Call it AMG Lite.
Emme Hall/Roadshow
When you consider an AMG E-Class, the superhot E63 doubtless involves thoughts — particularly the wagon. But AMG is not all about ridiculous energy today, and this E53 sedan exhibits the softer facet of Mercedes’ efficiency arm.
LikeSmooth energy deliveryNicely appointed interiorExcellent driver-assistance options
Don’t LikeA little too quiet for an AMG powertrainMany rivals supply extra energy
AMG energy with mild-hybrid increase It undoubtedly appears the half, not less than, particularly with the Selenite Grey Magno paint of my take a look at automobile. It appears matte in images, however there’s simply sufficient sparkle to catch the solar. It’s a $3,950 upcharge however rattling, does it look good. Big, 20-inch wheels and quad exhaust suggestions drive residence the efficiency nature, too. The E53 makes use of AMG’s 3.0-liter turbo I6 engine, which by itself makes 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. But this engine additionally makes use of 48-volt mild-hybrid tech, which might add an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft into the combination for preliminary acceleration, and it means the automobile’s cease/begin system is loads smoother. A nine-speed automated transmission sends energy to the bottom via Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
Perhaps probably the most satisfying facet of the AMG E53 is its {smooth} energy supply. It’s not simply {smooth} as silk, it is {smooth} as mulberry silk in a charmeuse weave. On the freeway the nine-speed automated does its factor within the background, and if you choose Eco mode, the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system permits “sailing,” as Mercedes-Benz calls it, the place the engine can flip off. The mild-hybrid’s supplemental efficiency is good, however it additionally helps with gas economic system. Mercedes-Benz says the AMG E53 sedan ought to return 21 miles per gallon metropolis, 28 mpg freeway and 24 mpg mixed.
Commuters will dig the driver-assistance tech provided within the E53. It all prices an additional $2,250, although, which is form of loopy contemplating this sedan begins at $74,795 together with $995 for vacation spot. The adaptive cruise management with hands-on steering help is nice, holding the E53 within the middle of the lane with a minimal of pingponging backward and forward. The lane-change help is just a little a lot (do folks actually have a tough time doing this?), however nonetheless works properly. A route-based velocity adaptation function reduces the velocity if I cross right into a slower zone and also will alter for upcoming curves within the street. It all works nice.
The E53 additionally shines on winding roads. In Sport mode the transmission is fairly energetic, however it will not downshift on braking, leaving me ready for extra energy once I come out of a flip. Selecting Sport Plus does not actually treatment this case, both. The transmissions in each the AMG CLA35 and the gargantuan AMG GLS63 I just lately examined might learn my thoughts, so I assume I anticipate extra from this E53. The excellent news is that there are paddle shifters, so I can override the transmission’s actions each time I would like. There are every kind of the way to dial within the automobile because of the AMG steering wheel controls. Not solely can I simply swap to guide shifting, I also can set my suspension to Comfort, Sport or Sport Plus individually from the chosen drive mode. So if I would like the steering really feel of Sport Plus, however a little bit of a softer experience, I can do this. Heck, I may even make the exhaust a bit louder. You also can set an Individual mode, however primarily each mode might be a person mode with all these completely different parameters at my fingertips. The E53’s 14.6-inch entrance and 14.2-inch rear brakes sluggish the automobile confidently, and the well-sorted chassis and all-wheel-drive grip do not get upset over whoopy, uneven pavement. The inside is one tech replace away from perfection.
Emme Hall/Roadshow
Classy inside with older tech The present E53’s in-dash tech is a bit dated, however there is a new model on the horizon, so I’m not too frightened. For 2020, the E-Class rocks Mercedes’ outdated COMAND infotainment, which is ok, however doesn’t evaluate to the newest MBUX system that’s slowly being applied throughout the corporate’s lineup. Housed on a 12.3-inch display, COMAND is affected by menus and submenus and is simply general not very comfy to make use of. I can management the system by voice, the touchpad on the middle console or the thumbpads on the steering wheel, however not like MBUX, this display does not reply to the touch. There are additionally shortcut buttons on the middle stack for navigation, radio, media and telephone. The system works superb, however the studying curve is steep. I’m a agency subscriber to the Mercedes inside aesthetic and the story does not change within the E53. My tester has elective black Nappa leather-based inside contrasting crimson stitching and seat belts for a pleasant pop of colour. I’m very right here for the spherical air vents in addition to the suede steering wheel with a high dead-center marking. It’s an all-around very engaging package deal. The trunk has 13.1 cubic ft house, a lot smaller than the 18.7 cubes within the BMW 5 Series and slightly below the 13.7 cubes within the Audi A6. There’s additionally loads of space for storing contained in the automobile, together with a slot on your telephone in entrance of the 2 cup holders, although it is just a little exhausting to suit if in case you have a beverage in there, too. With the motive force’s seat set for my 5-foot, 9-inch peak, I nonetheless have not less than 3 inches of knee room within the again seat, and there may be loads of headroom, even with my puffy pandemic haircut. However, there are not any USB ports for rear-seat passengers. Just a 12-volt outlet and a standard 115-volt socket. Selenite Grey Magno paint is a $3,950 choice.
Emme Hall/Roadshow
Wait till subsequent yr My take a look at automobile is loaded as much as $97,730 together with vacation spot, however go simple on the choices and you may get a properly geared up E53 within the low-to-mid-$80,000 vary. The Audi S6 is the Mercedes’ closest competitor by way of energy and value, although you may additionally snag a V8-powered Genesis G80 for about $13,00 much less (earlier than the brand new one arrives, anyway). Neither of these provides electrical help, nevertheless. The E53 is an expensive sedan that dips its toes within the efficiency pool somewhat than diving into the deep finish. And since Mercedes-Benz is not planning to shake up that method an excessive amount of sooner or later, my suggestion is to attend for the up to date 2021 mannequin to reach, since it will pack the identical efficiency with even higher in-car tech.