New Mercedes-AMG C53 Has Audi S4 In Its Sights

It's been a few years since we got our first look at the all-newMercedes-Benz C-Classundergoing prototype testing, but the luxury compact sedan isn't quite ready to break cover just yet. Following the debut of the regular C-Class, more powerful AMG variants will inevitably follow.

Now, our spies have caught Mercedes testing the upcoming AMG C53, a new model that will reportedly replace the currentAMG C43and compete with the BMW M340i andAudi S4. While the camouflage hasn't dropped since our last look at the new Mercedes AMG C53 prototype, testing has progressed from snow trails to sunny city streets in Southern Europe.

Even though the prototype is heavily camouflaged, we can immediately tell we're looking at the hotter AMG C53. Lurking under the camo is AMG's signature Panamericana and a bumper with larger, more aggressive air intakes than the regular C-Class. The track also looks wider, the wheels are larger, and we can also see some beefier brakes hinting at its performance capabilities. This prototype still appears to be at an early stage of development, however, as AMG's distinctive rectangular exhaust pipes are nowhere to be seen.

目前,C43 AMG模型powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 385 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque.