This New AMG Trio Are 53-Badged Lifestyle Hybrids With Serious Speed

They may be built for people more interested in posing than performance, but the CLS and E-Class AMG ‘53’ models are hellishly quick

The first in the new hybridised line of 53-badged AMG cars is finally here, and the stats make for some interesting reading.

Mercedes-AMG has just confirmed the CLS53, E53 Coupe and E53 Cabriolet. The company says they are designed to provide “an additional lifestyle-oriented customer group with a further attractive offering,” which basically means they’re for posers. Or is there more to them…?

At their heart is a new and ultra-refined 3.0-litre straight-six engine with 429bhp and 384lb ft, made possible by the new mild hybrid setup. The feature catchily named the EQ Boost starter-alternator allows the removal of an auxiliary belt altogether, making the inline engine shorter than it might have been.

These cars are all about the EQ Boost. This small battery- and motor-based unit links to the 38-volt electrical system and makes a whole load of new-to-Mercedes innovations possible. For starters (geddit?) the system allows for a brief boost of 21bhp and 184lb ft of torque. In terms of torque that’s like adding an entire Volkswagen 1.5 TSI Evo engine to your output for a few seconds.

Make no mistake, the four-wheel drive 53s are not slow. The CLS53 will viciously headbutt 60mph from rest in just 4.4 seconds; a mere 0.3 seconds slower than the old rear-wheel drive E63 AMG. That’s helped not just by the 4Matic four-wheel drive, but also the EQ Boost, which fills the low-rev, low-speed torque gap for faster throttle response and more urge before the twin turbochargers spool and old-fashioned boost takes over.

EQ Boost also makes for near-instant and super-smooth restarting of the engine as part of the stop-start function. For the first time it also controls the combustion engine’s idle speed. Interestingly, the 53 models gain the twin-blade silver front grille that has previously been reserved for V8-powered AMGs. It’s an obvious reminder that the end is nigh for the awesome eight-pots.

Make no mistake, the four-wheel drive 53s are not slow. The CLS53 will viciously headbutt 60mph from rest in just 4.4 seconds; a mere 0.3 seconds slower than the old rear-wheel drive E63 AMG. That’s helped not just by the 4Matic four-wheel drive, but also the EQ Boost, which fills the low-rev, low-speed torque gap for faster throttle response and more urge before the twin turbochargers spool and old-fashioned boost takes over.

EQ Boost also makes for near-instant and super-smooth restarting of the engine as part of the stop-start function. For the first time it also controls the combustion engine’s idle speed. Interestingly, the 53 models gain the twin-blade silver front grille that has previously been reserved for V8-powered AMGs. It’s an obvious reminder that the end is nigh for the awesome eight-pots.

All three are fitted with AMG Ride Control+ air suspension. The multi-chamber setup is bespoke to the 53s, with a harder ride but more body roll control than most existing air-sprung Mercedes. The steering knuckles and general – brace for awesome engineering terminology – “elastokinematics of both axles” are more rigid. Unfortunately the cars do have steering that alters the amount of lock you need to apply based on your speed. Great for the motorway, awful everywhere else.

At the moment the specs are confirmed for the US only, including a top speed limited to 130mph. Watch this space to see whether the 53 series will get another launch in Europe.