Less power, more fun: that’s what will hopefully happen with the AMG version of the Mercedes-Benz C-class. The new 53 replaces the current 63, but perhaps also the 43. Are you still with me? Good.
A few years ago, Mercedes decided it was time to replace the V8-powered C63 with a version featuring a four-cylinder engine pushed to its absolute maximum. In combination with plug-in hybrid technology, the new C63 E-Performance delivers more power than ever, but it is also living proof that ‘more power’ does not automatically mean ‘more fun’.
It recently became clear that the C63 will therefore be discontinued and replaced by a C53 with a six-cylinder engine. Mercedes is taking a relatively easy way out here, giving up a full 230 hp for the C-class with an AMG label, although this comes with two extra cylinders and significantly fewer kilograms. In the CLE 53, the engine used here delivers 450 hp, so we are currently expecting something similar for the C53.
That immediately presents the next problem, because there was also something called a Mercedes-AMG 43. That also had a boosted four-cylinder, but was not a plug-in and produced up to 408 hp. That C43 has recently been discontinued, and we’re betting it won’t return. The C53 would then immediately replace both AMG versions, which is not illogical given its name. In terms of appearance, we expect a car that, with its four exhausts, looks more like the C43 than the even beefier 63 E-Performance. So, pay close attention to those stars in the headlines if you’re looking for a used C-AMG in the future, because that six-cylinder is really nicer…