Merc-amg’s mild-hybrid plan
Mild-hybrid power will give a performance boost to a new CLS53 and two E53 models
Three models coming
Mercedes-benz’s AMG performance car offshoot is set to reveal three new mild-hybrid production models at the 2018 Detroit motor show as part of a broad electrification strategy.
The trio of four-wheel-drive AMG models – the CLS53 4Matic, E53 Saloon 4Matic and E53 Estate 4Matic – are scheduled to make their world debuts alongside the heavily updated G-class in January before a planned start to UK sales in the first half of 2018.
Power for the CLS53, E53 Saloon and E53 Estate hails from Mercedes’ new in-line six-cylinder petrol engine. The same unit is set to appear in a production version of the fourdoor GT concept tentatively planned to appear at the Geneva motor show next March.
The new turbocharged 2.9-litre engine uses a 48V electric system, which is used to run ancillary functions such as the water pump and air-con compressor as well as an integrated starter-generator. It also runs an auxiliary compressor that is claimed to provide a power boost from idle in a bid to eliminate turbo lag.
As well as delivering electricity to run the compressor, the integrated starter-generator provides a direct performance boost via its electric motor, albeit for short bursts. It also acts as an alternator for a 12V electric system, with energy recovered during coasting and braking stored in a lithium ion battery housed within the engine bay.
The combination of electrical compressor boosting and exhaust gas turbocharging is claimed to provide the new six-cylinder engine with the performance and seamless torque qualities of AMG’S more traditional V8 powerplants.
Details of the power output and torque loading of the CLS53, E53 Saloon and E53 Estate have yet to be made official. However, engineering sources close to Mercedesamg suggest the new engine outguns the existing turbo 3.0-litre V6, which produces 395bhp and 383lb ft in the E43 Saloon and E43 Estate – models that will be superseded by the new E53 versions.
In the S500, the new engine delivers a nominal 429bhp, with the integrated starter generator capable of providing an extra 22bhp for an overall 451bhp, together with 368lb ft from 1600rpm to 4000rpm. A similar state of tune is expected for the CLS53 and two E53s.
The new AMG engine is combined with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and the latest evolution of Mercedes’ 4Matic four-wheel drive, which offers the ability to fully vary power between the front and rear axles.
While the two E53 models are set to complement the new E63 Saloon and E63 Estate, the CLS53 will be the sole AMG model in the new third-generation CLS line-up because there will be no direct successor to today’s CLS63. Instead, its place will be filled by the production version of the four-door GT concept.