Mercedes AMG hybrids revealed

Mercedes’ performance arm, AMG, is known for producing blisteringly-fast cars powered by large V8 engines.

With the spotlight falling on cars’ emissions, however, the company has broadened its scope, releasing details of three mild-hybrid models.

Mercedes AMG has even hinted at fully electric high performance cars to follow in the future.

For the meantime we have three hybrid models – the CLS53, E53 Coupé and E53 Cabriolet.

Unveiled at the Detroit motor show, the trio of new AMG models will go on sale in the UK this autumn with prices expected to start at around £60,000 and extend well past the £70,000 mark.

Power for all three models is generated by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine featuring twin turbocharging.

The unit, which already powers the (even) pricier S500, develops 429bhp at 6100rpm and 383lb ft of torque from 1800rpm to 5800rpm.

The “mild hybrid” system boosts power even more, helping to increase performance by delivering an additional 22bhp and 184lb ft of torque for brief periods while also providing energy for a 48V electric system.

The new mild-hybrid engine, which is planned for use in other AMG models over time, is mated to a standard nine-speed AMG Speedshift automatic gearbox and fully variable 4Matic+ four-wheel drive system that allows power to be sent to the front, rear or all four wheels.

The E53 Coupe gets from 0-62mph in just 4.4 seconds. The E53 Cabriolet and CLS53 are heavier cars but still manage the sprint in 5.3 seconds.

All three models are electronically limited to a 155mph top speed.

The three new models will crown their individual line-ups, with MercedesAMG confirming that there are no plans for full-blown 63-series models in the E-Class Coupé, E-Class Cabriolet and new CLS ranges.

AMG chairman Tobias Moers said: “With the new 53-series models, we are extending our portfolio in the first step towards a hybridised future.”

Meanwhile, Mercedes has hinted that all-electric models are in the offing for its AMG sub-brand.

“Are we going to see all-electric AMGs?’ said Mercedes research and development boss Ola Kallenius.“Why not? It is not a concrete programme at the moment but it is conceivable. Besides, we have been there before.”

The R&D guru was referring to the SLS Electric Drive project that saw a tiny number of all-electric SLS supercars built for specific customers.

Nor does he think the absence of a V8 engine will be off-putting to many of Mercedes’ customers.

“We all love the sound of the V8 and an electric car can still be thrilling, so we are going to have to develop a second love for that,” he explained.

Above: the Mercedes AMG CLS 53 and, below, the E53 Cabriolet. The performance models feature “mild hybrid” engines and are part of Mercedes’ drive towards producing greener cars.