Mercedes-AMG CLS53 Straight-Six Hybrid Spotted In Testing
Mercedes has been caught road-testing prototypes for what is believed to be the new AMG CLS53 – and the next-generation Sprinter van.
Subtly enhanced bodywork is visible beneath the camouflage wrap, but it’s clear that the hot CLS won’t go down the traditional muscles-on-muscles route of full-fat AMGs gone by. Nor, thankfully, will it wear the tiny excuses for wheels that the test mule is fitted with.
Breathing through a new twin-turbocharged straight-six engine as we reported months ago, the first 53-badged AMG model would sit below any future CLS63. It’s yet to be seen whether models with a current AMG 43 designation ultimately move to the new power unit, incorporate the 53 option into their ranges or simply ignore it.
There is also healthy speculation that the super-smooth straight-six will be linked to a hybrid drivetrain including an electric motor on the front axle. The rumoured output is in the region of 430bhp, so it won’t be slow. It sounds pretty good when pulling away from the lights in the video, too.
Mercedes is apparently set to give the car its debut at the Detroit Motor Show this month. If you’re interested in the Sprinter van, you might have to wait a little longer but that, too, is almost ready for production.
Comments
I can only see 4 wheels and what sounds like a Van. These new camo paint jobs are incredibly clever
Whatever could it be
It should’ve been called CLS55 AMG
Alright, people like to downvote because f* opinions right?
Why have Merc loss the ability to make the back of there cars look good. The curved back from roof to floor just looks like they ran out of time or ideas.
I think that merc still has the best technology, however i feel they are not interested in design and are definetely loosing ground to audi or bmw
Can I have that drivetrain in the Sprinter pls
I find it deeply saddening that Mercedes aren’t going to make a 63 AMG version, the new CLS would’ve been perfect with the E63’s running gear!
Look at the rear suspension of the sprinter. It looks like a dead beam axle, meaning it is FWD. The engine bay is shorter, too, which means the engine is transverse.
Econolines for the win
there goes another good van.
FWD on a van is just stupid.
Imagine being loaded and having to go up a steep slope.
Wheelspin and nothing more.
Where’s my Panamericana grille?
it’s an AMG but maybe the normal grille indicates that a future 63 model could happen
But will we get an AMG inline 6?
that straight 6 sounded nice as it pulled away from the lights
the van however, i cannot say the same.
That sprinter doesnt look as good, also looks FWD.
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