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2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe - Photos

Car and Driver

January 22, 2019 at 12:42 PM

<p><a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes-benz/e-class" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Mercedes-Benz E-class;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The Mercedes-Benz E-class</a>, in its current W213 generation, has evolved from a stronghold of staid opulence to encompass an impressive range of excellence. Our preferences naturally skew to the sportier Mercedes-AMG versions, which for 2019 are highlighted by a trio of <a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes-amg/e53" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:new E53 models;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">new E53 models</a> powered by the equally fresh, high-tech Mercedes straight-six. While sedan and convertible configurations also are available, it is the E53 coupe that excels as the E-class's premier grand tourer.</p>

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe Sings with a High-Tech Inline-Six Engine

<p>The moniker also extends to AMG's new-for-2019 GT53 and CLS53 four-doors, which employ the same formula of standard 4Matic+ all-wheel drive, an AMG-tuned nine-speed automatic transmission, <a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a19479730/nine-things-you-must-know-about-the-new-mercedes-inline-six/" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:and the trick new powerplant;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">and the trick new powerplant</a>: a turbocharged and electrically supercharged 3.0-liter inline-six augmented by a 48-volt hybrid-assist system dubbed EQ Boost.</p>

<p>The E53's 0.9-kWh lithium-ion battery feeds both the electrically driven blower and a starter/alternator motor sandwiched between the engine and gearbox.</p>

<p>With electrons chipping in 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, total system output is 429 horses at 6100 rpm and 384 lb-ft stretching from 1800 to 5800 revs.</p>

<p>Indulgent grand-touring luxury coupes have long been a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz, and the E53 coupe, at $74,695 to start, fits the mold with the road presence of a scaled-down S-class coupe.</p>

<p>The front of the E coupe's ritzy interior mostly carries over from the sedan and wagon, with the AMG adding plenty of classy details.</p>

<p>Its familiar COMAND interface works well enough with the E's console-mounted touchpad and scrolling wheel, and the expansive flat-panel dash display incorporating two 12.3-inch screens remains a slick yet functional design element that can be configured in Classic, Sport, or Progressive display styles.</p>

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe Sings with a High-Tech Inline-Six Engine

<p>The prominent ambient lighting accents can seem a bit tacky for more reserved tastes, but the $600 addition of Metal Weave trim across our car's dash did reflect a cool, glittering glow from the E's backlit circular HVAC vents. </p>

<p>At an as-tested $95,895, our example had no shortage of optional equipment, including an upgraded $4550 Burmester audio system, $4200 worth of Designo black and dark grey nappa leather with quilted stitching on the seats, and the $2250 Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise, automated emergency braking, rear-end collision protection, and active blind-spot, lane-changing, and lane-keeping assistants).</p>

<p>Also onboard were $1320 multicontour front seats with massage, a $1290 active parking system and surround-view camera, a $990 head-up display, and a host of smaller luxury extras.</p>

<p>Of the many strengths of the current E-class, its wide range of capabilities, from stately cruiser to back-road bomber, is arguably its greatest.</p>

<p>Depending on the drive mode selected (Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual), the AMG-tuned nine-speed automatic transmission can work through its cogs unobtrusively or with a heightened zeal that delivers a hearty shove with each upshift, as well as clean, rev-matched downshifts. </p>

<p>One of the coupe's more surprising features is a spacious back seat, which can house a pair of six-footers without their knees being crammed into the front seatback or their heads scrubbing the headliner.</p>

<p>It is a pretty thing to behold, even in our example's $720 Obsidian Black Metallic hue, with flowing lines, an arching greenhouse, and a restrained amount of body tinsel.</p>

<p>The 53-series models are distinguished by their silver-chrome twin-blade grille design and sharper front air intakes, as well as deeper side sills and quad oval exhaust outlets. </p>

<p>The AMG Sport air-spring suspension and driver-adjustable three-mode dampers can provide either impressive ride comfort or tamped-down body control for aggressive cornering. </p>

<p>The electrically assisted steering exudes a natural flow with welcome feedback that gently increases as you step up the drive settings.</p>

<p>While the standard 4Matic+ branded all-wheel-drive system defaults to a rear-wheel-biased torque distribution, it is fully variable in shuttling torque fore and aft as traction demands.</p>

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe Sings with a High-Tech Inline-Six Engine

<p>After building some engine revs against the brakes with slight brake torque, the E53 shot to 60 mph in a fleet 4.1 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 12.6 seconds at 111 mph.</p>

<p>While Mercedes-AMG has no plans to produce a fire-breathing E63 coupe powered by its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, the E53 coupe with its snarling straight-six stands as a high-performance touring car with undeniable poise, one that brings an added degree of AMG-tinged sleekness to the E-class lineup.</p>

The Mercedes-Benz E-class, in its current W213 generation, has evolved from a stronghold of staid opulence to encompass an impressive range of excellence. Our preferences naturally skew to the sportier Mercedes-AMG versions, which for 2019 are highlighted by a trio of new E53 models powered by the equally fresh, high-tech Mercedes straight-six. While sedan and convertible configurations also are available, it is the E53 coupe that excels as the E-class's premier grand tourer.

Michael Simari - Car and Driver

View 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe Photos from Car and Driver.

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