Mercedes–Benz South Africa has just announced the arrival of the E53 AMGs to the SA market. The nameplate applies to two distinct high-performance derivatives in their respective ranges. The first is the CLE53 AMG which heads up the coupe family. The other is an even hotter E53 Hybrid that sits at the top of E-Class saloon line-up. 

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Mercedes-AMG CLE53 4Matic+ Coupe

The CLE53 is based on the company’s sleek and sexy CLE coupe, a pretty car that turns heads wherever it goes. The high-performance derivative has AMG-specific touches to ramp up the aggro. These include a set of racy 19-inch alloys that are housed under wider fenders than cooking variety CLEs. The AMG signature Panamericana ie vertical slat grille takes pride of place up front. There are also different bumpers at both ends, the rear has a quartet of pipes poking out, as well as a pair of domes on the bonnet. Of course, there is a lot more power under that long bonnet.

Click here to read about the history of the Mercedes-AMG C-Class.

A 3,0-litre inline-six features turbocharging as well as a hybrid component. The AMG-tuned M256M engine has peak power of 330 kW along with a maximum torque value of 600 N.m. The latter is available via an overboost function for up to 12 seconds at a time. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels. The system is fully variable and continuously apportions power as conditions require. Up to 100 per cent torque can be sent to the rear axle under normal condition and there is even a ‘drift mode’ for tail-out antics. The Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Coupe is said to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4,2 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h, but that can be lifted to 270 km/h if desired.

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matai+

The second of the E53 AMGs is the E53 saloon, which is new top of the E-Class range. This derivative also has a number of specific design cues to set it apart. First up is the AMG-specific radiator trim with vertical slats. Furhtermore, these elements are illuminated as standard. The front front fenders are 11 millimetres on each sideto accommodate wider wheels. A large central lower inlet directs the air to an additional front cooler. AMG-specific side skirts sit between massive alloys; 19-inch as standard and up to 21s as an option.  A spoiler lip on the trunk lid and diffuser quad exhaust outlets are the rear definers.

Click here to read our Mercedes-Benz E220d driving review.

A 3,0-litre six-cylinder inline turbocharged engine is also the prime source of power in the E53 saloon. However, the hybrid component is far stronger. In total the two combine to deliver a peak of 450 kW of power and a maximum torque value of 750 N.m. The 120 kW/480 N.m electric motor is powered by a 28,6 kWh battery. As a result it can be driven for up to 100 km on battery power alone.

But what you really care about is performance stats. The E53 Hybrid saloon can blast from 0‑100 km/h in 3,8 seconds using the launch control function of the nine-speed automatic transmission. Incidentally, the saloon is also all-wheel drive. Top speed is electronically limited to 280 km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.

It has been rumoured that this powertrain may find its way into the current-gen C63S, which has not been a total sales success. Most point at the turbocharged inline four as the problem. It has already been confirmed by AMG senior management that the company will not be returning to V8 power for the C63, as you can read at this link.

E53 AMGs Pricing

Mercedes-AMG CLE53 4Matic+ Coupé: R2 065 982
The Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+: R2 499 596