Mercedes-AMG will introduce a new range of mid-level variants, called the '53' series, which will slot in between the '43' and '63' series. The ’43’ range of cars, like the recently launched GLC 43 Coupe, are powered by a 367hp 3.0-litre, twin-turbo V6, while the ‘63’-badged models, in their latest guise, come with the 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 motor, making between 460hp and 620hp.
The ‘53’-badged models will likely be powered by a 3.0-litre, turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine (codenamed M256) that is reportedly good for 430hp, an increase of 63hp over the V6 engine used in the ‘43’ range of cars. The M256 engine will get two turbos – an exhaust-driven one and an electric one — as well as a 48V mild-hybrid system to help with fuel efficiency.
The first model likely to get the ‘53’ badge is the upcoming, third-generation CLS that will be based on the current-gen E-class, and will officially debut at the 2017 Los Angeles motor show in November.
The M256 engine is part of a newly developed series of modular engines, in in-line four- and inline six-cylinder configurations. The first car to sport this new engine is the facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-class, albeit in non-AMG S 500 guise, launched in European markets. With the help of a mild-hybrid motor, the 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged, inline six-cylinder engine puts out a total of 435hp and 520Nm of torque in the flagship limousine.
Mercedes has not announced whether the ‘53’ range of cars will come to India but, seeing as AMG has brought the GLC 43 Coupe and will launch its range-topping GT R in India soon, it’s clear that the company is keen on giving India a wide range of high-performance models, so the potential to bring at least some of this new range to our shores does exist.