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THE NEW MERCEDES-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ COUPÉ AND CABRIOLET

ByDave Stopher

Jun 16, 2020

More brand identity, more sportiness, more individuality

UK information:

  • E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet will go on sale in the UK in late June
  • UK pricing and specification is still to be confirmed
  • First deliveries due to arrive late summer

Affalterbach. Mercedes-AMG systematically continues to strengthen its brand identity: the new E 53 4MATIC+ Coupé and Cabriolet (combined fuel consumption: 9.1-8.9 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 209-204 g/km)[1] have now also been given the characteristic AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical louvres. Its A-shaped design and the flatter all-LED headlamps create a width-emphasising, powerful impression. The restyled front apron in its A-wing design also has a positive influence on the overall vehicle proportions. Thoroughly enhanced, the interior also demonstrates even more affinity to the AMG family. Large displays, the new AMG Performance steering wheel and the MBUX infotainment system with AMG-specific functions and displays create the characteristic Performance Luxury ambience.

The electrified 3.0-litre engine with twin turbocharging via an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric additional compressor generates an output of 320 kW (435 hp) and produces a peak torque of 520 Nm. Its EQ Boost starter-alternator briefly provides an additional 16 kW of output plus 250 Nm of torque and also feeds the 48 V on-board electrical system. Other highlights of the new models include the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and the fully variable all-wheel drive system AMG Performance 4MATIC+.

“Following the saloon and estate, our new E 53 4MATIC+ models also offer a perfect synthesis of performance, elegance and comfort as a coupé and cabriolet. With specific measures on the exterior and in the interior we have re-sharpened the brand identity somewhat and we are continuing to drive forward the revision of our entire E-Class family successively. For lifestyle-oriented customer groups with discerning requirements in terms of performance and efficiency, both two-door models from Affalterbach are the perfect offerings “, says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Completely restyled, striking front, round twin tailpipe trim elements and new colours
The design of the front view is completely new and reinforces the AMG family affiliation. The key feature is the AMG-specific radiator grille with twelve vertical louvres, which the E 53 4MATIC+ Coupé and Cabriolet have now been given. The A-shaped design of the front, which becomes broader towards the bottom, and the flatter, sharper-cut all-LED headlamps create an especially powerful impression. The powerdomes on the bonnet also contribute to this effect. In the centre section the front apron is drawn high into an A shape, creating a further large air inlet grille with five vertical struts. This provides a view of technical details such as the cooler, which supports the sportily authentic impression. This also applies to the large outer air inlet grille with two transverse louvres and the new front splitter. With their high-quality materials, the flics in high-gloss black not only confirm the Performance Luxury character of the brand, but also improve the aerodynamics in combination with the inner Air Curtains. All the measures together create an extremely dynamic forward-oriented overall impression. The similarity to the AMG GT sports car family is evident.

The key identifier on the tail end are the round twin tailpipe trim elements, which are available in silver chrome or high-gloss black (as part of the optional AMG Night Package). They are harmoniously integrated into the rear apron. The design of the sides of the mud flaps improves the aerodynamics at the rear: as a result this provides for better air flow around the wheel arches. The spoiler lip on the boot lid is painted in the colour of the vehicle, but is optionally also available in carbon fibre.

Viewed from the side, the new 19-inch light-alloy wheels in the aerodynamically optimised 5-twin-spoke design catch the eye. As an option 20-inch light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design are available, also aerodynamically optimised and with a wider rim edge, painted in a choice of matt black or high-gloss titanium grey. Graphite grey metallic and matt brilliant blue magno are available for selection as new paint colours, the latter having been previously reserved for the AMG GT family.

With the optional AMG Night Package the E 53 4MATIC+ Coupé and Cabriolet can take on an even sportier appearance. The outside mirror housings, window frames plus trim elements in the front and rear apron are styled in high-gloss black here. There are also tailpipe trim elements in black chrome. The Carbon Package II adds individual highlights with mirror caps and a spoiler lip on the boot lid in carbon fibre.

