Mild-hybrid at best, but with extreme performance.
The tide of electrification is indeed unstoppable, with reports saying that Mercedes-AMG will be introducing a new family of mild-hybrid ’53’ powertrains to its range very soon, with the first showing slated to be as near as November.
The first recipient of this electrically-assisted propulsion method will be the CLS 53, which will see fitment of Mercedes-AMG’s brand-new 320kW straight-six petrol engine that will work in tandem with a 50kW electric motor, providing a combined power output of 370kW. No specific mention of torque figures, though it’s expected to be around 500Nm, a definite increase over the ’43’ series of engines that the new ’53’ will replace.
While the swoopy CLS will be the first showing of the ’53’ series powertrain, it’s likely that we’ll soon see similarly-badged models through the C-Class to the GLS, in models underpinned with Mercedes-Benz’s ‘MRA’ modular architecture. The ’53’ series electrified systems fall right in line with comments that Stuttgart made last year when announcing the new inline-six petrol engines, saying they were designed from the outset with electrification in mind.
This will usher in a new era for the brand, not only reintroducing the inline-six layout to the marque but also pushing firmly forwards with electrification, with the use of an integrated starter alternator and auxiliary electric compressor, both crucial components in the new 48-volt powered Mercedes-Benz future. With those components, extra boost will be available when needed, acting as a sort of hybrid system within itself that’s capable of delivering 10kW-15kW of extra shove.
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