Road Test: 2019 Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Coupe

It had been a while since I have experienced the Mercedes-Benz E-class, and there is probably no better way to get reacquainted with it than with the AMG tuned E 53 4MATIC+ Coupe.

For the 2019 model year, there are some changes to the E 53 – starting with that name, replacing the E 43. The E 53 is also available as a sedan or convertible.

Aside from the new name, there are some other notable changes – especially under the hood, which has also been redesigned for 2019. This year’s model also gets bigger brakes, a new rear bumper and a revised 20-inch wheel design.

The E 53 has a starting price of $86,000, but our tester was equipped with several optional packages that pushed the final price a shade over $100,000.

Some of these options have always puzzled me, such as the $6,200 Premium Package – on an $86,000 car?  That being said, it does add things like a Burmester Surround Sound System, enhanced heated front seats, heated front armrests, multi-contour front seats with massage feature, climate comfort front seats, heated rear seats and more.

One thing I would like to see as standard, however, is the head-up display, currently a $1,500 option. Having experienced HUD in several models lately, it’s easy to see why this should be included in any vehicle. Even most new airplanes are using this because it makes operating the vehicle much safer.

Under that sleek new hood is a treat for the driver, a new turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six cylinder engine with electric assist, paired to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission.

The sweet engine and transmission combination is a near flawless effort, producing 429 horsepower (compared to 396 in the E 43) and 384 ft-lb of torque. The only thing holding this engine back is your right foot.

It is estimated to burn premium fuel at a combined rate of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres and I managed to get pretty close to that at 11.1 L/100 km during a week that saw more city driving than highway cruising.

And believe me, you will want to be out cruising in this stylish two-door luxury coup as much as you can be.

There’s hardly a bad angle from which to take it in, nor is there any bad angles on the car itself.

Smooth lines give the E 53 an elegance that is complemented by the AMG-specific grille, which adds some attitude to the design. There are also AMG styled front and rear bumpers, and a rear spoiler.

And that new hood design features some proportionate bulges that definitely complete the exterior’s appeal.

The interior doesn’t do too badly in that department either.

It is a masterpiece of luxurious touches and materials, mixed with modern amenities.

From the black Napa leather seating, which is extremely comfortable, to the Burmester grilles, there are so many nice features in the cabin that the list would be too long to include here.

Perhaps the best part of the interior only comes out at night, with blue accent lighting in the cabin making it absolutely glow.

A fair warning though: Getting into the rear seat is not the simplest of tasks, even more so when trying to properly secure your son’s booster seat.

The centerpiece of the cabin is the massive digital screen that encompasses the instrument cluster and the infotainment’s screen. Individually, they are both 12.3-inches, but they merge together seamlessly as one.

The look is distinctly modern, even if the Command system is not the latest from Mercedes. The infotainment system is still functional, and compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The system can be controlled through a touchpad/mouse in the center console, and there are also steering-wheel mounted controls, including two mini touchpads.

Also in the center console is the AMG Dynamic Select button  that allows you to customize the E 53’s shifting, handling and more.

You can select between Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual, there’s a setting for every drive and driving conditions.

Given the 20-inch wheels, there’s a bit more harshness depending on the road conditions – with one pothole sending shivers through the entire car, and my heart as I thought I had blown a tire – but you hardly pay attention to those given how enjoyable the drive is.

From the smooth acceleration and nimble response, the E 53 is an absolute pleasure to take out onto the open road, where it truly shows it’s mettle.

2019 Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Coupe
Price as tested: $102,250.00
Freight: $2,075.00
Configuration: Front engine/All-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 3.0-litre inline-6 turbo with EQ Boost/ AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission
Power/torque: 429 horsepower/ 384 ft-lb of torque
Fuel (capacity): Premium (65.8 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 10.6 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 11.1 L/100 km
Warranties: 4-years/80,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Lexus RC F, Jaguar XF S

Links:
Mercedes-Benz Canada