The Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe is sort of a standalone providing within the luxurious area. Sure, different carmakers construct compact and full-size premium coupes, however Mercedes is the one one which sells a two-door within the midsize section.Thankfully, the AMG E53 is interesting for way more than its just-right measurement.Cool competencyThe AMG E53 Coupe is powered by a velvety, but racy-sounding 3.0-liter, turbocharged, inline-six-cylinder engine. Paired with Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system — which provides 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque to the occasion — the powerplant’s 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque feels prefer it’s in a rush to get to the wheels, forcefully shoving turbo lag out of the way in which.
Mercedes says the E53 scoots to 60 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds, with the assistance of 4Matic+ all-wheel drive that expertly doles all that thrust to the pavement. On the way in which as much as excessive speeds, the nine-speed automated transmission cracks off shifts in a flash, however is glass-smooth while you’re simply cruising.
Once the street begins to bend, the Benz continues to rise to the event. The steering is weighted excellent, with applicable heft befitting of a strong automotive. That mentioned, there is not as a lot suggestions by means of the wheel as you’d count on in a sports activities automotive, however for a giant luxurious coupe with sporty pretensions, I believe the extent of steering really feel is excellent. Easily one of many business’s greatest powertrains.
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The 4,000-plus-pound, 190.6-inch-long E53 is an imposing machine, however AMG gave it a correct routine of dancing classes. The coupe’s suspension tuning makes the automotive desirous to assault the twisties, with the AMG air suspension protecting physique motions at a minimal once I wish to chuck the E53 into a good nook. At the identical time, the Mercedes presents a journey that is all the time snug.When bringing this huge, German slab to a halt, the competency continues. Meaty 14.6-inch brake rotors up entrance and 14.2-inch models on the rear assist the AMG cease with loads of confidence matched with applicable pedal modulation.Even with all its sporty deserves, the AMG E53, brings respectable effectivity to the desk. According to EPA estimates, the E53 is nice for 21 miles per gallon within the metropolis and 28 mpg freeway. After 419 miles of testing, I fell on the decrease finish of these figures, netting simply 21.9 mpg. But I blame that thirstier determine on the mellifluous straight-six exhaust word that will get louder within the E53’s sportier drive modes, and on the high finish of the engine’s rev vary.It’s not my favourite facet, however when seen low from lifeless forward, the E53’s nostril is fetching and stately.
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In da MembershipMercedes-Benz entrance fascias aren’t my favourite — to my eyes, they seem like swept-back, blob-like headlights flanking an overtly erect grille pair in addition to consuming an orange after brushing your tooth. (Other Roadshow staffers agree, although it is value noting that some suppose I am loopy.) Aside from the nostril, although, the E53 Coupe’s total design is good-looking. My favourite bits are the swish roofline arc, the merely sculpted coupe form and the the rounded-off rear that proves easy taillight designs can nonetheless be placing. Despite this automotive’s wholesome stature, there’s solely 10 cubic toes of trunk area, however the rear seats are split-folding in the event you’re seeking to fill the extra-spacious rear row.
Step contained in the AMG E53, and you will be handled to one of many plushest interiors available on the market. Two customary 12.3-inch shows — one forward of the driving force and one atop of the middle stack — create a future-forward fashion, complemented by a leather-lined cabin that matches its luxurious seems with lavish consolation.The E53’s seats, irrespective of which one of many 4 you select, are endlessly supportive, trying particularly fetching within the black-and-red Nappa leather-based of this check automotive. The $1,320 massaging entrance seats definitely aren’t a necessity, however I relished the additional leisure they supplied my astern part throughout a traffic-riddled, Saturday afternoon drive again to LA from Santa Barbara.It’s extra of an expertise than simply an inside.
