Road Test: 2019 Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Coupe
Story by Jordan Allan, photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
Specifications:
Price(MSRP): $86,000
Engine: 3.0L turbocharged, supercharged DOHC 24-valve inline-6
Trans: 9-speed auto
Power: 429 hp@ 6,100 rpm
Torque: 384 lb-ft @ 1,800-5,800 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,519 lbs./ 2,050 kg
Fuel Consumption (L/100km – City/Hwy): 12.3/8.5
New for 2019: The Mercedes-AMG E 53 coupe is the first E-Class vehicle to feature the AMG performance badge and although it doesn’t feature a fire-breathing V8 that’s usually associated with the AMG name, it does boast a very high-tech Inline-6 engine that makes an impressive 429 horsepower and is much more fuel efficient than a V8 typically is.
Segment Competitors: BMW 5-Series, Acura RLX, Audi S6, Cadillac CTS, Genesis G80, Jaguar XF, Lexus GS, Volvo S90
The Skinny: As mentioned, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Coupe is the first E-Series vehicle to don the AMG badge and strikes a very nice balance of performance and luxury. The car makes great power and is very fun at times, but can also be a smooth-riding grand tourer if the settings are done right. When called upon (and in the right driving mode), the suspension system was fantastic and held the car firmly in place without even a hint of letting go but is also soft enough (again, with the right driving mode) that it does provide a refined ride that is unmistakably Mercedes.
Inside, you do of course lose some back seat room with the coupe configuration however the rest of the interior more than makes up for it with a great seating position, and all round luxurious look. The all-digital instrument cluster is connected to the infotainment screen which is controlled via a touchpad or knob that sits under it located on the centre stack below the climate controls.
The 3.0L engine is both turbocharged and electronically supercharged and both work in unison to provide the great overall performance and acceleration. Additionally, an electric starter-alternator unit (dubbed EQ Boost) is situated between the engine and transmission and provides an additional 21 horsepower rand 184 lb-ft. of torque. The purpose for all of this makes sense immediately when you put your foot into it. The electric compressor provides the engine with immediate boost with no lag and while that’s happening, the turbocharger is all spooled up and provides even more torque as the electric unit reaches its peak. To make things even more high-tech, a 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system is also utilized to take some of the onus off of the gas-powered engine and thus providing even better efficiency.
Pros: Given that they’ve put so much into it, the high-tech Inline-6 engine really is the star of this car. It provides amazingly smooth and crisp acceleration and power in all situations and is quite efficient for a car with the kind of power it has.
Cons: Although definitely not the worst I’ve seen, but full-size adults may have a tough time getting comfortable in the back seat. Also, though it didn’t take much to get used to, I still prefer a touch screen infotainment system rather than touch pads or knobs.
The Verdict: As I mentioned, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Coupe is a nearly perfect blend of performance and luxury which is somewhat unsurprising as that is what Mercedes is known for. What is surprising, but perhaps shouldn’t be, is just how well all of the different systems of the engine work together to put smooth, crisp and downright mighty power to all four wheels through the 4MATIC+ system. Although it doesn’t feature a big V8 as most AMG’s before it, this version still puts performance at the top of its priority list while not completely ignoring the comfort side in the least. This is something that is very desirable to many buyers out there and puts the Mercedes-AMG E 53 at the top of the ‘must check out’ list.
