Mercedes-AMG Fans Need to Learn a New Number - '53'

While we knew Mercedes-Benz’s AMG sub-brand had plans to dabble in electrification for upcoming performance models, details of what that could mean for the sub-brand’s products remained pretty thin on the ground.

Daimler R&D head Ola Källenius explained back in January that future AMG-badged vehicles will gradually become “more and more electric.” Never mind the limited-production Project One hypercar that’s in the works — that model is just a plaything for the Dubai set. Well, now we know exactly what AMG has planned for the new rung in its model range, and it indeed makes use of charged particles to lend some extra grunt to the overall package.

It also brings a very sweet inline-six to the table. Baby steps, people.

Speaking to Wheels, a company source has stated the electrification revolution will begin next spring with the unveiling of the next-generation Mercedes-AMG CLS53. Yes, you read that right. The number “43” isn’t long for this world, nor is the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 found in models carrying the designation.

Under the upcoming CLS53’s hood is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid setup. With the motor’s Inline Starter Generator sending juice to the water pump, AC compressor, and auxiliary compressor for low-rpm boost — as well as adding power to the drive wheels — the new mill has no need for an accessory belt drive. This makes the six-pot far easier to shoehorn into an engine bay.

The automaker’s chatty Cathy employee also let slip power figures — details that should brighten the weekend of anyone planning a Mercedes-AMG purchase in the next couple of years. The inline-six will generate 429 horsepower with another 67 horsepower on tap from the electric motor-generator. That’s a healthy increase over the 396-hp V6 found in AMG models bearing the number 43.

Next up after the CLS53 appears in the fall of 2018 is an E53 sedan, coupe and convertible (the only high-output choice for the droptop), followed by an S-Class model. The M256 engine debuts in the S-Class this fall minus the AMG badge and green power bump. The new engine could also trickle down to the C-Series at some point, perhaps minus the mild hybrid aspect, and it’s a given you’ll find it in the brand’s SUV lineup.

As this is early days for Mercedes-AMG’s conversion to electric power, plug-in hybrids — or even systems providing a measure of independent, gas-free propulsion — remain a medium-term prospect.

[Image: Daimler AG]