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My ears had been loads entertained, too, due to the E53’s elective, 23-speaker Burmester 3D-Surround Sound premium audio system. It’s a formidable setup, for positive, however I am not satisfied it is value an additional $4,550 over the usual, 13-speaker Burmester audio system that I am prepared to wager sounds simply effective. Still, the upgraded audio is a pleasant technique to fill the E53’s otherwise-tranquil cabin, whereas additionally complementing its know-how options.With a beginning worth of $73,700 plus $995 for vacation spot, the AMG E53 comes with a good quantity of ordinary tech corresponding to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, embedded navigation, HD radio and an SD card reader. Mercedes even throws in wi-fi system charging, NFC cellphone pairing and a free month of in-car Wi-Fi.Standard driver-assistance tech consists of car-to-X communication, pedestrian-detecting collision-mitigation braking, blind-spot monitoring, a driver consideration monitor and rain-sensing wipers. The E53 additionally options elective ahead cross-traffic collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, evasive steering help, blind-spot collision prevention, automated lane-changing, a 360-degree digicam and automatic parallel parking.My $96,285 tester is just about absolutely loaded. It boasts adaptive cruise management that may pause as much as 30 seconds in stopped visitors earlier than canceling, fairly than the extra frequent three-second pause. The adaptive cruise management may also regulate its set velocity in response to native velocity limits and even in anticipation of curves within the street forward, however my instance’s lane-centering tech does not really feel as superior. In reality, I not often ever hold steering help engaged as a result of fairly than serving to me observe clear strains on gently curving highways, the steering help tends to wish to struggle me in order that it may possibly ping-pong within the lane as a substitute. The easy rear-end and swish roofline mix for an alluring rear-three-quarter countenance.
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How I would spec itI’d begin by upgrading from the usual 19-inch wheels to a set of 20s. For simply $750, that is an inexpensive value of entry into the “rollin’ on dubs” aristocracy. Next, I would add the $800 exterior lighting bundle that includes Mercedes’ actually cool Multibeam LED headlamps that provide you with a mesmerizing gentle present on startup. The headlights additionally take automated high-beams to the following degree by individually controlling particular LED beams to stop dazzling drivers forward.Adding the $1,050 Warmth & Comfort Package (heated steering wheel, speedy front-seat heating and heated entrance armrests) necessitates the $1,320 massaging entrance seats, in addition to the $2,990 Nappa upholstery. I am a sucker for illuminated door sills, so there goes one other $350. I would additionally spring for Mercedes’ Energizing Comfort Package that may tailor your audio playlist, local weather management, ambient lighting and even cabin aroma to fit your temper. The $550 bundle additionally consists of Air Balance cabin-air purification and ionization. At first, I assumed it was a gimmick, however after attempting it out for just some minutes, I fell in love with my sense of odor once more. Front seat air flow provides one other $450, whereas the head-up show will set you again $990. Say “yes” to the $2,250 Driver Assistance Package for the superior adaptive cruise management and different driver aids. The $1,290 Parking Assistance Package permits the automotive to mechanically parallel park. Last however not least, I would get the $1,250 AMG Performance Exhaust. That all quantities to $88,735 out the door — $7,550 lower than my tester.No matter which of the six elective 20-inch wheel designs you select, the improve is just $750. That’s refreshingly easy.
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Pampering, not frivolousThe closest competitors you may cross-shop in opposition to the Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe can be the brand new BMW M850i or the Lexus LC 500, however these are extra aggressive with the pricier S-Class Coupe. The E53 Coupe, in the meantime, can provide you a lot of the satisfaction of the $100,000-plus 8 Series or LC, however for a a lot decrease beginning worth. Even when well-equipped, you’ll be able to nonetheless save an enormous chunk of change with the E53 versus the BMW or Lexus. Of course, a private luxurious coupe is just not probably the most sensible buy, and to that finish, Mercedes makes an E53 sedan, or you’ll be able to go full-lifestyle-machine and get the E53 Cabriolet. But in the event you can persuade your self that the E53 permits for critical pampering whereas saving a bunch of cash over an identical luxurious rival, that must be sufficient to quash any emotions of frivolity.
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