Mercedes-Benz readying AMG Sport range to rival Audi S line, BMW M Performance range

The AMG Sport sub-division is intended to go head-to-head with fellow second-tier sports lines from rivals, including Audi’s S line and BMW’s M Performance range.

As with that pair, Mercedes’ AMG Sport models will feature AMG-inspired interior and exterior styling enhancements, uprated engines, and, in some cases, widened tracks.

Autocar reports the AMG Sport range will include variants from the A-Class, C-Class, E-Class and S-Class model lines, as well as the GLA-Class, GLK-Class, M-Class and GL-Class SUVs.

Unlike petrol-only AMGs, AMG Sport models will be available with both petrol and diesel engines, the latter rivalling the likes of Audi’s SQ5 and BMW’s X5 M50d performance diesels.

The Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG Sport will be among the first models in the new range when it debuts later this year.

Snapped undisguised in wagon form by CarAdvice’s spy photographers in May, the C450 AMG Sport is said to produce 272kW of power and at least 500Nm of torque – up on the C400’s 245kW/480Nm outputs.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has previously said it's very interested in the C450 variant and is very keen to add it to its new-generation C-Class range.

It’s set to be joined next year by an AMG Sport version of the new M-Class Coupe (MLC).