2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG E 53 comes with some major upgrades over the older gen model. The car has a redesigned exterior that looks bolder and more aggressive while the interior features a new steering wheel. The older COMAND infotainment unit has been replaced by the new, updated MBUX infotainment unit that is larger and more intuitive. The AMG E 53 sedan is available only in a single trim level and its prices start at $73,900 before options. It competes with the Audi S6, the Maserati Ghibli S, and BMW M550i.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53 is available only in a single trim level but there are a host of customizable options and other optional features that you could opt for. The base price starts at $75,000 and seems to be a really handsome price tag for a car of its segment. As far as features go, you could easily pick up the AMG design elements from the moment you set your eyes on the E 53 as it gets a completely overhauled exterior with some futuristic design elements as well as a host of interior and exterior features that add value and aesthetic appeal to the E 53. The following table depicts the main features of the new AMG E 53 sedan-

Which trim should you buy?

Although there aren’t other trim levels to choose from when it comes to the AMG E 53, Mercedes-AMG does offer you some optional extras and packages that you could add to the E 53, and going for all of the exclusive AMG options and packages would be a great choice as it enhances the sportiness and exclusivity of the E 53.

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG E 53 gets an impressive powertrain unit in the form of a 3 L turbocharged inline-6 with an EQ Boost hybrid configuration. This helps the E 53 offer 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft. of torque which are great numbers considering the pricing and the overall package that the E 53 comes in. The powertrain unit has a lot of torque to offer in the lower rev ranges while its power progression feels linear and hence there aren’t any power lags in the rev range. The throttle response feels quick and on point as well.

The 9-speed automatic transmission unit along with the paddle shifters gives a sporty feel and adds to the performance aspect of the E 53. The E 53 is available in only a 4Matic+ drivetrain configuration that helps the E 53 to offer an impressive and power-packed performance along with stability and traction right when you need it. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and can also do a quarter-mile pull in 12.7 seconds which makes it one of the fastest accelerating cars in the segment. It also has a top speed of 185 mph. 

The Audi S6 is the closest rival to the Mercedes-AMG E 53 as it also offers a similar powertrain unit as well as performance figures but in a V6 form. The Maserati Ghibli S and the BMW M550i on the other hand might not be hybrid cars, but they sure are close to the enthusiastic driving experience and performance figures of the E 53 with the M550i clearly outperforming the E 53. The BMW is the faster one here, but the Mercedes offers the most value for the money paid. 

How well does the 2021 Mercedes-AMG E 53 handle?

The Mercedes-AMG E 53 handles in true AMG fashion. It is confident, powerful, aggressive, and naughty right when you need it to, but it can also transform itself to a much smoother, comfortable, and almost regular E-Class level of ride quality by pressing on some buttons and changing the drive modes. The AMG Sport Suspension based on Air Body Control and the clever 4Matic+ drivetrain system in the E 53 Sedan work in conjunction to offer the best possible ride quality that you can get in the segment and it truly reminds you that it is a car that sits between the regular E-Class and an E63, not too soft, not too harsh. 

The adaptive air suspension in the E 53 responds accordingly to provide an engaging driving experience in city streets, winding back roads as well as on the track. The AMG-calibrated sensors and pressurized air spring-struts can respond within milliseconds to the road surface and driving conditions providing enhanced handling and stability. The modes of AMG Dynamic Select provide the options to adjust the damping, ride height, and steering feedback. The E 53 Sedan also gets ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist further assisting in keeping the machine stable and in control while attacking corners. Overall, the E 53 Sedan is an excellent choice for people who want a machine that offers impressive handling coupled with comfortable ride quality. 

2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53 Braking Performance

The E 53 offers one of the best braking performances in the segment for sure as it comes with a large set of brakes and has the right weight distribution to allow for a confident yet dynamic braking feel. The front brake rotors measure 14.6 inches in diameter while the rear ones are 14.2 inches. Its curb weight of 4,341 lbs. might not be the smallest value in the segment, but the E 53 certainly does manage its weight properly, especially around corners, and its impressive weight distribution and braking aids help it come to a stop when decelerating from 60 to 0 mph in just 110 feet.

