The 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 sedan is one of Mercedes-Benz’s new mild hybrid cars that utilizes concepts and technologies you might see more of in the future, such as a higher voltage electrical system, a hybrid start/stop system to conserve fuel, and an auxiliary compressor to address turbo lag (a delay that occurs while the turbocharger is spooling up).
The electrical system is 48 Volts, but in the E53 AMG a standard 12 Volt system branches off that with the use of a DC-DC converter so that it can work with conventional light bulbs, radios, control units, and 12 Volt car accessories. A step-down DC-DC converter serves the same purpose as a step-down transformer would in an AC circuit — to lower voltage, and this is often achieved with a form of buck converter, as voltage regulators tend to be costly and inefficient.
The use of a 48 Volt system (and higher voltages in general) facilitates the transfer of more electrical power without using prohibitively expensive, thick wires, and without wasting as much energy. The powerful new electrical system is supporting the EQ Boost system which will augment the 3.0L 6-cylinder powertrain’s power output to 429 HP and 384 lb-ft of torque.
The EQ Boost system comprises an electric starter-alternator that (presumably) accelerates the car until the engine starts. It supports an auxiliary electric compressor that picks up the slack while the turbocharger is too busy spooling up, addressing the issue of turbo lag. It adds 184 lb-ft of torque and 21 HP. The E53 AMG sedan can accelerate from 0-60 mph in an impressive 4.4 seconds, has fully variable AWD, and it replaces its predecessor, the E43 AMG.
Images obtained with thanks from Mercedes-Benz.
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