Drive Test: New (2019) CLS 53 AMG is a smooth operator

AMG Über Alles. From the athletic garnish high up the option list of every new model to the complete ‘one man: one engine’ rigmarole, AMG has evolved into three formalised tiers. Tier one is where the GT-model sportscars belong, tier two shepherds 43 and 53 badging, and above that is where the out-and-out AMG models reside.

The 53 nomenclature currently applies to the E-Class and CLS but to make profitable sense the new architecture will need to infiltrate further models as time goes on. Already we suspect that the 53 range is going to be the popular choice because of its neatly-judged balance between effortless speed matched by impeccable control. This is a mature package that highlights just how deep AMG’s resources and expertise really go.

Rather than reuse the 3.0-litre V6 from the 43 range, the engine is entirely new and reverts to a straight six arrangement last seen before Y2K. It saves 90 kilograms versus the equivalent V6, even though it carries the weight of a mild EQ Boost hybrid system which temporarily lends 16kW and 250Nm while adding a coasting function. Power from this ‘lag free’ engine is 320kW and 520Nm while depending on the model, the 0-100kph time of 4.5 seconds is never more than a tenth off.

This is another one of Mercedes’ beguiling engines, tenets of silky-smooth waft to the raspy soundtrack.  With the 9G gearbox, 4MATIC and air suspension, the CLS 53 invites just the right amount of configuration to glance the near side of exciting performance but prefers to devour distance under the supreme control of its myriad sensors.

Apart from some styling changes which have a dramatic effect in tightening the CLS’s luxurious size, the interior is still the work of dual screens, lots of wood or carbon fibre trim and fiddly touchpads on the steering wheel. This is then splashed in ambient lighting that forms part of the wellness setup which also adjusts the temperature and music to keep your subconscious in a place between alert and relaxed.  Which is our overall reflection of the CLS 53 range.

Specifications

• R 1491 600
• 3.0 6cyl turbo
• 320kW, 520Nm
• 9spd auto
• 4.5 secs
• 8.9l/100km
• 203 g/km