The Mercedes-AMG E 53 has been launched in India, available in two variants, Performance Edition and Racing Edition, at a price of ₹1.45 crore and ₹1.48 crore, respectively; both prices are ex-showroom. Unveiled internationally over two years ago, this is one of the AMG versions of the current-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan, which is on sale in India only in the long-wheelbase version. The previous-generation E 53 that was on sale in the country was equipped with a 48V mild-hybrid system, but the new one takes things a step ahead towards reducing carbon emissions as a plug-in hybrid vehicle. This is despite the E 53 sporting an updated version of the German manufacturer’s 3.0-litre, straight-six, turbocharged petrol engine under its hood. The engine is now paired to an electric motor that’s integrated into the car’s 9-speed automatic transmission itself.
Combined outputs of the powertrain stand at 585PS and 750Nm, meaning the new E 53 is closing in on the 600PS sedan club! The optional AMG Dynamic Package helps the car achieve the club’s membership, as it bumps up the power output to 612PS, with Race Start, enabling a claimed 0-100kmph time of just 3.8 seconds. The hybrid system, which has been optimised for performance over efficiency, packs in a 21.2kWh battery, which makes for a manufacturer-claimed electric-only range of over 100km. The India-spec E 53 does not support fast charging, unlike the model sold internationally, though, and only supports AC charging, at speeds of up to 11kW. As always, power is sent to all four wheels via Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, ensuring minimal wheel slip and loss of traction, while enhancing acceleration and handling.
The E 53 also gets a raft of mechanical changes as compared to the E-Class sedan in keeping with its sportier intent. The car’s front track is 11mm wider than the E-Class, besides which the E 53 also gets additional bracing at the front and rear axles to aid handling and high-speed stability. The car also comes with rear wheel steering, where the rear wheels turn 2.5 degrees opposite the fronts at speeds of up to 90kmph, and in the same direction above that. The braking system has been reworked to support the hybrid system’s regenerative braking needs, besides which you get adaptive suspension that’s tuned for sportier handling. Cosmetic differences between the E-Class and the E 53 sedan include a sportier-looking, AMG grille that’s also illuminated, a more aggressive-looking front bumper with larger air intakes, and wider front fenders that add lots of character to the car’s stance. Of course, there’s larger, AMG-spec wheels too, besides a boot-lip spoiler and quad exhaust tips at the rear.
Inside, there’s sportier AMG-spec seats and a flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel, along with a 12.3-inch driver display and 14.4-inch infotainment screen, both embedded into a single glass panel like the E-Class. The list of features is a standard Mercedes-Benz affair, including a Burmester audio system, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree cameras, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and more.
TURBOCHARGED will be reviewing the Mercedes-AMG E 53 sedan soon, stay tuned for our first drive review!
