Mercedes-AMG E53 2023 Review, Price and Specs

All three AMG E53 models come standard with all-wheel drive, adjustable air suspension, a digital instrument panel and a robust infotainment system, but we recommend the coupe for its sleek, sleek appearance. We’ll also opt for upscale options that include a head-up display and massage front seats. If more space and the practicality of four doors appeal to you, a sedan is a great choice.

Engine, Transmission and Performance

Each AMG E53 is powered by a turbocharged and supercharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. It pairs exclusively with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive. Manual gear changes are available at any time via the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The last E53 coupe we tested ran from zero to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. The standard air suspension seamlessly makes the transition from the devil of a twisty road to a comfortable freeway cruiser. Switching driving modes subtly changes the sedan’s road-damping behavior without being a cushion or punishment. Steering—as with any dynamic—fresh, responsive and balanced, blending feedback and precision. The E53 uses standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch rollers. However, larger sets are more susceptible to severe impacts on pavement layers and hole fillings.

Real World Fuel Economy and MPG

We expect the AMG E53 to maintain its fuel economy rating from 2022 due to no powertrain changes. As a reminder, the sedan is rated at 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Both the coupe and convertible models get a city rating of 21 mpg, with the coupe rated for highway 28 mpg and the convertible at 27 mpg. We tested the coupe on our 75 mph highway fuel economy route, and it made 32 mpg. The last E53 sedan we tested also got a highway 32 mpg; both models exceed their government highway ratings by 4 mpg. For more information on E53 fuel economy, visit EPA website.

Interior, Comfort and Cargo

The E53 gets top marks for the quality of its interior build and ability to make its passengers feel as if they’ve just entered a high-end pastry shop in Paris. The sporty and classy cabin is complemented by a luxurious collection of standard and optional features. The standard interior is sumptuous, but deep-pocketed shoppers can elevate the experience even further with exotic wood trim, deodorizers, and massaging front seats. Flashy red seat belts are standard fare but can be replaced with black belts free of charge, which we will choose to do. The E53 sedan has the smallest luggage volume among most rivals, but we managed to fit a comparable amount of luggage inside; with the back seat in place where we managed to fit five suitcases in it. Coupe and convertible models are less practical. Interior storage space is significantly better than its competitors, with a roomy center console and a large underfloor luggage compartment.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A large 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard and supports the company’s latest MBUX infotainment system. The unit can be controlled via a variety of functions including the touchpad on the center console, steering wheel mounted controls and voice commands. The latter is meant to be an intuitive alternative to traditional switchgear, but our past experience has failed to prove the value of this technology. Each E53 also comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Burmester stereo, and wireless charging.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

While driver-assist technologies such as automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring are standard, most additional equipment costs extra. For more information on E53 crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key security features include:

• Adaptive cruise control available with stop-and-go technology
• Departure lane warning and lane guard assistance available
• Automatic high-beam headlights available

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes-AMG provides a limited warranty and competitive powertrain. However, the company does not offer free scheduled maintenance—something competitors BMW and Jaguar do.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No free scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specifications