Although it looks like nearly each Mercedes-Benz mannequin will get some form of AMG remedy, the reality is, till now, the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet have not been invited to that social gathering. However that every one adjustments with the 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53. And imagine me, these new vehicles have been positively definitely worth the wait.

The efficiency

The E53 fashions use Mercedes’ new Three.Zero-liter turbo I6 engine, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. As within the CLS53 and GT 53 4-Door, this engine makes use of Mercedes’ EQ Enhance mild-hybrid system, which supplies an extra — and instantaneous — 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet. Meaning the E53 Coupe can dash to 60 miles per hour in a scant Four.Three seconds; the Cabriolet does the identical run in Four.Four.

Along with offering extra oomph, the electrical motor quarterbacks the 53’s stop-start system that refires the engine with immediacy and employs an electrical compressor to construct increase and beat back turbo lag. This ends in easy, responsive energy supply. It is particularly potent in Sport Plus mode when working with a crisp-shifting nine-speed automated transmission. To high issues off, the I6 engine spits out an ear-pleasing burble via the out there AMG performance exhaust — one thing I loved again and again whereas attacking the curvy roads outdoors of Austin, Texas.

Round corners, the variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, adaptive air suspension and 245/35ZR20 entrance and 275/30ZR20 rear Yokohama Advan Sport tires preserve issues tidy with minimal physique roll. The E53 Coupe provides a degree of grip that is powerful to exceed on public roads, and its stout brakes scrub off velocity in a rush. It is actually no light-weight, the coupe’s near-Four,200-pound curb weight inflicting the entrance to clean out in turns when pushed aggressively. The steering additionally possesses a useless spot on middle and is void of a lot really feel and suggestions. However for an entertaining commuter automobile, the E53 is critically pleasing.

To visually set itself other than the common E450 (all E400 models are actually known as E450 for 2019, FYI), the E53 will get an AMG-specific hood, entrance splitter, chrome trim for the grille and decrease intakes, particular aspect sills, extra pronounced rear diffuser and quad round tailpipes. All of it combines for a barely extra aggressive, however nonetheless clear and engaging look.   

The consolation

As enjoyable as it could be to blast down winding roads far-off from dense pockets of civilization all day, day-after-day, that is merely not practical. For these metropolis commutes, pop the E53 into Consolation mode to make the engine, gearbox, suspension and steering behave in a gentler method.

Accelerating from stops is not met with the identical degree of urgency, however the engine nonetheless provides respectable shove, and the transmission reprograms to shift smoother, and earlier. The steering will get lighter right here, too, which I do not essentially thoughts as I creep via metropolis facilities, and makes the E53 extra agile for maneuvering round unhealthy drivers — or rogue pedestrians on electrical scooters.

The stationary intervals do current an opportunity to understand the E53’s comfy, well-bolstered seats and delightful cabin trimmings. Black leather-based covers the seats, massive parts of the sprint and door panels, with pink distinction stitching providing a sporty contact. An Alcantara headliner and gloss black trim give the inside a top-shelf really feel, and there is a good quantity of house for adults in each up entrance and in again, with a pretty big trunk, too. It might be a coupe, however the E-Class is not precisely a small automobile.

The tech

There is not any scarcity of tech inside, with twin 12.Three-inch screens serving as the principle gauge cluster and the infotainment show. The E53 makes use of Mercedes’ COMAND system, powering a typical, 13-speaker Burmester audio system (a 23-speaker setup is non-obligatory on the coupe), navigation, Bluetooth and each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As within the AMG GT Four-Door, E-Class and S-Class fashions, the flat-bottom steering wheel makes use of an intuitive touchpad system to manage the digital shows, letting drivers preserve their arms on the wheel, the place they belong.

To cost up sensible gadgets, a wi-fi charging pad comes normal within the decrease middle stack compartment together with a USB port. Two extra USBs are discovered within the middle armrest, and there is additionally a 12-volt outlet entrance passenger footwell.

The protection tech menu is strong, although solely automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring are normal gear on E53 fashions. Options like adaptive cruise management, lively blind-spot help, lane departure warning with lane preserve help, rear cross-traffic alert, head-up show and 360-degree digicam are all out there, simply as choices.

The arrival

When the 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe and Cabriolet go on sale late this yr, the sector of direct rivals will probably be skinny. The E53 Coupe will begin at $74,695, and the E53 Cabriolet will are available in at $81,345, together with $995 vacation spot. They will principally be in a category all their very own, too, since their solely actual direct rivals, the two-door BMW 6 Series fashions, have been discontinued.

The E53 fashions have a powerful vary, capable of be competent backroad runners one minute and compliant metropolis commuters the following. Throw in a trendy exterior design and a really beautiful and opulent cabin, and you’ve got a pair of long-overdue AMGs which are effectively value your consideration.

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