Mercedes-Benz used the 2018 Detroit Auto Show to introduce a new line of AMG-badges cars. The new series is dubbed E53 and its main feat is that it has a hybrid engine, which makes it the first electrified production model line from Affalterbach. The new E53 lineup includes three model for now, one of which is the E-Class Coupe. It's called the Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe and in the absence of a full-blown E63 version, it's the most potent E-Class Coupe to date!

Debuted alongside identical variants of the CLS and E-Class Cabriolet, the AMG E53 Coupe bridges the gap between the already familiar E43 and E63 designs. While it's nowhere near as aggressive as the E63, it stands out in the lineup thanks to a few unique features. Up front, the diamond radiator grille with individual pins was replaced by a twin-blade design finished in silver chrome and a black lattice mesh in the background. The outer air intakes and the side skirts have also been revised, together with rear apron and the tailpipe trim, now finished in high-gloss chrome. There's a new trunklid spoiler too, available either in body color or exposed carbon-fiber.

The interior features the big 12.3-inch display for the infotainment and instrument cluster as standard and all the fancy tech seen in the regular E-Class Coupe, but the AMG badge adds a few extras, starting with the AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather. The two-door also employs sports seats, AMG-specific upholstery design, red seatbelts, and trim elements in either carbon-fiber, glass fiber, or matte silver. The steering wheel can be optioned up with wood inserts in piano lacquer or Dinamica microfiber grip areas. New upholstery options are also available, including combinations in black/saddle brown, black/white, black/classic red, designo titian red/macchiato beige and designo titanium grey/black.

Motivation is provided by a twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline-six engine with an EQ Boost starter-alternator. The latter not only increases fuel economy, but it also boosts engine output. The configuration is not new, having been launched on the CLS four-door coupe in 2017, but it's the first time it's being offered on another model. The six-cylinder engine cranks out 435 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, significantly more than the most potent E-Class Coupe version available right now, the E400. The latter delivers "only" 328 horses and 350 pound-feet. The EQ Boost provides an additional 22 horses and 184 pound-feet, taking total output to an impressive 457 horsepower and 568 pound-feet.

A nine-speed AMG Speedshift transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system routes the power to the wheels, enabling the E53 Coupe to hit 62 mph from a standing start in 4.4 seconds, more than a half-second quicker than the E400 4Matic, to go with a top speed of 155 mph. Other features include five Dynamic Select drive modes, independent AMG Ride Control+ suspension, AMG speed-sensitive steering, and compound braking system.

Stick around for a full debut on this car.

References

Mercedes E-Class

Read our full review on the 2018 Mercedes E-Class.

Mercedes-Benz CLS

Mercedes Debuts New AMG Series with CLS53 Model

Read more Mercedes-Benz news.

Read more Detroit Auto Show news.