Mercedes-AMG 53 Inline-six turbo hybrid and a bounty of tech
Mercedes-AMG this morning revealed details of a new model designation, the AMG 53-series for the CLS and the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet. Two words were the first to catch our eye: inline six. The AMG CLS53 and two variants of the AMG E53 are coming to the U.S.. We thought the new inline-six engine would arrive in the CLS, but we didn't realize it'd be an AMG. That's a nice bonus.
The AMG 53 line takes the new 3.0-liter inline-six that debuts on the CLS450 in Europe, but breathes on it some more. Originally this engine made 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, but when AMG is through with it, it's pumping out 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The like the non-AMG version, the engine is turbocharged and has an electric auxiliary compressor that eliminates turbo lag. And its mild hybrid system's EQ Boost starter-alternator can throw in an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque momentarily. That unit is fitted between the engine and AMG's Speedshift nine-speed transmission, all of which delivers power to the car's Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive.
You can tell an AMG 53 by its twin-blade silver-chrome grille, which was previously reserved for AMG V8s. Behind the blades is black lattice. The 53 also has an A-wing front bumper with silver-chrome front splitter and side curtains to reduce drag and direct airflow. Air intakes feature horizontal silver-chrome fins, and the car wears AMG side sills. Around back, there's a diffuser and chrome exhaust tips, and the taillights emphasize the car's increased width. The body-color deck lip can be optioned in carbon fiber. A CLS 53 has 19-inch aero wheels standard, and 20-inchers are an option.
Mercedes says the AMG CLS 53 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