Interior with autonomous appointments and specific displays
The interior welcomes the occupants with distinct appointments, luxurious materials and the current-generation MBUX infotainment system. The seats in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre in black with an AMG-specific design, red contrasting topstitching and AMG badge are characteristic for the 53-series models and combine sportiness with strong lateral support and comfort on long journeys. Further interior features include red seat belts and trim elements in carbon fibre. Further upholsteries in nappa leather are optionally available. Nappa leather in black/titanium grey pearl with red contrasting topstitching is new.

Visually the two displays for the instrument cluster and multimedia displays blend beneath a shared glass cover to form the Widescreen Cockpit. The customer can choose between the three AMG display styles “Modern Classic”, “Sport” and “Supersport” for the instrument cluster. The “Supersport” mode is particularly striking with a central, round rev counter and additional information presented in perspective in the form of bars to the left and right of the rev counter and creating a spatial impression of depth. Via the AMG menu, the driver can call up various special displays such as Engine Data, gear speed indicator, Warm-up, Set-up, G-Meter and RACETIMER. With individual AMG displays such as visualisation of the drive programs or telemetry data, the touchscreen multimedia display likewise underlines the dynamic configuration.

New AMG Performance steering wheel with seamlessly integrated buttons
With a fresh design and seamlessly integrated buttons the new AMG Performance steering wheel creates an even closer link between human and machine. The three rounded twin spokes combine stability with lightness, and the steering wheel rim is a hallmark motorsport feature. The cover is selectable in leather, in DINAMICA microfibre or as a combination of leather and microfibre, on request with steering wheel heating. In the steering wheel rim there is also a sensor mat to recognise “hands-on”. If the driver does not have their hands on the steering wheel for a certain time, a warning cascade is started, which finally activates Emergency Brake Assist if the driver continues to be inactive.

The new switches integrated into the surfaces of the horizontal twin spokes have a very elegant look. Haptic sensing aids in the area of the symbols make control easier. The instrument cluster is operated via the left-hand sensor surface on the upper steering wheel spokes, the media display via the right-hand sensor surface. The lower spokes contain the controls for the cruise control/DISTRONIC (left) and telephone/hands-free system/volume control (right). The optional AMG steering wheel buttons for actuating the drive programs and further, individually definable functions include even more brilliant displays with new icons and are now both round.

Via the galvanised shift paddles arranged on the left and right behind the steering wheel rim the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission can be operated by hand. For even more precise shift commands the paddles are now slightly bigger and positioned lower down.

Six-cylinder in-line engine with EQ Boost starter-alternator and electric additional compressor
The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine is characterised by top-of-the-range performance and intelligent electrification. 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. These include boosting with 16 kW of output and 250 Nm of torque, recuperation, shifting of the load point, gliding mode and the virtually imperceptible restarting of the engine with the start/stop function.

This innovation as well as the intelligent charging via an electric additional compressor and an exhaust gas turbocharger all have the same goal: to enhance the hallmark AMG performance and driving dynamics, while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Supported by the EQ Boost starter-alternator when moving off, the electric auxiliary compressor builds up a high charge pressure without any delay, for a faster increase in torque for acceleration until the large exhaust gas turbocharger is deployed. As a result the 3.0-litre engine reacts immediately, and provides a highly dynamic response without turbo lag.

The electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h can be increased to 270 km/h with the AMG Driver‘s Package. The AMG brake system is optimally tuned for the power and performance of the E 53 models: the front axle features cross-drilled and internally vented discs of size 370 x 36 mm with four-piston fixed callipers and AMG lettering, the rear axle is fitted with internally vented discs of size 360 x 26 mm with single-piston floating callipers.

Short shift times, high efficiency: AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission
The 3.0-litre in-line engine is coupled with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, which impresses with extremely short shift times, fast response to shift paddle commands, a double-declutching function and multiple downshifts. Upshifts or downshifts are implemented instantly. Especially in the “Sport+” drive program and in manual mode, the transmission is very responsive. Dynamic acceleration and very short shift times are also available, as is a fuel-efficient driving style, depending on the selected mode.

