Mercedes-AMG Files Trademark for ‘C 53’ Name
Purported C 53 may receive the same biturbo V8 powerplant as the E 53 and CLS 53.
A few months ago, Mercedes-AMG dropped its new 53 Series during the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. The new series, slotted beneath the V8-driven 63 Series, brings a 3.0-liter inline-six with conventional and electric turbocharging, 48V electrical system, and Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive system to the CLS 53 sedan and E 53 coupe, sedan and cabriolet models.
Well, get ready, because there may be a new 53 on the way. Auto Guide first reported that Mercedes-AMG filed a trademark for the C 53 name back in February 2018 with the World Intellectual Property Organization.
This new entrant to the 53 Series would slot between the AMG C 43 and C 63 as far as power output goes. The 2019 C 43 delivers 385 horses and 384 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-liter V6, while the 2019 C 63’s output from its biturbo 4.0-liter V8 destroys the competition with anywhere from 469 to 503 horses and 479 to 516 lb-ft of torque on tap. The C 53 would receive the same power plant as the other models in the 53 Series.
That engine, which is paired with a nine-speed automatic, generates 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque by itself. However, the EQ Boost electric turbo system, first used on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, adds 21 horses and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed. That’s enough power to rip out a few tree stumps, then launch you down the highway from zero to 60 in 4.4. seconds.
There’s no word on when the C 53 would soon arrive in showrooms, but Motor1 speculates the new model could replace the C 43. A similar instance occurred with the E 43 a couple of years ago to make way for the E 53, though it might be a while before the C 43 bows out, as the 2019 C-Class just arrived. A possible timeline could see the C 53 arrive in 2019 as a 2020 model, replacing the C 43 later on if such a scenario occurs.