Another car in the segment that offers a confident and powerful braking experience is the Maserati Ghibli S which has the same stopping distance as that of the E 53. The Audi S6 on the other hand, despite having larger brakes in the front only manages to have a stopping distance of 111 feet due to its higher weight. Overall the Mercedes excels in the braking department. 

Since it’s a mild hybrid, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 seems to have a remarkable fuel economy and range on offer just like its performance figures. The E 53’s greatest USP seems to be the fact that it has both the best performance quotient as well as fuel economy to offer in its class, which is a rare phenomenon in the automotive scenario. The E 53 has a combined fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon and offers 22 and 29 MPG in the city and highway conditions respectively. With a 21.1-gallon tank capacity which is one of the largest ones in the segment, the E 53 has a combined range of 527.5 and a maximum range of 611.9 miles on the highway which are incredible figures not only in its segment but also in the automotive industry.

The Audi S6 definitely has a similar fuel economy on offer thanks to its hybrid powertrain unit, but it fails to offer a better range than what the E 53 has on offer because of its smaller fuel tank capacity. The Maserati Ghibli S, despite having really good fuel tank capacity, fails to offer a better range than the E 53 due to their lower fuel economy figures while the BMW M550i is the last car on the list when it comes to range.

The interior of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG E 53 gets some really impressive combination of the regular E-Class’ interior, but with an AMG touch. The overall interior layout and design scream luxury and performance with some intriguing features such as the carbon fiber trim inserts and the ambient lighting throughout the interior with a wide range of combinations and color options. The dashboard does seem familiar as it has the regular E-Class design layout to it, but there are certain changes over it that tell you that it’s an AMG car. The MB-Tex leatherette upholstery all over the interior along with optional Alcantara upholstery and dual-tone interior options instantly makes it a worthy car for the money. The optional carbon-fiber trim inserts as well as the aluminum trim inserts everywhere give it an edge over its competitors while the new steering wheel with twin spokes adds a futuristic flair to the interior. 

The AMG-styled heated bucket seats with 10-way power adjustability and optional Alcantara upholstery option might be the best set of seats in the segment as the confidence and comfort that they offer are second to none. The second row might not be the most spacious when compared to the rest of the cars in its class, but it surely exudes a premium and sporty character and design of the E 53. The seats are wide and have adequate headroom as well but the legroom certainly feels smaller than what its rivals have on offer. The cargo volume is the smallest in the segment which makes it less practical when compared to its rivals. The 13.1 cubic feet cargo capacity does feel cramped, but the wide cargo opening and remote access to the cargo make it practical and easy to load and unload stuff. 

The Audi S6 offers the most spacious interior while the Mercedes looks the most premium and luxurious. The S6 also has small cargo space, but its second row doesn’t feel as cramped as it does in the E 53. The Maserati offers the most cargo space while the Mercedes has the smallest trunk whereas the Bimmer and the Audi offer slightly more. Overall, the Mercedes has the best interior while the Audi is slightly more spacious while the BMW and Maserati have some materials inside the cabin that are just not up to the mark compared to the Merc. Some of the standout interior features are:

• A dual-zone automatic climate control unit 
• 10-way power-adjustable and heated AMG front seats with optional Alcantara upholstery
• Front and rear heated and cooled cup holders
• MB-Tex leatherette upholstery
• All-new leather steering wheel 
• Illuminated and cooled glove box
• Sunroof
• Dual-tone interior with a wide array of customizable options
• Ambient lighting
• Carbon fiber trim inserts

What’s there to keep you entertained?

