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
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.
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.
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.
“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.