Characteristics at the touch of a finger: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT
With the five DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs “Slippery”, “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport+” and “Individual”, the characteristics of the new 53-series models can be influenced at the tap of a finger. The available range extends from efficient and comfortable to very sporty. The modes modify key parameters, such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering. Independently of the DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, the driver has the option of pressing the “M” button to switch directly to manual mode, in which gearshifts are executed exclusively using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The suspension set-ups can also be selected specifically as needed.

AMG DYNAMICS vehicle dynamics control is integrated into the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs. In the “Basic”, “Advanced” and “Pro” levels, it influences the control strategies of the ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) or the all-wheel drive, for example. The intelligent pilot control anticipates the desired vehicle behaviour based on the driver’s actions and the sensor data. The range spans extremely stable to highly dynamic, for a comfort-biased or particularly sporty driving experience. The AMG DYNAMICS functions can also be directly selected via the AMG steering wheel buttons. Both the modifiable vehicle characteristics and the extensive appointments options offer a wide spectrum between sportiness, elegance and lifestyle, with the coupé and cabriolet meeting each individual customer requirement.

Autonomous AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension for more dynamism
More agility, neutral cornering performance and greater traction come courtesy of the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension developed in Affalterbach. The multi-chamber air suspension with particularly sporty spring/damper set-up and continuously adjustable damping ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System) combines outstanding driving dynamics with high ride comfort. A harder spring rate, for example, when cornering and braking, effectively reduces body roll.

The damping at each wheel is adjusted to suit the current driving situation and the condition of the road. The damping characteristics can also be preselected in three modes, “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+”, allowing a significantly more noticeable differentiation between excellent long-distance comfort and sporty driving dynamics.

AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive as standard
The fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive combines optimal traction for dynamic driving fun with a high level of driving safety in all conditions: in the dry, in the wet or on a slippery surface. The transition from rear-wheel to all-wheel drive and vice versa is seamless, because the intelligent control is integrated into the overall vehicle system architecture.

Available for the six-cylinder models for the first time: the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package
For an even more emotively appealing driving experience the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package bundles together technical and visual equipment details previously reserved for the eight-cylinder models. The highlights include the RACE drive program with Drift Mode. The AMG Performance steering wheel in DINAMICA microfibre then has steering wheel buttons for fast control of the drive programs and further settings for the driving dynamics. Red-painted brake callipers with AMG lettering on the front and rear axle visually underscore the sporty character.

Technical data at a glance

 

Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+
Coupé

Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+
Cabriolet

Engine

3.0-litre 6-cylinder in-line engine with exhaust gas turbocharger and electric additional compressor

3.0-litre 6-cylinder in-line engine with exhaust gas turbocharger and electric additional compressor

Displacement

2999 cc

2999 cc

Output

320 kW (435 hp) at 6100 rpm

320 kW (435 hp) at 6100 rpm

Add. output with EQ Boost

16 kW (22 hp)

16 kW (22 hp)

Peak torque

520 Nm at 1800 – 5800 rpm

520 Nm at 1800 – 5800 rpm

Add. torque with EQ Boost

250 Nm

250 Nm

Drive

AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution

AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution

Transmission

AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G

AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G

Fuel consumption, combined

8.9-8.6 l/100 km*

9.1-8.8 l/100 km*

Combined CO2 emissions

204-198 g/km

209-202 g/km

Efficiency class

D

D

Acceleration 0-100 km/h

4.4 s

4.6 s

Top speed

250 km/h**

250 km/h**

* The stated figures were determined in accordance with the prescribed measuring method. These are the NEDC CO2 figures according to
Article 2 No. 1 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption figures were calculated on the basis of these figures

** Electronically governed, with AMG Driver’s Package 270 km/h