AMG cars never disappoint you when it comes to performance and features and the Mercedes-AMG E 53 is no different. It gets the latest and updated MBUX infotainment system along with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display unit, Mercedes Me Connect, and “Hey Mercedes” voice control. The audio system that comes as standard is a Burmester surround sound system and the connectivity features that come as standard include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and 4G WiFi hotspot internet access. It also has a wireless phone charging pad on offer. Some of the standout infotainment features are:

• In-built navigation
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Updated MBUX infotainment system
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display unit
• Mercedes Me Connect and “Hey Mercedes” voice control
• All digital driver’s display
• Burmester surround sound system
• Bluetooth phone connectivity 
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 4G internet access WiFi hotspot
• Wireless charging pad

The Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53 has received a massive update to the exterior styling for the 2021 model year version and it certainly looks sharper, bold, and stealthier than the previous version. The new blacked-out headlamps with LED daytime running lights and Bi-LED projector beam lights add a stealthy flair to the aesthetic appeal and the parallel slit grille inspired from the AMG GTR further enhances the looks. The bumpers, side profile, and rear fascia have also gone through the changes and the sleek LED tail lamps do give it a menacing look and recognizable presence on the roads.

The all-new 19-inch 5-spoke AMG wheels as well as the optional 20-inch ones define this as an AMG car with their exclusive AMG design layout. Mercedes further offers much more exterior customization options including the AMG Night Package that adds jet-black accents which makes the already aggressive-looking E53 stealthier and seem stronger. You could also go for the AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package that adds side mirror housings and a rear spoiler made out of genuine carbon fiber. Overall, the Mercedes AMG E 53 sedan is one of the best-looking machines in the segment. 

The E 53 has one of the smallest wheelbases in the segment which obviously sacrifices some cargo and interior space but helps to provide you with a very agile, sharp, and sporty handling character to the E 53 which the Maserati Ghibli S and the BMW M550i seem to lack. The Maserati is the lightest one here while the BMW and the Audi are on the heavier side. The BMW however, offers the most ground clearance while all others have ground clearance below 5-inches. Some of the standout exterior features are:

• 19-inch 5-spoke AMG wheels as standard 
• Optional 20-inch AMG wheels 
• Auto on/off LED projector headlamps 
• LED tail lamps
• LED Daytime Running Lights
• Chrome parallel slit AMG grille
• Cornering lights

There aren’t any safety ratings available regarding the 2021 Mercedes-AMG E 53 in the NHTSA and IIHS records, but the E 53 is surely one of the safest cars in the grid thanks to the clever engineering practices that go into producing it and the plethora of safety features that come along. It gets some advanced safety features such as Blind Spot Assist, Front Collision Mitigation, Active Brake Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking, Driver Monitoring Alert, and much more. Some of the notable safety features include:

• Low Tire Pressure Warning 
• Side Impact beams
• Blind-Spot Assist
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• Active Brake Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Aerial Camera view
• Front Collision Mitigation
• Driver Monitoring Alert
• Backup Camera

2021 Mercedes-AMG E 53 vs. 2021 Audi S6 

The Audi S6 is the closest rival to the Mercedes-AMG E 53 in every way, be it the performance quotient, dimensions, and so on. The Audi’s similar pricing does make it confusing to choose between the two cars, but the E 53 might be a better option to choose as its handling feels much more nimble and sharp compared to the S6.

2021 Mercedes-AMG E 53 vs. 2021 Maserati Ghibli S

The Mercedes-AMG E 53 might be a quicker, sportier, and more fun form of transport compared to the Maserati Ghibli S, but the Italian seems to have the iconic appeal of a true Maserati with its throaty V6 note as well as a plush interior inside that exudes luxury. The Maserati is more of a classy car compared to the E 53 which happens to be focused more on the performance and handling aspects.

2021 Mercedes-AMG E 53 vs. 2021 BMW M550i

The BMW M550i clearly outperforms the Mercedes-AMG E 53 mainly due to its more powerful V8 engine. But when it comes to handling, looks, features, and the safety quotient, the E 53 seems to be a step ahead in offering all of these along with a splendid fuel economy and range which makes it well worth the money being spent on it.

The new Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53 is the best value-for-money car that you could purchase in the segment. It has the right amount of power, fuel economy, and features to be called a middle child which is placed between the regular E-Class and E63 AMG. The E 53 seems to be the car to go for if you are looking for a car in the segment that gives you the best of both worlds. It can cruise through highways offering the best range in the segment and can also chase lap timings when you need it to. The E 53 is one big hit from the Mercedes-AMG franchise for sure!