Internationally unveiled in January last year, the CLS 53 and E53 join the C200 in being the second and third three-pointed star models to come equipped with a 48-volt electrical system, which combines a belt-driven starter/generator with a compressor to reduce lag and increase power from the get-go.
Part of Benz’s EQ Boost system, the setup is teamed to a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine that produces 320 kW and 520 N.m of torque on its own, but with a further 16 kW and 250 N.m available from the electric for shorts bursts.
Like the E63 S, the amount of twist is send to all four wheels via the performance optimised 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive, through a nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox. While top speed is limited to 250 km/h or 270 km/h when specified with the optional AMG Driver’s Package, the CLS will dispatch the 0-100 km/h mark in 4.5 seconds, with the E53 coupe and cabriolet taking 4.4 and 4.5 seconds respectively.
In addition to a number of bespoke AMG exterior and interior add-ons, all three model feature the Dynamic Select drive mode selector with six settings; Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Manual and Individual, while the CLS can optionally be had with the Edition 1 interior pack that includes carbon fibre inserts, black Nappa leather upholstery with contrasting copper stitching on the door panels, floor mats, seats, armrest and instrument panel, AMG Performance steering wheel with copper stitching, ambient lighting with 64 colours and an IWC analogue clock integrated into the facia.
Joining the CLS 400d as the only petrol offering now available, the CLS 53 retails from R1 491 600, while the E53 fills the gap between the E300 and E63 S with the coupe being priced from R1 311 700 and the cabriolet from R1 430 600 .
