?2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Coupe?
An Elegant Blend of Luxury and Sport

The Tri-Star team at Mercedes-Benz ? more specifically, the AMG wizards, has transformed the venerable E-Class into a balance of 21st century styling elegance and performance engineering in three configurations: The Mercedes-Benz E53 Coupe; E53 Sedan; and the E53 Cabriolet or Convertible. All derive their power from a 429 horsepower, specially tuned AMG, inline turbocharged six-cylinder engine with electric assist and auto stop/start, and all provide seating for four. The sedan comes with four doors, while both the Coupe and Cabrio accommodate entry via two doors. We?ll deal here with the E53 Coupe, which along with the ragtop unfortunately has limited rear seat legroom.

OVERVIEW

All E53 models feature an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT, nine-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, and all models also feature a standard air suspension and AMG performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive along with AMG Sport suspension based on MBZ AIR BODY CONTROL, AMG DYNAMIC SELECT and an integrated rear spoiler. Also fitted is a slate of advanced driver assists such as multi-car communication and semi-autonomous driving. The Dynamic Select modes allow custom drive settings. The modes include: Eco, Individual, Comfort, Sport and Sport +.

AMG POWER ON DEMAND

The AMG enhanced engine is a 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve inline turbocharged six-cylinder with EQ boost. The longitudinally positioned front engine puts out 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm, while also developing 384 lb.-ft. of torque in a range from 1,800-5,800 rpm. Energy is geared to the 4MATIC four-wheel drive system via the Mercedes? AMG SPEEDSHIFT nine-speed automatic transmission.

SEXY AERO STYLED EXTERIOR

The 2019 AMG-enhanced Mercedes-Benz E-class adopts a new name with the E53 designation and not only gets a new engine, but a new hood design, bigger brakes, a revised rear bumper, a new 20-inch wheel design, while a new optionally available performance steering wheel helps set the E53 apart from more mundane E-class models.

The E53 Coupe showcases a sleek athletic exterior that outshines the appeal of both the sedan and convertible models.

SUMPTUOUS INTERIOR

The cabin of the 2019 E53 serves up a luxurious ambience that?s loaded with state-of-the-art levels of technology and the ultimate in class achieved through the use of exotic materials and European craftsmanship. The instrument panel is fully digitized and symmetrically balanced, and considering its Teutonic source is surprisingly intuitive in its operation.


My test 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Coupe came with the exterior finished in a stealthy Obsidian Black metallic and the interior done in designo? Black with quilted and perforated Titanium Grey Pearl Nappa leather seating inserts highlighted by flowing carbon fiber-like Metal Weave door and dash trim elements. The Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system added concert quality entertainment. The Mercedes-AMG team expertly executed performance and refinement into a highly functional work of art. The base price was set at $73,700., which rose to $95,895 after factoring in options and the destination and delivery fee.

PERFORMANCE

The E53’s premium performance and luxury accommodations are first rate. Admittedly, the E53 Coupe doesn’t come cheaply, but my test vehicle came with virtually everything one could possibly want in a stellar package and was worth every penny. Every E53 model also has automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, an AMG-tuned air-suspension, and 20-inch wheels. The final cost can rapidly approach six figures when fully loaded, but the E53 even in its base form is a well equipped, and desirable luxury sport vehicle.

Acceleration is especially blistering in Sport+ mode, with virtually no turbo lag, and the exhaust note with the AMG Performance Exhaust system is simply delicious. Gear changes in this mode are both quick and smooth, emitting an authoritative ?Brap? in both directions.

The ride quality stiffens as does the road-worthiness and stability when in Sport+. The ride is never mushy or overbearingly harsh regardless of the mode selected. Manually changing gears is readily available with the paddle shifters, and steering feedback is positively responsive.
While the fuel economy may not be terrific, it will likely not be a major concern to buyers with 429 horses at their disposal?

OUR CONCLUSION

In the final analysis, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Coupe provides a feast for virtually all of one?s senses. It is drop-dead gorgreous, it is both comfortable and supportive, and it is loaded with all the latest in technology for driving assistance, and infotainment. There?s even a fragrance atomizer. A limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles; there?s a powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles. Unfortunately, the E53 doesn?t provide complimentary scheduled maintenance.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2019 Mercedes-Benz E53 AMG Coupe 4MATIC

Base Price: $73,700.
Price as Tested: $95,895.

Engine Type and Size: AMG enhanced 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve inline 6-cylinder turbocharged with EQ boost

Horsepower (bhp): 429 @ 6,100 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 384 @ 1,800-5,800 rpm

Transmission: AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G-Tronic with wheel- mounted paddle shifters.

Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / 4MATIC

Suspension: Front -Independent, multi-link suspension with air springs.
Rear – Independent, multi-link suspension with air springs.

Brakes: Power assisted four-wheel discs with ABS.

Tires: Pirelli P-Zero 245/40 R 20 95Y front / 275/30 R 20 97Y rear mounted on 5-?V?-spoke ? AMG alloy wheels, machine faced with painted inners.

Wheelbase: 113.1 inches
Length Overall: 190.0 inches
Width: 80.9 inches ? with mirrors / 73.2 without
Height: 56.3 inches
Curb Weight: 4,343 lbs.
Turning Circle: 39.7 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 17.4 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: Not listed
0 – 60 mph: 4.3 seconds ? Top speed 130 mph electronically limited.

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.