Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe
The E53 will remain the hottest E-Class AMG Coupe, after AMG rules out an E63 Coupe
Mercedes-AMG further blurs the line between their ‘53’ range and their full-fat ‘63’ line-up, with the unveiling of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe 4Matic+.
The ‘53’ models now look even closer to their ‘63’ stablemates, but as before, the biggest difference lies underneath its muscular hood. Whereas the E63 (and other ‘63’ models) use a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, the E53 uses an electrified twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six. Naturally, there is a colossal difference in output, as the E63 in “S” guise makes 450kw and 850nm, whilst the E53 ‘only’ produces up to 336kw and 770nm. In both derivatives, power routes through an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G-transmission and travels to each wheel via the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
We say “produces up to”, because as mentioned before, the E53 does feature a trick powertrain. With the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six produces 320kw and 520nm, an EQ Boost system briefly adding 16kw and 250nm.
The EQ Boost starter-alternator combines a starter motor and alternator in a powerful electric motor and is fitted between the engine and transmission. It is a key component of the 48 V on-board electrical system and not only serves as an alternator but is also responsible for hybrid functions, including recuperation, shifting of the load point, gliding mode and the virtually imperceptible restarting of the engine with the start/stop function.
For the first time ever, AMG has made its AMG Dynamic Plus Package available on a six-cylinder model. Key highlights of the package include a drift mode, and a RACE drive program. Controls for those functions and further drive program settings can be located on the freshly-designed dinamica wrapped AMG performance steering wheel.
Aesthetically, the most noticeable change has happened at the front end. The E53 now sports the AMG-specific Panamericana grille and sleeker LED-headlights. The front bumper has been thoroughly redesigned, as is the rear bumper which incorporates a more pronounced diffuser housing quad pipes. The LED taillights have also come under the knife and gives the rear end a truly dynamic, yet sporty look.
Inside, the E53 gets the latest MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The aging center console controller has also now been replaced by a more modern touchpad.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa has neither confirmed pricing nor an expected launch date for the arrival of the new E53. Pricing will be up on the current E53 Coupe though, which is priced from R1 436 600.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe 4Matic+ starts at around R1,850,000 in South Africa, making it a serious investment but significantly cheaper than the full-fat E63 models that push well over R2 million.
Q: How much power does the Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe make?
The E53 Coupe produces 320kW and 520Nm from its twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six, with the EQ Boost system adding an extra 16kW and 250Nm for a total of 336kW and 770Nm when needed.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe worth buying over the E63?
The E53 Coupe offers 90% of the E63's thrills at significantly less cost, plus it's more fuel efficient thanks to the hybrid system, but you'll miss out on that glorious V8 soundtrack and the extra 114kW of power.
Q: What's special about the E53's engine compared to other AMG models?
The E53 uses an electrified twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six with EQ Boost technology, featuring a 48V starter-alternator system that provides instant torque fill and enables hybrid functions like regenerative braking and seamless stop-start operation.
Q: Does the Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe come with drift mode?
Yes, if you spec the AMG Dynamic Plus Package, you'll get drift mode and a RACE drive program, marking the first time AMG has offered these features on a six-cylinder model.
Should You Buy It?
The best electrified AMG coupe under R2 million in South Africa is the Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe 4Matic+ at R1,850,000. This is the sweet spot for buyers who want proper AMG performance without the fuel bills and maintenance costs of a V8. The hybrid inline-six delivers serious punch with 336kW total output, while the 4Matic+ system ensures you can deploy all that power effectively. Yes, you should buy it if you want AMG bragging rights with a conscience, but skip it if you're dead set on that V8 rumble, because the inline-six, while smooth and powerful, just doesn't stir the soul quite the same way.
