Reviews
Gallery 1
It might be self-defeating to disclose this so early on, but the most dramatic change on the new 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe is the price.
At $164,800, the new E53 Coupe offers a $14,900 discount on the previous version. Why? As we understand it, the new E53 has to cover the yawning price gap the E450 Coupe has left in its wake after leaving the range.
Luckily, from what we can see, the E53 has not lost anything important in the process. Standard equipment remains as healthy as before, like the Vision package that includes a heads-up display, Burmester sound and a panoramic sunroof with heated glass. Nappa upholstery features as well.
The E53 makes do with the same updated bumper and headlights from lesser variants but fits vertical Panamerica-style slats into the radiator grille. Black mirrors also set it apart. The rear bumper carries over the same quad-exhaust-tip arrangement for extra menace, while you can spot its rear differential cooler fins from floor height.
Inside, an MBUX infotainment system replaces the old rotary dial in the centre console with a trackpad. It teams up with a new steering wheel, also found in the new S-Class, as access points to the dual 10.25-inch dash widescreens that come with the AMG Track Pace app.
Engine-wise, the E53-spec inline six-cylinder engine carries over and now features in other models since it debuted with the Coupe in 2018. The GLE, CLS and four-door GT now have 53 versions that have displaced the twin-turbo V6-powered 43 variants.
While you might hear their engine described as twin-turbocharged, the second turbocharger is an electrically powered compressor. It is plugged into the 48-volt electrical system and helps instantaneously produce boost to aid torque down low.
A nine-speed automatic transmission still features downstream and is coupled with an all-wheel-drive system. Mercedes says its electro-mechanically controlled centre clutch allows for fully variable torque distribution.
Surprisingly, it is hard to place the E53 among its peers. For instance, a BMW 840i fits the bill as a two-door coupe with four seats and presents a rear-drive point of difference.
But the 840i is priced well beyond the E53 at $202,900. It justifies this with extra stuff like laser headlights and wireless smartphone mirroring. And the BMW also uses a more advanced semi carbonfibre reinforced chassis, so it is significantly lighter than the E53.
Audi, meanwhile, has no equivalent-sized two-door coupe for the E53. Instead, the RS5 presents a closely matched alternative on price at $150,900. Although we should mention that while the RS5 scores turbocharged six-cylinder all-wheel-drive performance, it is a more serious proposition. Being smaller than the E53 it also loses out on boot space.
As for weekly expenses Mercedes-Benz also claims the E53 can muster 9.3L/100km on an ADR-approved combined driving cycle, which means you can expect around 700km worth of driving range from its 66-litre tank.
Or, if driving-range is not so important, unleashing the E53 remains a delight. A heavy kerb weight figure labours the e-motor and petrol engine down low, but it at least sounds good. Even with a particulate filter, it develops into a dense howl as the revs unfurl towards a 6500rpm redline.
We have no reason to doubt the claim that this E53 can run to 100km/h from rest in 4.4 seconds. It feels fast and has loads of grip. In corners, though, it never threatens to indulge in the claimed ability of rear-wheel-drive.
You struggle to wind up commitment beyond seven-tenths as broken surfaces and mid-corner bumps upset its hold on the road to remind us the E53 is not a backroad carver.
AMG tuned air dampers and springs equal a sweet ride over low-speed compressions that underscore its purpose as a grand tourer on steroids. Yet the low profile tyres still do a terrible job of insulating the cabin from aggressive deflections. But they do contribute to some much-needed steering feel.
It is a delight to use the shift paddles, their larger surface area making them easy to find. And you sometimes stay in manual mode only to enjoy their cool, metal touch.
The new E53 cockpit also offers a refreshing break from other AMGs. The steering wheel controls, minimalist centre console and steering-column gear-lever equal a pared-back workstation that sets a new standard for simplicity.
The steering wheel segments functions across each pad on the double-stacked spokes on its horizontal plane, which goes a long way to helping you remember each button and simplifying control of both the MBUX and digital driving cluster on the fly.
In essence, the E53 ticks all the boxes it should. Between the gorgeous styling, sumptuous luxury and driver-centric cabin, it feels special while parked. Everything else on top of that is a bonus.
But the E53 can fall victim to its success. While its straight-six engine is smooth, sonorous and tuned to work with its hybrid system and an electric compressor to perfection, there are times it can struggle to get moving under is own weight. We must remember, as well, that its engine has more power and almost as much grunt as the first turbo M3.
Verdict 8.0/10
Likes: Great noise, smooth powertrain, high-end styling, sumptuous cabin, good primary ride
Dislikes: Shoddy secondary ride, porky weight
Specifications
BODY: 2-door, 4-seat coupe DRIVE: all-wheel ENGINE: 2996cc inline-6, DOHC, 24v, turbo, s/c, e-motor BORE/STROKE: 88.0mm x 82.1mm COMPRESSION: 10.5:1 POWER: 320kW @ 6100rpm TORQUE: 520Nm @ 1800-5700rpm WEIGHT: 1946kg POWER-TO-WEIGHT: 168kW/tonne TRANSMISSION: 9-speed automatic SUSPENSION (front): multi-links, air suspension, adaptive dampers SUSPENSION (rear): multi-links, air suspension, adaptive dampers L/W/h: 4964/1852/1449mm WHEELBASE: 28mm TRACKS: 1628/1598mm (f/r) STEERING: electrically assisted rack-and-pinion BRAKES (front): 370mm ventilated discs, four-piston calipers BRAKES (rear): 360mm ventilated discs, single-piston calipers WHEELS: 20.0 x 8.0-inch (f); 20.0 x 9.0-inch (r) TYRES: 245/35 R20 (f); 275/30 R20 (r) Price: $164,800 ($185,455 driveaway)
