Mercedes-AMG will follow up their slightly dulled down 43-series with petrol-electric hybrids that will sit between the 43 and the 63 ranges, starting with the CLS53, globally, by the end 2017. The CLS53 will be revealed as part of the next-generation CLS range at the Los Angeles motor show in November, it’s likely to reach international markets in 2018. Keeping in line with Mercedes-AMG India’s aggressive policy we might get our first taste of a hybrid AMG around the same time. The CLS53 will use AMG’s 367 hp, a straight-six engine in conjunction with a 50kW electric motor.Autocar UK first caught whiff off AMGs intentions to introduce a hybrid six-cylinder to its line up earlier this year after they launched the new E-class Coupe’. At the time information had it would be named the ‘50’series. The now confirmed switch to the 53 nomenclature is probably in line with AMGs more typical naming conventions.
Both motors armed, the polar-bear friendly AMG will put out 450 hp, just 100hp behind its Mr.Hyde cousin the CLS63. Although there is some speculation that with an electric at the helm and the flat-six at full chat the 53 might just be next fastest CLS. The hybrid CLS is expected to make it to showrooms with the usual stock of KERS like regenerative braking to help replenish its lithium-ion batteries while it rolls. The AMG E53 would likely be the next in line to follow the hybrid series. Courtesy the strong family lines that lie between the CLS and E-Class. Word on the grapevine has it that while the E-Class coupe’ and convertible will sport a 6-cylinder engine and take on the 53 nomenclature. It’s likely that the sedan and the internationally available estate will retain the V8 and the 63 badge,
