Introduced for the 2018 model year, the latest E-Class Coupe is currently the most advanced midsize two-door on the premium market. Its mission is significantly easier now that BMW is discontinuing the 6 Series, but Mercedes still deserves credit for the E-Class' tremendous technology package, the luxurious interior, and the sporty looks. An AMG E63 variant is the only thing that the E-Class Coupe needed to be perfect, and it was expected to arrive sometime in 2018. But in a surprising turn of events, Mercedes-Benz launched a different AMG model. It's called the E53 and uses a six-cylinder engine instead of the more traditional V-8.

Launched alongside similar versions of the E-Class Cabriolet and CLS, the AMG E53 Coupe bridges the gap between the range-topping non-AMG model and the AMG E63, the latter available in sedan form only as of January 2018. Specifically, it's not as aggressive as the E63, but it comes with an array of extra standard features inside and out, as well as a slightly more aggressive exterior. The engine is also unique to this model and features a mild hybrid system, a first for an AMG. It's not yet clear whether a full-blown AMG E63 version will follow, but until that happens, the E53 is the most powerful variant of the E-Class Coupe you can buy.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe.

2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe
  • Engine/Motor: inline-6
  • Horsepower: 435 @ 6100
  • Torque: 384 @ 5800
  • Transmission: AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

- Twin-blade radiator grille - Black lattice mesh - Revised front bumper - New side skirts - New wheels - "AMG E53" badges - chrome tailpipe trim - Redesigned mud flaps - Carbon-fiber spoiler

The first feature that catches the eye when looking at the new AMG E53 is the twin-blade radiator grille in silver chrome. Granted, this element isn't exactly new, having been offered on V-8 cars in the past, but it's noticeably different when compared to the diamond grille we see on most Mercs. The blades are backed by a black lattice pattern for the grille, which makes the nose unique (although not radically different).

The bumper was also revised. While the A-wing design of the front apron is familiar, the black flics and the front splitter in silver chrome set it apart from the bunch. The outer air intakes also have two horizontal fins in silver chrome. Onto the sides, three new features set the AMG E53 apart. The side skirts have a slightly sportier design, while the front fender badges carry the "E53" designation. A new wheel design rounds out the profile.

Around back, the revised apron includes round twin tailpipe trim elements in high-gloss chrome and redesigned mud flaps. The latter might not sound like much, but Mercedes claims that the new design improves aerodynamics at the rear end. Finally, the coupe gained a new spoiler finished in body color. Optionally, it can be ordered in clear carbon-fiber.

Interior

- 12.3-inch displays - AMG steering wheel - Carbon-fiber trim - Sports seats - Nappa leather upholstery - New color options

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. Visually, the two displays under one shared glass cover blend into a widescreen that stretches from the passenger side to the center stack. But the AMG badge adds a few extras, starting with the AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather.

It also features sports seats wrapped in AMG-specific upholstery, red seatbelts, and trim elements in either carbon-fiber, glass fiber, or matte silver. The steering wheel can be further optioned up with wood inserts in piano lacquer or Dinamica microfiber grip areas. The package also brings new upholstery options. You can now pick between black/saddle brown, black/white, black/classic red, designo titian red/macchiato beige, and designo titanium grey/black.

Granted, the AMG E53 Coupe isn't as fancy as the AMG E63 Sedan on the inside, but it gets enough extra features to stand out when compared to the regular E-Class.

Drivetrain

- 3.0-liter inline-six engine - EQ Boost hybrid system - 435 horsepower - 384 pound-feet - EQ Boost adds 22 horses and 184 pound-feet - Nine-speed AMG transmission - 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds

Under the hood of the AMG E53 Coupe lurks a version of the twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline-six engine that was introduced with the Mercedes-Benz CLS. An EQ Boost starter-alternator that combines a starter motor and alternator in an electric unit is fitted between the engine and the transmission. This combo make the E53 a hybrid, the first to wear an AMG badge.

The electric auxiliary compressor builds up a high charge pressure without any delay, which provides a faster increase in torque for acceleration until the large exhaust gas turbocharger kicks in. As a result, the engine provides a highly dynamic response without turbo lag. Naturally, the hybrid system returns better fuel economy compared to gasoline-only drivetrains. EPA estimates aren't yet available, but the coupe needs 8.4 liters of gasoline for every 100 km on the European cycle.

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. This is also a 64-horsepower and 13-pound-foot improvement over the same powertrain offered in the standard CLS.

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. The top speed is electronically limited to the usual 155 mph. Other upgrades compared to the regular model include five Dynamic Select drive modes, independent AMG Ride Control+ suspension, AMG speed-sensitive steering, and compound braking system.

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

3.0-litre 6-cylinder in-line engine with exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor

Displacement

2,999 cc

Output

435 HP @ 6,100 RPM

Add. output with EQ Boost

22 HP

Peak torque

384 LB-FT @ 1,800-5,800 RPM

Add. torque with EQ Boost

184 LB-FT

Drive system

AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution

Transmission

AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G

Fuel consumption - combined

8.5 l/100 km

CO2 emissions - combined

201 g/km

Acceleration 0-100 km/h

4.4 s

Top speed

250 km/h (155 mph)


Prices

Mercedes has yet to release pricing for this model, but it's safe to assume that it will be the most expensive E-Class Coupe. When it arrives in the U.S., it could cost at least $75,000 before options.

Competition

Audi S5

With the BMW 6 Series coupe discontinued at the end of 2017 in the U.S., the Audi A5 remains the only competition for the E-Class Coupe. Granted, the A5 is a tad smaller and better suited for a comparison with the C-Class Coupe, but it's the only option if you want something similar with a different badge. With the AMG E53 packing significantly more power than the A5, we need to look at the S5 for similar performance. Based on the latest A4 design-wise, the S5 boasts a sportier design with more angular lines, Audi's latest technology, and revised luxury features inside the cabin. Also powered by a 3.0-liter engine, but this time around in a V-6 configuration, the S5 comes with 354 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It's definitely not as powerful as the AMG E53, but it's the best you can get until the beefed-up RS5 comes to the U.S. Pricing starts from $54,600 for the Premium Plus trim and from $59,000 for the Prestige model.

Read our full review of the 2017 Audi S5.

Conclusion

While not as spectacular as the E63, the AMG E53 is an important addition to the E-Class Coupe lineup. Not only because it's the most powerful version of the German two-more. Arguably more important than that is the fact that it includes the brand's new EQ Boost technology, which brings AMG models into hybrid territory. The electrification of the AMG lineup is happening as we speak and, based on the E53, the future looks bright. One question remains though: will Mercedes still offer an E63 version with a V-8 engine?

References

Mercedes E-Class

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

Read more Mercedes-Benz news.

Read more Detroit Auto Show news.