Mercedes-AMG have revealed the hybrid trio of the CLS 53, E 53 Coupé and E 53 Cabriolet at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
We knew it was coming, but to see the new nomenclature evokes a new kind of excitement. The new ’53’ AMG model line opens with the CLS and the new E-Class two-door models. The CLS 53 was first teased on the official Mercedes-AMG Instagram account.
The new CLS 53 will feature bold styling, with the CLS already wowing us with its return to classic four-door-coupé styling that created a new segment when the car first arrived. It gets a host of active aerodynamic elements and a new hybrid powertrain.
The AMG 53 cars are powered by a new hybrid driveline comprising a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine making 435 PS and 520 Nm, and an electric motor with 16-kW (22-PS) and 250 Nm, with a 48-volt electric system that also powers an electric auxiliary compressor. This gives up to 457 PS and up to 770 Nm of peak torque with zero lag. The ‘EQ Boost’ functionality adds short bursts of power on the go. An AMG SpeedShift twin-clutch nine-speed automatic transmission handles power-transfer duties to the fully-variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system.
Incidentally, the new S 500, shown last year, also featured the 3.0-litre straight-six but tuned up to 435 PS and 520 Nm. The S 560 e, meanwhile, gets the older 367-PS/520-Nm 3.0 V6 (from the AMG 43 models) but with a larger 90-kW (122-PS) electric motor that also is capable of producing a whopping 440 Nm of peak torque by itself.
The New CLS-Class
The third-generation CLS-Class from Mercedes-Benz was revealed and the company have, in fact, stated that the new car carries forward the torch from the original car, which had among the most beautiful, flowing lines ever seen, and, in essence, created the four-door coupé segment when it was first introduced in 2005.
A bold new face, previewed on the AMG GT Concept model, aggressive LED lighting, and a slew of changes under the skin, the new CLS-Class brings the badge forward in to the futuristic present. Apart from the contemporary interior, it packs a host of advanced driver assistance features and a new selection of engines, including the three initial in-line six petrol and diesel offerings.
The CLS 350 d and 400 d pack the new 2.9-litre six-in-line motors making 286 PS/600 Nm and 340 PS/700 Nm respectively. The 400 d also gets CAMTRONIC variable valve-lift control. The petrol-powered CLS 450 packs 48-volt electronics and EQ Boost – integrating a starter/generator with electric motor assist that provides short bursts of added go. The 3.0-litre in-line six makes 367 PS and 500 Nm, with EQ Boost providing an extra 22 PS and 250 Nm. Four-cylinder engines will join the line-up later, as will an expected all-new AMG 53 model.
The new CLS packs several features from the new S-Class including the twin 12.3-inch displays and Energising Comfort Control inside, with Dynamic Body Control, Air Body Control and 4MATIC intelligent all-wheel drive adding to its dynamic ability.
The new E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet
Story: Jim Gorde
