Currently, if you buy a Mercedes-AMG model, you can get it in the 43, 45, 63 or 65 trims. But by as early as next year, Mercedes could be adding another engine to the AMG lineup. An inline-six one.
Back in April, we reported on the return of the Mercedes-Benz inline-six. There would be a couple diesel options and also a very fun and exciting gasoline-driven version, as my colleague Raphael put it:
Coming up soon is the most desirable new I6: is the ‘M256’ code gasoline engine. This one is not one of the debut engines for the new S Class but Mercedes says it’s coming soon. It’s the same 3.0 litre displacement, but it’s a gasoline engine with an electric turbo, which spins with the assistance of an electric motor. That should kill turbo lag, Mercedes argues.
We now reportedly have a name for M256: it will be found in a new line of AMG models — christened the AMG 53 — set to debut next year with the redesigned CLS53, writes Automotive News. From the story:
The new Mercedes-AMG CLS53 is expected to be the first in a new line of AMG 53 models. It likely will be powered by a high-performance version of the company’s new inline six-cylinder engine codenamed M256. The engine reportedly will produce 430 hp in the CLS53, but it also will be paired with an electric motor in a hybrid setup that boosts the car’s overall power even higher while improving efficiency.
If the AMG 53 engine will indeed have a 3.0-litre displacement, then it would seem that the 3.0-litre V6 in the 43 models would become redundant. Mercedes might replace the 43s with the 53s.
Personally, I don’t think the 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo, the 5.5-litre V8 twin-turbo, or the 6.0-litre V12 twin-turbo are going anywhere anytime soon. There would be riots.
When emailed for comment, an AMG spokesperson declined to comment.