The New Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe And Cabriolet: More Sport, More Individuality, More AMG

Mercedes-AMG continues to strengthen its distinctive range: the new E 53 Coupe and Cabriolet receive the iconic AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical slats, emphasizing its performance credentials and clear membership in the AMG family. When viewed from the front, its A-shaped design and new, flatter all-LED headlamps create a width-emphasizing, powerful impression. The restyled front bumper with its A-wing design also enhances the overall vehicle proportions. Thoroughly revised, the new interior also demonstrates a clear connection with distinctive AMG design. Large displays, a new AMG Performance steering wheel and the revolutionary MBUX infotainment system with AMG-specific functions and displays reinforce the characteristic AMG Performance Luxury ambience.

The AMG-enhanced 3.0L inline-6 turbo engine with electric auxiliary compressor generates an output of 429 hp and produces a peak torque of 384 lb-ft. Its EQ Boost starter-generator briefly provides up to an additional 21 hp of output plus up to 184 lb-ft of torque, while also feeding the 48 V on-board electrical system. Other highlights of the new models include the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and the variable all-wheel drive system, AMG Performance 4MATIC+.

“Following the Sedan and Wagon, our new E 53 models also offer a perfect synthesis of performance, elegance and comfort as a coupe 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.

The front end design is completely new and reinforces a clear AMG family affiliation. The key feature is the AMG-specific radiator grille with twelve vertical slats, which the E 53 Coupe and Cabriolet both receive. 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 twin powerdomes on the hood also contribute to this powerful impression. In the center section, the front bumper is drawn high into an A shape, creating a large air inlet grille with five vertical struts. This provides a view of technical details such as the cooler, which supports the purposeful, performance-oriented impression. This also applies to the large outer air inlet grille with two transverse louvers and the new front splitter. With their high-quality materials, the flics in high-gloss black also support the Performance Luxury character of AMG, while also improving the aerodynamics in combination with the inner Air Curtains. All these measures together create an extremely dynamic, forward-oriented overall impression. A similarity from the front to the AMG GT sports car family is also evident, thanks in part to the new AMG-specific vertical slat grille.

The key enhancement from the rear view 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). The twin tailpipe trims are harmoniously integrated into the rear bumper. A new design for the sides of the rear wheel arches improves the aerodynamics at the rear: the result is improved air flow around the wheel arches. The spoiler lip on the trunk lid is painted to match the vehicle color, but is also optionally available in carbon fiber.

Viewed from the side, the standard new 19-inch light-alloy wheels in an aerodynamically optimized 5-twin-spoke design catch the eye. Available as an option, 20-inch light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design are also available, also aerodynamically optimized and with a wider rim edge, painted in a choice of matte black or high-gloss titanium grey. For the exterior color palette, Graphite Grey Metallic and designo Brilliant Blue Magno, a striking matte finish, are newly available selections, the latter previously reserved for the AMG GT family.

With the optional AMG Night Package, the E 53 Coupe and Cabriolet embrace an even sportier appearance. The outside mirror housings, window frames, plus trim elements in the front and rear bumper are styled in high-gloss black. The tailpipe trim elements also come equipped in black chrome. The AMG Carbon Fiber Package II adds individual highlights with mirror caps and a spoiler lip on the trunk lid in carbon fiber.

Interior with sport appointments and AMG-specific displays

The interior welcomes the occupants with distinctive appointments, luxurious materials and the latest-generation MBUX infotainment system. The standard seats upholstered in MB-Tex with DINAMICA microfiber in an AMG-specific design, red contrasting topstitching and AMG badging are characteristic for the AMG 53-series models, and combine sport design with strong lateral support and comfort for long journeys. Further interior options include red seat belts and trim elements in carbon fiber. Further upholsteries in Nappa leather are also optionally available. A newly available interior option is the Nappa leather interior in black/titanium grey pearl with red contrasting topstitching.

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

With a fresh design and seamlessly integrated buttons, the new AMG Performance steering wheel creates an even closer connection between driver and machine. The three rounded twin-spokes combine stability with lightness, while the flat-bottom steering wheel rim is a hallmark derived from motorsport. The wheel is available in leather, in DINAMICA microfiber or as a combination of leather and DINAMICA. The steering wheel rim also features a new sensor mat to recognize “hands-on” the wheel. If the driver does not have their hands on the steering wheel for a certain time, a warning sequence 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 even 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 or DISTRONIC (left) and telephone/hands-free system/volume control (right). The standard-equipment AMG steering wheel buttons are now round and feature even more brilliant displays with new icons to activate the drive programs and individually definable functions.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed transmission can be operated by hand, via the galvanized shift paddles arranged on the left and right sides behind the steering wheel rim. For even more precise shift commands the paddles are now slightly larger and positioned lower down.

Six-cylinder in-line engine with EQ Boost starter-generator and electric auxiliary compressor

The 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine is characterized by top-of-the-range performance and intelligent electrification. The EQ Boost starter-generator combines a starter motor and alternator in a powerful electric motor, and is located 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 select hybrid functions. These include boosting with up to 21 hp of output and 184 lb-ft 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 forced induction via an electric auxiliary 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-generator when moving from a stop, the electric auxiliary compressor builds up a high charge pressure without delay, for a faster increase in torque for acceleration, until the large exhaust gas turbocharger is activated. As a result the 3.0-liter engine reacts immediately and provides a highly dynamic response without turbo lag.

The AMG brake system is tuned for power and performance: the front axle features cross-drilled and internally vented discs, sized 14.6 x 1.4 in, with four-piston fixed calipers and AMG lettering, while the rear axle features internally vented discs, sized 14.2 x 1.0 in with single-piston floating calipers.

The 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo engine is coupled with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed transmission, which impresses with its extremely short shift times, fast response to shift commands, a double-declutching function and multiple downshifts. The transmission is very responsive, especially in the “Sport+” drive program and in manual mode. Very responsive acceleration and very short shift times are both available, as well as a more fuel-efficient driving style, depending on the selected mode.

Distinctive 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 with 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 manual shifting mode “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-up 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 behavior based on the driver’s actions and the sensor data. The range spans from 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 available AMG Drive Unit steering wheel buttons.

Adaptive AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension for more dynamism

Enhanced 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 sporty spring/damper set-up and continuously adjustable damping ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System) combines outstanding driving dynamics with high levels of ride comfort. A harder spring rate, for example, when cornering and braking, effectively reduces body roll for better handling, while a softer spring rate can improve highway driving comfort.

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+”, enabling a selectable differentiation between excellent long-distance comfort and more sporty driving dynamics.

Standard AMG Performance 4MATIC+ variable all-wheel drive

The standard variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive combines optimized traction for dynamic driving with a high level of safety in a variety of conditions: in dry, wet or on slippery surfaces. 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.