The upcoming Mercedes-AMG C53 4Matic has been spied undergoing cold-weather testing for the first time, less than a year before it's planned to head into UK showrooms alongside standard versions of the new, fifth-generation C-Class.
Set to directly rival the Audi S4 and BMW M340i xDrive, the four-wheel-drive C53 will replace the existing C43 4Matic. It forms part of an extensive new C-Class line-up from AMG alongside successor models to today’s C63 and C63 S – each to be offered in saloon, estate, coupé and cabriolet body styles.
Despite its extensive disguise, the C53 prototype pictured here is clearly differentiated from standard versions of the new C-Class we’ve already caught testing by a series of typical AMG styling elements, including a 'Panamericana' grille with vertical louvres, a deeper front bumper assembly with new vertical ducting and so-called flics within the outer edges, wider sills and a bespoke rear bumper housing four round tailpipes.
It also sports large brake discs and what appear to be six-pot front brake calipers – a telltale sign that this is no ordinary C-Class. Further differentiation from previous fifth-generation C-Class prototypes include 18in wheels, those up front featuring an open-spoke design and those at the back with solid spokes.
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Ski Kid
a pity
A 4 cylinder is second or third class to a v8 , 6 or even 5 cylinder why would you spend a lot on a four.
eseaton
With a 4 cylinder, it is
Andrew1
Common sense
Just like dinosaurs, big ICE engines were great but are being replaced by something better.
Ski Kid
not convinced
All the reports on the 4 cylinder replacement ie Porche thay use more fuel than 6 cylinders and also smaller very high compression petrols emit more particulates,just like diesels.I suppose when solid state technology is here in 5 to 8 years it will be all electric .
eseaton
Unless 'something better'
Unless 'something better' means something more desirable, then it isn't better.
You say it is common sense to but a little 4 cylinder in an AMG, but when was an AMG ever remotely about common sense? The whole idea of AMG is hammer car madness and brutality.
This may be some sort of Mercedes, but it sure as hell isn't any sort of AMG.
I've got an old 6.2 CLS which I've had for nearly 13 years and 152000 miles. I will keep it until it expires as I have absolutely no interest in anything they have to offer as a replacement now.
Andrew1
Well, VW
The 4 cylinder will also weight less, which is another benefit.
xxxx
Porsche 6s and others
Not if you have to add a turbo, intercooler, hybrid battery, wiring, electric motor to that 4 pot to make up the diffference. Wonder what the difference in % weight increase is between a Cayman 4 and the Cayman 6 pot, anyone?
Andrew1
xxxx wrote:
Andrew1
The existing C43 is biturbo.
xxxx
Porsche 6's
That's OK I was referring to the Porsche example, read from Ski Kid onwards. Better luck next time!
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