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Mercedes-AMG introduces electrified ‘53’ series

German car maker’s tuning arm has introduced a new range, which uses electrification to take the stress off the engine and even offer a small power boost

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Mercedes-AMG has announced a new model designation for a series of electrified high-performance vehicles.

The ‘53’ series will be available for the CLS as well as the E-Class coupe and cabriolet. The cars combine AMG’s traditional high-performance internal combustion engines with a mild hybrid system for the first time, with power going to all four wheels.

(Mercedes-AMG)
(Mercedes-AMG)

Under the bonnet sits a new 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine – turbocharging comes in the form of a traditional exhaust gas charger and a new 48-volt electric compressor.

The mild hybrid system provides two key benefits over an unelectrified engine. The most obvious is a power bump from the electric motor, which provides 21bhp and 250Nm of torque when accelerating from a standstill, giving the whole system a 451bhp output. The result is a 0-60mph time of 4.3 seconds.

Meanwhile, the electric compressor instantly builds up a charge pressure to aid performance at lower engine speeds, while the large exhaust gas charger builds boost to be deployed at higher engine speeds. The result, Mercedes-AMG says, is zero turbo lag.

The system is also designed to take the load off the engine by running auxiliary systems, which helps improve fuel economy.

(Mercedes-AMG)
(Mercedes-AMG)

There are visual changes, too. All ‘53’ series models receive a silver chrome twin-blade radiator grille, a new aerodynamics-optimised body kit, redesigned rear diffuser and various chrome additions. Inside, there’s a widescreen twin-display unit on the dashboard, similar to that seen on the S-Class, as well as sports seats and an AMG Performance steering wheel.

Tobias Moers, 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.

(Mercedes-AMG)
(Mercedes-AMG)

“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-orientated customer group with a further attractive offering.”

UK pricing hasn’t yet been revealed, but expect the ‘53’ models to cost from about £60,000.

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