2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 and E 53 debut

Just a few years ago, hybrids were regarded as boring. Now though, things have changed. Pure petrolheads may still frown at them, but the fact remains that many hybrids of the present are fast cars. So when Mercedes Benz came up with the mild-hybrid CLS model, their in-house nuts, AMG, decided to play with hybrids to add more speed to them. Thereby we witness the inception of the AMG 53 range.

Visual changes for the AMG 53 models include new front bumpers, silver chrome finish on the radiator grille and round dual tailpipes.

The new AMG 53 range consists of a CLS 53 Sedan, E 53 Coupe, and E 53 Convertible. The range will use the same 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine and 21 hp electric motor from the CLS450, the mild-hybrid model, but the power figures that come out of the IC engine have been ramped up. The combo in the 53 models produces 429 hp and 521 Nm, 46 hp more than what the CLS450 manages to make. A nine-speed dual-clutch transmission transfers this power to all four-wheels through Mercedes’ 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. This power will shoot the AMG 53 models from 0 to 100 kph in 4.4 seconds.

While the AMG range is more diluted than ever, the 53 models fill the gap between the newly-minted 43 models and the serious 63 models. Expect the CLS 53 and E 53 AMG models to debut in the UAE and GCC by the end of the year.