It can be difficult to keep track of the Mercedes-AMG range at the best of times, but especially so for cars like the E53. Not only was there a six-cylinder AMG E-Class before it (the E43), there's also, of course, the E63. And who wants to remember the lesser AMG when you could talk about the 600hp one?
Still, quietly and discreetly, the E53 has impressed; both in isolation and against opposition the its hybrid powertrain has proven its worth, suiting the E-Class package near-perfectly. The facelift, undertaken within a broader E-Class refresh, therefore, hasn't really changed very much at all...
But there are a few things. Note the new front end, with bespoke AMG grille, as well as a "front apron A-wing design"; the rear has been reworked with LED lights and modified diffuser. Both 19- and 20-inch wheels have been "aerodynamically optimised", the paint palette now includes now more silvers and another grey, the AMG Performance wheel is new...
It's hardly a transformative update, put it that way - but then the E53 didn't need much changing. So although MBUX gets an update with more AMG functions and red contrast stitching is optional, the biggest news is probably the AMG Dynamic Plus package. Said to offer "an even more emotively appealing driving experience", the pack introduces Race mode to the AMG Drive Select (normally Slippery Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual) and the possibility of Drift Mode for the 4Matic+ all-wheel drive. Which is entirely unnecessary, and therefore very cool. AMG says the transition from rear- to four-wheel drive is "seamless", so there'd be no excuse not to. And the only clue from the outside will be the red brake calipers...
Otherwise, the E53 is the same mild hybrid AMG E-Class we've come to know and really rather like. So it's still powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six, assisted by an EQ Boost starter-generator and harnessed by a nine-speed TCT auto; as before, EQ Boost provides 22hp and 184lb ft of the 435hp/384lb ft. The chassis again uses three-chamber air suspension with adaptive damping (hopefully now softened off just a tad), and an AMG Driver's Package can once again raise the top speed to 168mph as well as increase the brake disc size. Should a buyer wish, they can also purchase AMG Track Pace software to show lap times and, with the MBUX Augmented Reality, show the ideal line around a race track. Any PHer that does this in a two-tonne E-Class estate immediately wins Person of the Year 2020.
Overall it sounds like a difficult update to take any great issue with; same broadly talented executive saloon and wagon the E53 always was, now with a new look, more technology and the ability to do huge skids. And learn to drive race tracks better. Those who can live without those perks might be pleased to know that the original E53 is now available secondhand from £45k; buyers who must have Drift Mode and Track Pace need to hold on a little longer, as the new AMG E53 will be in dealers later this year.
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