Straight-six-appeal
Thankfully, Mercedes-AMG has learnt from the feedback on the downsized C63s AMG. The new E53 AMG packs a 3.0L straight-six petrol engine with a hybrid setup, that puts out 585PS of power and 750Nm of torque. In addition, the power output rises to 612PS for a brief period upon engaging the Race mode. Its acceleration also improves in the Race Start since it touches 100kmph from a standstill in under 3.8 seconds.
Plug-in-hybrid tech
The big talking point about the new E53 AMG is its plug-in-hybrid powertrain. While it does retain a straight-six engine, it also carries an electric motor and a 28.6kWh 400V battery pack. The electric motor alone puts out 163PS of power and 480Nm of torque, however, the numbers do not add up to the combined output of the powertrain. The plug-in-hybrid powertrain is capable of travelling up to 100km without using any fuel. Once out of charge, the battery can be juiced up with an 11kW AC charger or a 60kW DC fast charger and the latter takes around 20 minutes for a 10-80% charge.
AMG, now reinforced
Mercedes-AMG has also reinforced the body shell of the E53 to boost its dynamic capabilities. These additions include a front strut brace for increased lateral dynamics, a rear strut brace for greater stability and a thrust feel under the engine for increased steering precision. In addition, AMG has not skipped on multiple AMG-exclusive design elements, standing it apart from the regular E-Class. These additions include an illuminated AMG radiator grille, sportier bumpers, AMG alloy wheels and quad exhaust pipes.
Rear-axle steering and AMG Ride Control
The new Mercedes-AMG E53 offers rear-axle steering as standard. The system turns the rear wheels in the same or opposite direction to the front wheels, depending upon the driving condition. The rear wheels can turn by 0.7 degrees in parallel to the front wheels and by 2.5 degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels. Furthermore, the new E53 also packs AMG’s new Ride Control suspension, which features steel springs and adaptive dampers for a greater driving experience.