2018 Mercedes-AMG E53 coupe and cabriolet revealed

With Mercedes’ new 3.0-litre inline six-pot nestled in the engine bay, the new E53 aims to bridge the gap between E43 and E63 models.

As such, it scores a very respectable 320kW and 520Nm, which increases to 336kW/770Nm when the ‘EQ Boost’ system is active.

The EQ Boost is the starter-alternator in the 48-volt system, which also powers some mild hybrid functions of the six-pot. It also acts as a power source for the electric compressor, which allows for “a faster increase in torque for acceleration until the large exhaust gas turbocharger is deployed.”

The lack of turbo-lag – as well as a sharp 9-speed automatic gearbox – means earlier access to its power (which peaks at 6100rpm) and torque (1800-5800rpm), allowing a 4.4 second sprint to 100km/h in the E53 Coupe, or 4.5s in the E53 Cabriolet.

That extra tenth comes thanks to the Cabrio’s hefty kerb weight of 1980kg, though even the coupe is a weighty beast at 1895kg.

Both variants run with Mercedes’ 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system, which is able to vary on a scale between AWD and fully rear-wheel drive. Its computer constantly varies the torque split based on driving conditions and driver input.

Visually, the E53 wears a ‘twin-blade’ grille, previously reserved for V8 models, instead of the usual diamond grille with individual ‘pins’.

It also scores chrome highlights around the grille and on the front splitter, as well as the fins on the outer air intakes.

Pricing and arrival for Australia are yet to be announced, but it’ll be somewhere between that of the $159,611 E43 and the $209,611 E63.