We have been hearing stories and unfounded reports about AMG working on hybridization for a decade now. It wasn't until the unveiling of that mad Mercedes-AMG Project One with a hybrid system, that we figured out just how serious the Affalterbach speed gurus were. As AMG CEO, Tobias Moers once said, “We cannot change the future. And the future does bear the name of electricity." Now, I am telling you all this because only days ago, Mercedes-AMG registered a new trademark at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). It is an AMG - the C 53. And it will, by all indicators, be a hybrid.

53 Stands for a New Generation of Hybridized Performance

Note: Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 pictured here


Revealed previously this year, the AMG CLS 53 4Matic and the AMG E 53 4Matic inaugurated a new propulsion system which brought a number of novelties into the mix

Some of them include:

-* An in-line six-cylinder instead of a V-6

-* A 48-volt electric system

-* Apart from the usual turbocharger it comes with an electric compressor (this tech can spool up to 70,000 rpm in 300 milliseconds, apparently)

-* Starter/generator that gives 22 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque as part of the EQ drive

Obviously, with such an advanced mild-hybrid setup, the hybridized system in AMG models with 53 monikers develop massive power - 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. Plus that added power from the ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) for short bursts. How short? Well, as short as the 1kWh battery feeding the ISG would allow. One would feel it for sure.

While AMG has already prepared this tech for the CLS and the E, I am quite sure that the same will land in the C-class too.

First of all, the 53 moniker seems to be a replacement for the already known 43 in the AMG lineup which uses an old 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6. Second of all, the E-Class, the CLS-Class, and the C-Class are based around the same Modular Rear Architecture which obviously shows that this new inline-six will be perfectly suited for the new car. And, finally, AMG has to make a continuous surge towards hybridization if it is to adapt to the changing circumstances of the automotive world.

"With the new 53-Series models, we are extending our portfolio in a first step towards a hybridized future with a leading-edge combination of sporty design, performance, and efficiency." Tobias Moers said when unveiling the CLS53. "The basis for this is a contemporary drive configuration in the form of a six-cylinder inline engine with electric auxiliary compressor ... the precision and the design focusing on driving dynamics are hallmark features of AMG. As such, we are providing an additional lifestyle-oriented customer group with a further attractive offering from Affalterbach."

Power figures stated above are for the larger Marcedes-AMG models - the E53 and the CLS53; however, we would not be surprised if the same propulsion is used for the C-class. After all, the current AMG C43 moves around with 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG C63 (the top notch model,) makes off with 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Whichever way you cut it, the AMG C53 would fit in the middle like a glove.

Why is this New Engine So Important?

The M256 is the first inline six-cylinder produced by Mercedes-Benz since 2002. It seems that Mercedes' Board of Directors did not actually decide on its production in order to offer more refinement or power, but to cut costs and develop a modular platform which could be used for the four- and six-cylinder diesel and gasoline engines. With half a liter of capacity per cylinder and modular architecture, the Germans can basically cut two cylinders from it, effectiely getting a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. Do not think for a second that cutting costs and saving where savings could be made hampered the development process or the refinement of this unit. In fact, the money saved went into the research of the 48-volt electric system, development of the electric compressor, the ISG technology, coasting options, and the like. All of these cutting-edge technologies will be a part of the new AMG C53 saloon just as they are a part of the CLS and the E-class.

Before AMG even revealed that it intend to use this engine for its cars, Mercedes-Benz installed it in the S-class. It's so good that its 429 horsepower is enough to power the S500.

Is it as Refined and Power Happy as the V-6?

The 48-volt electric system made it almost easy for Mercedes-Benz engineers to make this inline-six as refined as it gets. See, up until now, the engine power was used to power all sorts of gear onboard - the AC compressor, the water pump, the defroster, and what not. At this point, the 48-volt electric system took over everything. Without belts and a number of other moving parts, the inline-six feels more refined with better NHV characteristics.

However, the most important capability of the new 48-volt system is the fact that it can actually power an electric compressor. The one in the AMG 53 cars provides boost without any regard to engine speed. Considering its continuous boost, the turbo lag on engines with 48-volt electric systems and electric compressors is basically eliminated.

So is it power happy?

You bet it is. So much so that it can catapult that massive S500 to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds. The CLS with 4Matic+ will do the job in 4.5 seconds. The C53, on the other hand, will be even quicker.

Conclusion

Apart from the new engine, the C 53 will get a nine-speed transmission, a cool exterior package and, probably, high-performance AMG brakes. All adding to the fine suspension tune-up. It will be a perfect six-cylinder runner for those who don’t want (or can’t) handle the madness of the full-fledged C63 but still need something throaty and thrilling.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4Matic.

Read our full review on the 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan.

Read our full review on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Read more Mercedes-Benz news.