2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 sedan essentials: Middleweight hustle

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 comes with a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six making 429 hp.

What is it: The 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 is a premium midsize sedan that carries enough perception of wealth to satisfy the look-at-me crowd and enough actual performance and athletics to keep us car nerds content. Value for money? Well… The E53 stands above the base E300 and next-in-line E450 E-class, but below top-dog E63 S models, which carry 603 hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8s.

Key Competitors: Audi S6, BMW M550i, Lexus GS F

Base Price: $73,545 As-Tested Price: $98,310

Highlights: Replaces the E43 E-Class models. The E53 swaps the 3.0-liter V6 for a naturally balanced and smooth 3.0-liter inline-six. Both motors included two turbochargers, but the inline six manages to pump out 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 lb-ft of torque between 1,800-5,800 rpm, an impressively broad 4,000 rpm spread. In short bursts, the hybrid system, called EQ Boost, can add an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, though not at the peak outputs of the engine, so don’t think of it as a higher peak, but an even healthier mid-range. Larger brakes, a higher top-speed (130 mph governed), and new interior options round out the updates.

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 comes with a Burmester sound system, in addition to many other luxury features.

Our Opinion: We, as a society, have reached a time where mid-level performance sedans reach 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds more comfortably and safely than ever. So it is with the Mercedes E53, that a turbocharged inline-six and all-wheel-drive sedan exceeds all but the most strenuous forward motion requirements a driver can ask of it. And it sounds good doing it too. The smooth snarl emitted from the exhaust is simultaneously soothing and exhilarating. It’s worth noting, too, the 48-volt hybrid system and its short bursts of extra power and torque integrated completely into the system and never unsettled the car and went unnoticed other than impressive acceleration.

I found myself rarely bothered to play with the drive mode selector either, because comfort suited my needs delightfully. Transmission kick-down and throttle application worked well for me and otherwise I wanted a supple ride as the canyon roads between work and home are nonexistent, also making them inconvenient.

To that end, the rest of the E53 is just like the other E-Class iterations, so it’s comfortable and quiet. The seats are soft, supportive and adjustable in several ways. All the fit of the interior gives you a sense of thoughtful construction and the finish includes nothing other than soft touch plastics, wood, leather, and carbon elements. And, personally, I prefer the look of the classic sedan shape and the space that comes with it. Nothing against the CLS or the E-Class coupe, but there’s more wasted space and I don’t like that.

Speaking of things I do not like, and this is not exclusive to the E53, but Mercedes adaptive cruise control can be frustrating. If you coast for a moment and then hit resume, it will sometimes reset to what it believes is the speed limit, not your last requested set speed. Furthermore, the system automatically slows down in some corners on the interstate, corners where the E53 can easily maintain speed. This is extra silly in an AMG product.

The E53 Autoweek drove also included $24,765 in options bringing the as tested price shockingly close to 100K, nearly double what a base E300 costs. No matter, they’re called options for a reason. And the E53 is built on a solid foundation of good engineering and materials with an inline-six worth its weight in gold, a lovely and vastly underused engine layout. If you have some gold to sell, the E53 is not a bad way to spend it.

–Robin Warner, managing editor

Base Price: $73,545

As-Tested Price: $98,310

Drivetrain: 3.0-liter turbocharged I6 hybrid, nine-speed automatic, AWD

Output: 429 hp @ 6,100 rpm; 384 lb-ft @ 1,800-5,800 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,341 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 21/28/24 mpg

Pros: Smooth and abundant power in a comfortable and sharp handling car

Cons: Adaptive cruise control is WAY too big brother like.

Options: Premium audio ($4,550); AMG black nappa leather with red stitching ($2,990); black dinamica headliner ($1,600); Driver Assistance Package with active distance assist, active steering, active lane change, active emergency stop, active speed limit, active brake with cross traffic fucntion, evasive steering assist, active lane keeping assist, actie blind spot assist, Pre-Safe Plus rear end collision protection, Pre-Safe impulse side, route-based speed adaptation ($2,250); active multicontour front seats with massage ($1,320); Parking Assist Package with active parking assist, surround view ($1,290); AMG performance exhaust ($1,250); Acoustic Comfort Package with increased cabin insulation ($1,100); Warmth and Comfort Package with heated armrests, heated steering wheel and rapid-heating seats ($1,050); Panoramic sunroof ($1,000); Sun Protection Package including manual rear-side window, power rear window sunshade ($800); Exterior Lighting Package with LED intelligent light system, adaptive highbeam assist ($800); 20-inch wheels ($750); irridium silver metallic ($720); AMG night package with high gloss black, rear diffuser insert, exhaust tailpipe inserts ($650); heated rear seats ($580); soft close doors ($550); heated and ventilated front seats ($450); cabin air purification and fragrance system ($350); illuminated door sills ($350); AMG track pace (250); 115-volt power outlet ($115)

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