2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 first driving review: soft, electrified six



[ad_1]

Although it seems that almost all Mercedes-Benz models benefit from AMG treatment, the truth is that, until now, the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet do not have been invited to this party. But that everything changes with the 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53. And believe me, these new cars were really worth it.

The performance

The E53 models use Mercedes' new 3.0-liter I6 turbo engine, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. As in the CLS53 and GT 53 4 doors, this engine uses Mercedes' soft hybrid EQ Boost system, which delivers an extra 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of instant power. This means that the E53 Coupe can sprint to 60 miles per hour in just 4.3 seconds; The Cabriolet does the same thing in 4.4.

In addition to providing more power, the rear quarter electric motor is the 53's stop-start system that reactivates the engine quickly and uses an electric compressor to boost and delay the turbo lag. This results in a flexible and responsive energy distribution. It is particularly powerful in Sport Plus mode when working with a nine-speed automatic transmission. To top it all off, the I6 engine is gushing a bold bomb thanks to the AMG performance exhaust available – something that I've enjoyed again and again while attacking the winding roads on the outside of D & B. Austin, Texas.

In bends, the variable 4Matic all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension and 245 / 35ZR20 Yokohama Advan Sport 275 / 30ZR20 front and rear tires keep things tidy with a minimum of roll. the E53 The coupe offers a level of grip that is difficult to overtake on public roads, and its sturdy brakes quickly eliminate speed. This is certainly not a light weight, empty weight of nearly 4,200 pounds of the coupe leading the front to empty when driving aggressively. The management also has a neutral in the center and is devoid of sensations and feedback. But for an entertaining suburban car, the E53 is really nice.

Stand out visually from the usual E450 (all E400 models are now called E450 for 2019, FYI), the E53 features an AMG-specific hood, a front splitter, a chrome trim for the grille and lower catches, specific side sills, a sharper rear diffuser, and rear outlets. quadruple exhaust. All of this combines for a slightly more aggressive look, but still clean and attractive.

Under the cover is a six-cylinder in-line 429 horsepower.

Jon Wong / Tour

Comfort

As fun as blowing winding roads away from dense pockets of civilization all day, it's just not realistic. For city trips, open the E53 in comfort mode so that the engine, gearbox, suspension and steering behave more smoothly.

The acceleration from the stops is not satisfied with the same level of urgency, but the engine still offers a respectable boost, and the reprogramming of the transmission is done more smoothly, and earlier . The steering becomes lighter here, which does not necessarily bother me to move downtown, and makes the E53 more agile to get around bad drivers – or dishonest pedestrians on electric scooters.

Stationary periods offer a chance to appreciate the E53 & # 39; s comfortable and well-reinforced seats and beautiful cabin trim. Black leather covers the seats, large parts of the dashboard and door panels, with contrasting red stitching for a sporty touch. An alcantara headliner and shiny black trim give the interior a racking feel, and there's a good amount of space for adults both in front and behind, with a big chest too. It may be a coupe, but the E-Class is not exactly a small car.

The leather cockpit of the E53 is upscale and comfortable.

Jon Wong / Tour

Technology

There is no technology shortage on the inside, with two 12.3-inch screens serving as the main gauge group and the infotainment screen. The E53 uses Mercedes COMAND system, powering a standard Burmester audio system with 13 speakers (a 23-speaker configuration is optional on the coupe), navigation, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As in the AMG GT 4-door, E-Class and S-Class models, the flat-bottomed steering wheel uses an intuitive touchpad system to control digital displays, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel.

To charge smart devices, a wireless charging pad comes standard in the lower center stack compartment with a USB port. Two additional armrests are located in the center armrest, and there is also a 12-volt front passenger footrest.

The safety technical menu is robust, although only emergency brake systems and automatic blind spot monitoring are standard equipment on E53 models. Features such as adaptive cruise control, active assistance on the blind spot, lane departure warning with Lane Keeping Aid, transverse rear alert, l & rsquo; Head-up display and 360-degree camera are available.

The E53 is able to have fun on the side roads and to be a comfortable commuter.

Jon Wong / Tour

L & # 39; s arrival

When the Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupé and Cabriolet 2019 goes on sale at the end of this year, the field of direct competitors will be slim. The E53 Coupe will start at $ 74,695, and the E53 Cabriolet will arrive at $ 81,345, including a $ 995 destination. They will be in a class of their own, as their only real direct competitors, the BMW 6 Series two-door, have been abandoned.

The E53 models have an impressive range, capable of being competent one-minute road racers and compliant urban commuters the next day. Throw in an elegant exterior design and a truly magnificent and luxurious cabin, and you have a long pair AMG this is well worth your consideration.


Editor's note: Roadshow accepts multi-day loans from builders to provide editorial reviews. All the criticisms of marked vehicles are completed on our territory and according to our conditions. However, for this feature, the manufacturer has covered travel expenses. It is common in the automotive industry because it is much cheaper to ship reporters in cars than to ship cars to reporters.

The judgments and opinions of the Roadshow editorial team are ours and we do not accept paid editorial content.

[ad_2]
Source link