First New Mercedes In AMG 53 Series To Be Mercedes-AMG CLS53

The Mercedes-AMG tie up has resulted in some insanely fast cars meant for the track and some meant for the street with many of the AMG models pulling duty both places. Automotive News reports that Mercedes is set to launch a new AMG modified version of the redesigned CLS that will go on sale next year. The first new car in this AMG 53 line will be the Mercedes-AMG CLS53. Few details are known about the car right now, but the power plant is expected to be a hopped up version of the new 6-cylinder engine Mercedes is cooking up codenamed M256.

Word is that the engine will produce 430hp when crammed under the hood of the CLS53. That power output is said to be from the engine alone and word is that Mercedes-AMG will be ladling in some green electric power to boost overall output even further while improving on the efficiency of the vehicle. Everyone is going hybird these days and while it's not clear at this time, we would expect that the CLS53 will likely be able to drive at least a short distance on electricity alone.

The CLS53 will ride on the new platform the more plebian CLS is moving to for the next generation called the Modular Rear Architecture or MRA. This is the same platform that Mercedes' refreshed E class uses. What we do know about this new platform is that it resulted in a longer CLS giving it improved interior space. The new platform is lighter to boot and reduced weight means improved performance and fuel economy.

Reports indicate that the AMG 53 designation will find its way to other Mercedes series as well. An AMG 53 E class is expected with both coupe and convertible flavors. AMG 53 E class models will presumably use the supercharged six we spoke of previously. AMG 63 versions of the E class vehicles will remain, but are tipped for V8 power. Another interesting tidbit about that AMG 53 M256 engine is that it is a 48-volt system, that engine won't be used in the S class according to Mercedes executives.

The last time we spoke about Mercedes E Class cars was in January when the 2018 E Class was unveiled alongside the 2018 AMG GLA 45 4Matic. That GLA AMG packed a 2.0L turbo four with 381 hp and 350 lb-ft torque making it good for a 0-62mph sprint in 4.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph. The 2018 E Class has multiple engine options from 184hp up to 333hp.

SOURCE: Autonews