Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet Gets the AMG E53 Treatment in Detroit

TopSpeed

By Ciprian Florea

Published Jan 16, 2018

Third model to debut new AMG EQ Boost lineup

Mercedes-Benz came to the 2018 Detroit Auto Show with no fewer than four new vehicles. But while the G-Class is a brand-new SUV under that familiar skin, the other three are based on existing models. But they all wear a new "AMG 53" badge that will replace the existing "AMG 43" denomination. The new lineup made its debut on the recently unveiled CLS and the two-door versions of the latest E-Class, the Coupe and Cabriolet. The AMG E53 Cabriolet is the first drop-top to wear the new badge, as Mercedes has yet to launch an E63 variant, so it's the most powerful iteration of the current E-Class convertible yet.

The package is identical to the one fitted to the coupe, so the drop-top gets the same silver chrome, twin-blade grille and black lattice mesh instead of the diamond radiator, revised side skirts, and new rear apron with high-gloss chrome tailpipes. The unique trunklid spoiler, which adds a bit of sportiness to any convertible, is available in either body color or exposed carbon-fiber.

Inside the cabin, the AMG upgrade adds an AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather, exclusive upholstery and colors, and carbon-fiber, glass fiber, or matte silver trim. The wood inserts in piano lacquer and the Dinamica microfiber option for the steering wheel are only a couple of the numerous customization options available.

Power comes from the newly developed, twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline-six engine that debuted in the CLS in late 2017. The mill is paired to an EQ Boost starter-alternator that increases fuel economy and provides short power boosts. The six-cylinder engine cranks out 435 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, while the EQ Boost adds an extra 22 horses and 184 pound-feet, taking total output to 457 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of twist.

A nine-speed AMG Speedshift transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system drives the power to the wheels, enabling the E53 Cabrio to hit 62 mph from a standing start in 4.5 seconds, more than a half-second quicker than the E400 4Matic mode. Top speed is electronically limited at the usual 155 mph. Stay tuned for a full review on this model.