cabriolet all wear twin-blade radiator grilles, an 'A-wing' front apron, AMG-specific side skirts and a rear bumper that houses a diffuser plus round exhaust pipes in high-gloss chrome. Of course, the CLS is of special interest, because it's the first confirmed, proper performance version of the recently announced third-generation model. It can tick off 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and go on to 270km/h, if fitted with the AMG Driver's Package, while returning 8.4 litres/100km and 200g/km of CO2 emissions. The CLS also has side air curtains in the front apron, mirrors positioned on the doors in a manner not dissimilar to the AMG GT and a set of aerodynamically optimised 19-inch light-alloy wheels (20s are an option).
All three 53-model AMGs can be fitted with the Widescreen Cockpit twin 12.3-inch TFT displays for the infotainment and instrument cluster, while there's a new AMG Performance steering wheel offered as standard on the trio. For reference, the E 53 Coupe can hit 100km/h from rest in 4.4 seconds, the E 53 Cabriolet does the same sprint in 4.5 seconds and both go on to 250km/h limited as standard, although the Driver's Package lifts that to 270km/h like the CLS 53.
Anything else?
Tobias Moers, the chairman of Mercedes-AMG, said: "With the new 53-series models, we are extending our portfolio in a first step towards a hybridised future with a leading-edge combination of sporty design, performance and efficiency. The basis for this is a contemporary drive configuration in the form of a six-cylinder inline engine with electric auxiliary compressor, EQ Boost starter-alternator and 48V on-board electrical system. The very spontaneous response to accelerator pedal input, the precision and the design focusing on driving dynamics are hallmark features of AMG. As such we are providing an additional lifestyle-oriented customer group with a further attractive offering from Affalterbach."