The ever expanding lineup of Mercedes AMG models is now including the new 53-series models which are powered by a hybrid powertrain.
The very idea of a hybrid doesn’t sound very fitting to the AMG’s ethos in theory, but the practice tells a different story.
The new powertrain, which debuts under the bonnet of the AMG CLS53, combines a turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six with the company’s EQ Boost starter-alternator that also powers the 48-volt electrical system.
The EQ Boost starter-alternator also provides an additional 21hp and 184lb-ft (250Nm) of torque to the engine’s output. The engine itself makes use of a traditional turbocharger, along with an electric compressor that’s responsible with eliminating any turbo lag, offering high charge pressure from the get-go.
The combined output of this high-tech and complex powertrain is 435hp and 383lb-ft (520Nm). Power goes to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG claims a 0-62mph (0-100km/h) time in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 167mph (270km/h).
The CLS53 was never meant to offer the full brutality of the 63-badged models; instead, it serves as the middle child in AMG’s range, sitting between the 43 and 63.
The question though remains: Is the Mercedes-AMG CLS53 a proper AMG? Autocar delivers its first driving impressions on the video linked below.