New Mercedes-AMG E53 coupe revealed
Middleweight AMG treated to an update - including the Drift Mode it absolutely needed
That fairly little has changed for the facelift of the Mercedes-AMG E53 models shows, arguably, how well sorted the idea was from the get-go. It isn't often that a facelift carries exactly the same power as the original, with zero changes mentioned of suspension or brakes - this is a cosmetic update for the E53 Coupe and Cabriolet (Drift Mode notwithstanding) and little more than that.
Still, there's a strong argument to say the E53 didn't need a great deal of redoing, boasting as it did 435hp from its electrified 3.0-litre straight-six and just enough AMG magic in its chassis (including AMG Ride Control+ air suspension) to elevate it above a regular E-Class - while keeping room above for the V8 E63. So, the combination of combustion engine, turbocharger, electric compressor and EQ Boost starter-alternator remain, as does the AMG Speedshift 9G gearbox. For this Coupe and Cabriolet pair, that means 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds and 4.6 seconds respectively, with 155mph limiters extendable to 168mph on request.
Most notably on the drivetrain side, snuck in at the end of the press release like a guilty secret, is confirmation that the AMG Dynamic Plus Package makes Drift Mode possible in both these '53s. The pack brings red calipers and a new steering wheel, alongside the ability to behave like a lout on the way to the golf club.
Standard changes for this pair include a new 12-louvred radiator grille to bring them in line with the rest of the AMG range, along with a new front splitter that gives a sneak peek of "technical details such as the cooler"; aero flics work in combination with Air Curtains for style as much as any tangible aero benefit. AMG says the similarity to the GT sports car family "is evident" - perhaps they've been looking more than us.
Elsewhere, the E53 Coupe and Cabriolet receive a new design of 19-inch wheel (with 20s optional), fresh colour options (Graphite Grey metallic and Brilliant Blue magno), Carbon Packages and - get this - reprofiled mud flaps to improve rear aero. Perhaps this is a more thorough update than it seems...
A Mercedes interior is as much a selling point as any other part of the vehicle in 2020, so it's no surprise to see that the E53 two-doors have been given a fairly significant overhaul. There's Mercedes' new design of AMG Performance steering wheel with "seamlessly integrated buttons" (as well as sensors for the autonomous driving tech), the latest MBUX infotainment, revised displays and new materials. From here, it's certainly still familiar, if ever so slightly improved in key areas - important when it comes to the showroom sit-in test.
Really, in fact, that sums up this whole E53 Coupe and Cabrio update. Nothing is drastically different, so anyone who didn't like the concept before isn't going to now, but there's just sufficient extra desirability to make it a worthwhile refresh. And there's the ability to do skids. Those who can go without the extra might be pleased to know that both coupe and cabrio of the original E53 are available for less than £50k; anyone desperate for the very latest and greatest AMG E-Class can expect the first cars late this year.
Otherwise, that side looks awful, simply poor design. Either put a door in, or remove the window divide so it's one pane.
Presumably the mechanism to lower the whole window wouldn't fit inside the body, hence the split.
Never understood the point of a drift mode though.
You can’t use it on track and you can’t Legally use it on a public road so that just leaves a drift circuit where precisely zero of these will ever go.
Re the above comment concerning that little piece of glass at the C-pillar: If it would be made to slide down it would have to go down and forward on top of the side window. Difficult.
Otherwise, that side looks awful, simply poor design. Either put a door in, or remove the window divide so it's one pane.
Presumably the mechanism to lower the whole window wouldn't fit inside the body, hence the split.
The E53 looks nice, think Henry Catchpole ran one and said it was a good bit of kit.
I’d have a C63 coupe over it all day long though, can’t imagine there is much in it in fuel economy wise in the real world (who buys a performance car and worries about that anyway) and the limited additional rear space offered by the E over the C isn’t exactly going to be a huge concern if your buying a coupe!
Then you look at the half assed design with that awful rear window, tasteless detailing, and the general leaden look of it and think "oh", and then you open the door and see the absolutely vile tasteless and tacky interior and
I'm sure German suits and clothes are superbly made, but how often do you see a well dressed and stylish German?
The E53 looks nice, think Henry Catchpole ran one and said it was a good bit of kit.
I’d have a C63 coupe over it all day long though, can’t imagine there is much in it in fuel economy wise in the real world (who buys a performance car and worries about that anyway) and the limited additional rear space offered by the E over the C isn’t exactly going to be a huge concern if your buying a coupe!
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