The next generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class will ditch the Mercedes-AMG C 43 version and get a C 53 variant instead, equipped with the same 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine currently available on the Mercedes-AMG A 45. First spy pictures.
Mercedes-Benz is preparing a new generation C-Class. The model would be available on global markets starting next year, and performance versions will not be missing from the German manufacturer’s portfolio. According to sources close to the company, Mercedes-Benz will abandon the Mercedes-AMG C 43 version and its place will be taken by the Mercedes-AMG C 53 variant.
One of the test prototypes was caught during a test session in northern Europe. Things like the thicker bumpers, four exhausts and large brake discs indicate that we are dealing here with the C-Class tuned by Mercedes-AMG, which according to the new nomenclature will probably go through life as the C 53. The performance version will be equipped with the Pan-Americana front grille, with much larger air intakes and slightly more aggressive spoilers. The Germans will add a better braking system and recalibrated suspensions to provide dynamic sports behavior.
If the current Mercedes-AMG C 43 is equipped with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, the future Mercedes-AMG C 53 will receive instead a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Voices close to the company say Germans will use the same engine currently available on the Mercedes-AMG A 45, but there is no information on the power resources reserved for the AMG C 53. The same sources mention that the Germans will couple the 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor and a compressor, to completely eliminate the turbo lag. The new engine will be coupled to a nine-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system.
Also, the Mercedes-AMG C 53 will most likely be a plug-in hybrid. The 400 hp of the current C 43 (still with the six-cylinder) will easily be matched by the new Mercedes-AMG C 53 thanks to a partly electrified drivetrain. The current C 300 e already achieves a combined power of 320 hp from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with electrical assistance.
The switch from the six-in-line to a four-cylinder plug-in would not come out of the blue. Mercedes has been referring to reducing the range of large engines for some time. The stricter CO2 standards especially force Mercedes-AMG to look at alternative powertrains. At the end of last year, Mercedes’ sporty division announced that it is looking at ‘cleaner’ powertrains and plug-ins to also reduce emissions of the more powerful Mercedes models.
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