Mercedes-AMG 53 Lineup Ushers Future of Hybridised Performance

What do the badges on a modern Mercedes-AMG car mean? Here’s a short guide:

43 - a 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine developing 362PS of power and 520Nm of torque

45 - a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine developing 376PS of power and 475Nm of torque

63 - a 5.5-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine developing 563PS of power and 760Nm of torque

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz lineup at the 2018 Auto Expo

And now, Mercedes-AMG has added the 53 - a 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged (one normal turbo, the other an electric compressor) in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine developing 429PS of power and 520Nm of torque assisted by an EQ Boost starter-alternator developing 21PS/250Nm in short bursts. Paired with this explosive powertrain is a new 9-speed dual-clutch transmission and the 4MATIC+ AWD system.

Why? This is the first tiny step taken by Mercedes-Benz in the larger quest to make future models more efficient and less polluting. All-electric performance cars are still some time away and a hybrid/mild-hybrid system can fill the gap till then. Available in the brand new Mercedes-Benz CLS and the older E-Class Coupe and E-Class Cabriolet models, the 53 will be added to more Mercedes-AMG models in the future.

Also Read: The Mercedes-Benz CLS gets edgier looks

The CLS 53 4-door coupe accelerates from 0-100kmph in 4.5 seconds, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 coupe in 4.4 seconds and the E 53 Cabriolet in 4.5 seconds with the top speed limited to 250kmph. But they are efficient too - in the case of the CLS, Mercedes-Benz claims a combined mileage of 11.90kmpl!

Mercedes-Benz has added unique visual cues to the AMG 53 models lineup too. These include an exclusive twin-blade radiator grille, new air-dam design, new rear bumper with integrated diffuser and twin round gloss-chrome exhausts on the outside. Inside, the changes include AMG sport seats, AMG badges around the cabin, red seat belts, carbon fibre/matte-silver glass fibre trim and AMG performance steering wheel with Nappa leather. As with any AMG model, the new 53 models can be personalised to one’s tastes.

Also Read: Mercedes-AMG's flagship sportscar is coming soon!