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Jalopnik ReviewsAll our tests are done in a convenient place. Once upon a time, a six-seater Mercedes-Benz was the very model of gentleness and opulence and grace. He's gone for a while, but now he's finally back and has impressive power and technology. Then mad AMG scientists got their hands on it. Check out the Mercedes-AMG E53 2019, one of the most interesting AMG cars you can buy right now.
I am a big fan of the Mercedes-AMG E63 Sedan, and like the look of the two-door coupe. But the problem is that if you want a two-door AMG, you do not have an option with the E-Class – which only comes in the form of a sedan or a wagon. You must either go from one level to class C, or go up to a new tax bracket to get the AMG GT or S Class coupe.
Until now, at least Fortunately, AMG has decided to step in and fill the gap with a very unique engine.
(Full disclosure: While I was having fun testing the new AMG GT 63 S 4-door coupe in Austin, the excellent people at AMG brought the new E Class coupe to me, powered by their new six-cylinder in-line hybrid. They drew a chart of the fun roads around the Hill Country to drive, which I quickly ignored, and set out on a road that I love to test the biggest fast toys.
What is it?
The Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe 2019 is the fast-paced version of the successful E-Class, powered by the all-new 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder. Yes, 53. For a three-liter engine.
Confused? You are not alone. I'm always trying to understand the naming convention too. The E53 faces BMW's recent BMW 650i xDrive (do not even start unpacking this name) if you make comparative purchases.
For the driver who wants more performance, AMG offers a lot of coupes and sedans, but this new class E coupe falls in a field that I like. It's the perfect size for a comfortable coupe, the performance figures that many buyers will appreciate, and the subtle yet fast paces you expect from the Mercedes Performance Division. An E53 sedan is also available and a cabriolet version is also available.
The specifications that matter
The AMG-Ified six-cylinder in-line engine delivers 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 at 5,800 rpm. AMG says it will do 0-60 in 4.3 seconds and will reach a top speed of 130 mph. All four wheels feature AMG's nine-speed Speedshift multi-clutch automatic transmission, connected to a fully variable all-wheel drive system.
What makes this engine unique is the new EQ Boost system that incorporates hybrid technology that they have learned to dominate Formula 1 over the past four seasons. With a 48-volt electrical system on board, the six-cylinder in-line gets 21 horsepower and nearly 180 lb-ft. of torque pushed in your back for short periods when you are cranking the accelerator pedal.
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What is really good
I'm usually quick to doubt any electric or hybrid power system implemented in more normal cars because you expect a more diluted technology for marketing, rather than having it in a McLaren P1, Porsche 918 or Ferrari LaFerrari. But in the case of the E53, the AMG EQ Boost system is not a joke.
It's the perfect setup that gives you the boldest torque curve every time you reduce the throttle. Torque-fill all day. The engine is not extremely hard-hitting like the twin-turbo V8 of the AMG GT 63 S 4-door coupe that I tested, which is actually a good thing. The powerband of this car is superb and fits perfectly with the delivery of the six-cylinder in-line 3.0-liter.
Anytime you can get an extra 180 lb-ft of torque on the tap for any passes on the highway, or when you get an open stretch of Texas Hill Country Road, you have to enjoy it.
Inside, well, I can not say enough good things about what Benz is doing these days. The materials come from the future, the fit and finish are obscene, and the technology that fuels everyone keeps everyone away.
The touch buttons on the steering wheel work very well and allow you to control and adjust the displays of the instrument cluster with great flexibility. Yes, you can spend hours playing with all the features and settings to suit your requirements, but I can not complain too much. It's very good in the AMG E53.
What's not so hot
The exterior is really clean, and the E-Class is generally superb, but being an AMG model, I would like something more aggressive. The front and rear bumpers could use a heavier clue, perhaps sharper cuts. It's too much like a normal class E coupe. I want slightly larger wing flares, a more sturdy posture and massive exhaust outlets.
Again, this is a 53 and not a 63. Maybe that's the intention.
I miss the days of a conventional shifter on the center console. The real estate for additional controls and driver switches had to be taken, so the shifter was relegated to the steering column, with a tiny rod.
The curb weight was not officially provided at the time of publication, but the AM53 E53 coupe easily exceeds 4,200 pounds. In light of this, and after praising the engine earlier, I would like even more power.
Yes, it has this strong torque surge on demand, but with only 429 horsepower at the top of the range, I would like a bit more of an AMG model.
The 63 S models exceed 630 HP, which helps move the estimated package to 4,400 pounds. If there were 500 or more, this thing would be a rocket.
For daily driving
If you are lucky to live in a city where daily journeys cover winding roads, this car will be fantastic between the blocks of your day. The steering is predictive and perfectly weighted, the chassis is balanced in all conditions and there is no complaint when you play in the turns. I might have wanted a little more power with this AMG, but there's more than enough juice under the hood to keep you entertained.
As you might expect from any large coupe, you can actually place adults on the rear seats, and the trunk offers plenty of luggage, if you want to take a long road trip in your AMG E53 Coupe.
Go quickly in the crooked things
The engineers earned their salary thanks to the dynamics of the suspension. Whether you are in Comfort or Sport + mode, you'll always get a smooth ride with the entire surface of the road swallowed up smoothly.
It could also have something to do with the 113.1-inch wheelbase and AMG's Air Body Control adaptive damping system that works overtime.
I may have asked for some more power at this six-cylinder in-line, but the EQ Boost really gives you extra torque when you push the car in the middle RPM regimes. Stoking the gas from one corner to the other is a real treat, and I love the weight and predictability of the management of the AMG E53. This car was surprisingly good in all the conditions I gave it.
My tester was equipped with a set of Yokohama Advan tires and, although they are adherent and responsive, with just a little more noise from the road than me, they are not nearly as good as the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S . . I wonder if this could be an option.
Early verdict
AMG continues to express its notes with any model presented, and this car has easily met my expectations. The style might be more aggressive and a little more power would have been nice, but many buyers will love what this fascinating six-pot engine can do.
Mercedes says the E53 starts at $ 73,700, and with options I'm sure it could slip into the $ 90,000 range. A reasonable price for all the technologies involved and which you consider as an avant-garde palliative between a "normal" E-Class and E63 AMG models. If this is where the electrification is happening, we all win here.
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