Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Coupe 2019 Review

You have a garage in your brain, right? You look at some vehicle or other and mentally park it where it belongs. Well, sorry, but the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ is stubbornly refusing to go where my brain is sending it.

Let’s see. It’s more expensive than the admirable Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe V8, yet offers two less cylinders and significantly less power and torque.

Um, right.

Okay, the theoretical argument is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is in the next segment up from the C-Class two-door, so a lesser version of the former can justifiably be more expensive than the latter.

That’s fair enough, except the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S is a pretty amazing beast. Really, you have to drive it out of your mental garage and park it somewhere else beyond sight and mind to ensure the E 53 makes more sense.

Then, in isolation, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ is a pretty sophisticated and potent piece of kit. At its core is the new M256 inline six-cylinder engine boosted by an exhaust-gas driven turbocharger and an electric compressor.

The M256 generates 320kW and 520Nm, while the mild-hybrid 48v integrated starter-alternator that is sandwiched between the engine flywheel and updated nine-speed automatic, adds another 16kW and 250Nm in brief spurts. That additional electric current powers up the compressor, which kicks in at low revs to eliminate turbo lag.

Another key technical feature of this car is the 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, which can be fully diverted to the rear-end depending on circumstances, but cannot disconnect the front driveshafts altogether, as the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S can.

It’s also worth noting the E 53 comes standard with air rather than steel springs, which can be adjusted through Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes.

The ‘53’ replaces the ‘43’ set-up, which was a bi-turbo (via exhaust gas only) 3.0-litre V6 engine without the 48V rigmarole. It turned up in Australia in a bunch of cars including various C-Class variants and the GLC. But it wasn’t seen previously in the E-Class coupe.

In some Benz model line-ups the new inline six 53 acts as the bridge between the mainstream models and the hottest AMG V8s. But it is the flagship model when it comes to the E-Class coupe and convertible.

And, as we’ve already alluded to, it’s priced like a flagship too at $175,740 (plus on-road costs).

That’s not only more expensive than the C 63 S, but easily outprices the fabbo Audi RS 5 and about to be replaced BMW M4, as well as lesser lights like the Lexus RC F.

And yes it is physically bigger than the C 63 S – mostly; according to redbook.com.au it’s 103mm longer, 28mm taller and has a 33mm longer wheelbase (remembering both cars roll on the same fundamental ‘MRA’ architecture). But it is 17mm narrower than the extravagantly styled wide-body V8.

The problem with the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Coupe is…
All that wouldn’t matter a jot of the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Coupe was some unbelievable weapon to drive, but it’s not. Instead it stops at very impressive; capable of being almost comfortable in its mildest modes and almost ferocious when the wick is dialled up.

The drivetrain is quite exceptional. It’s smooth and flexible throughout the rev range, eagerly stretching beyond the 6500rpm redline. Add the various fuel-saving modes afforded by mild hybridisation (such as gliding and near-transparent idle-stop), the E 53 is a sub-10L/100km cruiser (on recommended 98 RON fuel). In Comfort mode t stays quiet, complementing the low level of tyre and road noise that sneaks into the cabin.

But flick the dynamic select mode to Sport and Sport+ and the drivetrain really wakes up. There’s a snarling crackle and bang coming from the AMG performance exhaust, the torque converter auto becomes almost hyper-reactive and the engine springs to responsive attention.

Manual changes are available only through flappy paddles remembering Mercedes-Benz now sticks the auto shifter on the right-side of the steering column in most cars. But they are super-fast and there’s a delicious blip on down changes.

Tromp the throttle hard and the engine note changes from a snarl to a full-blooded howl. Suddenly, the E 53 is a convincing AMG.

Trouble is if you’ve adjusted the suspension through the Dynamic Select drive mode dial at the same time as the drivetrain, you are being assailed by every pebble on the road. Rolling on 20-inch staggered rubber and in its stiffest setting, this car is one hard riding coupe.

The solution is cruise everywhere in Comfort and then go to Individual mode for more enthusiastic moments. The recommended settings being: drivetrain set to Sport+; chassis stays in Comfort; and so does the electromechanical steering. Only on a racetrack would I seriously consider winding the suspension up harder.

There is much adjustability here for just about everything but brakes. They are quite excellent, the 370mm perforated and internally ventilated compound front discs and four-piston fixed front callipers providing strong feel and retardation.

All-wheel drive makes the E 53 a ‘straighter’ car to drive than traditional tail-happy AMG fare. Don’t worry, it will still motor across country pretty darn efficiently and quickly, but boot the throttle on corner exit and you’ll get a flashing traction control light rather than hear squealing rear tyres.

Around the cockpit the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Coupe has a familiar feel to it. There’s the flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel with silver spokes that now contain the cruise controls, as the old stalk has been shuffled off.

Happily, as per Benz tradition, seat adjustments remain on the door. It’s such a good solution, but obviously more expensive -- otherwise everyone would surely do it.

Dual adjustable screens that Mercedes-Benz dubs Widescreen Cockpit spread two-thirds of the way across the dashboard. There are buttons and dials too and the amount of ways to adjust most functions are often multiple.

The E 53’s front seats are very supportive, with the seating position appropriately low for such a sporting car. Still, vision forward and sidewards is exceptional, the latter thanks to the lack of B-pillars.

Trims are a combination of nappa leather, metals and wood veneers; the dash top is soft to the touch, storage is generous and details well thought out. This, is a very pleasant car from the driver’s seat.

Obviously, it’s the rear seat that is the struggle. A struggle to get in and out and a struggle for an adult to fit – headroom is a particular issue. In an era of SUVs, the obvious compromise the E 53 coupe offers is stark. At least the boot is a reasonable 425 litres.

What’s has the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Coupe got?Safety and comfort equipment are comprehensive.

In terms of the former, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Coupe includes nine airbags, Multibeam LED headlights, a head-up display, a family of driver assistance systems led by autonomous emergency braking, a 360-degree camera, an active bonnet and tyre pressure monitoring.

There’s also a traffic sign assist mode in the screen that even warns of temporary speed zones for schools. Very clever.

Comfort and dress up equipment includes traditional AMG appointments like the lip spoiler on the boot and Night package with privacy glass and black design elements. There are also fragrances and wellness functions, as well as 64 ambient colours to help you get into whatever mood you’re seeking.

More importantly for some, the E 53 also offers, wireless charging, a Burmester surround sound system, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection, sat-nav and the ‘Mercedes me’ connection function.

The Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ coupe is protected by a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. Nowadays mainstream manufacturers are offering five-year coverage, so it’s difficult to understand why a luxury brand should continue to fall so far short. Benz is not alone in this, but that doesn’t make it right.

The service intervals are long at one-year/25,0000km. There is a fixed price schedule that comes out at $2500 over three annual services if paid up front -- or $3100 if the customer opts for pay-as-you-go.

In my mental garage, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ coupe has been reversed down the back behind more affordable cars.

Wander down there and examine it in isolation and there’s no doubt it’s a decent vehicle that offers strong enough performance. And dynamics to credibly wear an AMG badge..

But its pricing is bloody high and that makes its positioning a tad confusing, especially when vehicles like the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S and wonderful Audi RS 5 are so similar in concept yet cheaper to buy and richer in their driving experience.

How much does a Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Coupe cost?
Price: $175,740 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 320kW/520Nm + 16kW/250Nm electric
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 200g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not tested