The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 convertible is a standalone strim which sits right between the regular E-Class and the performance-loaded E63 family. Pricing for the 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Convertible is expected to kick in at $84,350. It also comes with 4MATIC all-wheel drive only with no other option. 

The AMG E53 convertible comes with some pretty neat luxury features. It gets a 10-way driver’s and passenger’s heated seat with memory as standard. The steering wheel is adorned in AMG Sport Nappa leather; and the interior sports MB-Tex/DINAMICA upholstery. Active Brake Assist w/ Autonomous Emergency Braking, PARKTRONIC, aerial view camera system all come as standard too. The list of features is strong and quite luxurious.

The list goes on and on. However, other than these standard features, you can also spice things up by adding some additional packages. The Driver Assistance package includes active emergency stop assist, active blind spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, PRE-SAFE PLUS rear-end collision protection, Active distance assist DISTRONIC, active brake assist w/ cross-traffic function, etc. There are other packages too, but they are mostly for cosmetic upgrades rather than functional. 

Which Trim should you buy?

There is obviously only one trim and if you are planning to buy the E 53 Convertible, you are making a good choice. We would recommend adding the Driver Assistance package for $1,700. It would significantly improve the way you drive on the road and offer you the full range of assistance that a modern vehicle can. You can also consider the designo Macchiato Beige package to add designo macchiato beige Nappa leather inside your car; although, it is an expensive addition.

Expected Release date

With a fresh thorough update, the new 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Convertible would see a gradual transition of the current 2021 model into the 2022 AMG E53 model with minor feature tweaks. Though Mercedes-Benz is yet to make an official statement, we expect the 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Convertible to hit the stores by the end of this year. 

The E 53 derives its power from a hybrid power plant. It gets a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that is complemented by an electric system of starter/alternator. Together, the combined output is 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to an AMG Speedshift TCT nine-speed automatic transmission and power is sent to all four wheels using Merc’s 4MATIC AWD system. As you would expect, the engine is very capable and the addition of the hybrid system eliminates turbo lag. Power delivery is almost instant and the engine can deliver its grudges throughout the entire rev range. The 9-speed automatic transmission is also silky smooth and switches gears seamlessly.

With no major mechanical changes over the current 2021 model, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Convertible will do a sprint from 0-60 MPH in a mere 4.4 seconds and shoot past the quarter-mile in just 12.8 seconds. Rather than just being quick off the line, it also has potential for speed, as it can go over 155 MPH. Quite the figure to cruise at with the drop top down, marinating in luxury. Furthermore, the ventilated discs at all four corners with firm brake-pedal feedback also make it a confident stopper. In emergency circumstances, the current 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Convertible stops from 60-0 MPH in just 115 feet which is again respectable for its size, class, and performance. 

Among the segment rivals here, the Lexus offers the highest power from the factory. However, despite all that power, it still cannot beat the Merc in a race. The Porsche remains the fastest, despite having lower power figures than all of them. The BMW is also pretty quick, but the slowest here. Interestingly, where the AMG E53 amazes you is with its dynamic ride and handling despite the added weight of its convertible rooftop. 

The 4MATIC system offers tons of grip and the car stays planted on the ground. The steering is very precise and quick to change directions, but you do not get any feedback from the wheels at the front. Push it around a quick corner and the E53 negotiates things with utmost grip and confidence with no signs of understeer. The adaptive air suspension along with a dynamic suspension setup allows you to adjust the suspension according to the driving surface. Well, it does not handle like a sports car, but it sure does feel athletic and responsive.

The power plant in the refreshed AMG E53 offers decent efficiency considering its price and the performance it delivers. The EPA estimates put the 2022 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Convertible at 21 MPG for the city, 27 MPG for the highway, and 23 MPG for combined driving. 

Perhaps we do expect a bit more from the hybrid system, but this is not bad, especially compared to the other cars in the competition here. Also, with a gas tank of 17.4-gallons, the E 53 offers 365/469/400 miles of range for city/highway/combined driving. Overall, a decent package for the drop-top.

Among the rivals here, the Bimmer is the one with the best fuel economy averaging 25 MPG, and the Merc easily comes second. As a result, the Bimmer gets the best range, while the Merc also touches the 400-mile mark. The Lexus also comes close to that mark managing a combined range of 390 miles, but the 718 with its least voluminous tank of 16.9-gallons, is nowhere to be seen.

The interior of the E53 is a beautiful place to be in. The interior is beautifully crafted and enhances opulence with high-quality materials everywhere. The design is also commendable, with the driver being greeted with a large dual-screen that houses both the infotainment screen and the digital gauge cluster. MB-Tex/DINAMICA leather upholstery is standard and the steering wheel comes wrapped in AMG Sport Nappa leather. 

Optionally, you can also adorn the interior with Nappa leather. The driver’s and passenger’s seats are both 10-way power-adjustable with 4-way lumbar support. The seats are very comfortable and heated. They also have memory functions. The car has enough space to easily accommodate tall occupants and with the roof down, headroom is limitless. The rear row also has decent legroom, but accessing it can be a bit of a challenge.

If you put the roof up, then your AMG can accommodate 9.5 cubic feet of luggage in the trunk, which is the amount you would typically expect from a convertible. For groceries and a weekend trip, or even for a small camping trip, the German convertible will suffice. The in-cabin storage solutions are also decent, with large door pockets, center console storage, and cup holders. 

In comparison, the rear row of the Bimmer is very cramped while the E53 still provides a little more room. The Lexus’ rear row is even more cramped than the other two, and so, not advisable for adults, while the Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 is available in only a two-seat configuration. Both these convertibles have rather impractical boot spaces and it is the BMW 8-Series Convertible that with a trunk volume of 12.4 cubic feet manages to lead the segment. Some key interior features are:

• 10-way power-adjustable front seats w/ memory
• AMG Sport Nappa leather steering wheel
• Dual-zone front automatic climate control
• MB-Tex/DINAMICA leather upholstery
• 4-way lumbar support
• Chrome interior accents

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The E53 utilizes a large 12.3” infotainment touchscreen that runs on Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX). It can easily be controlled with the “Hey Mercedes” voice line. It can also be controlled via the steering wheel or a rotary touchpad. Being the latest MBUX, it is very intuitive, smooth, and also responsive. It’s also connected with the digital gauge cluster, which makes it look extremely cool.

The standard list of features includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB-C ports, HD Radio, SiriusXM radio, etc. There is also Live Traffic, an eCall-emergency system, and a 13-speaker Burmester sound system with a 590-watt nine-channel digital amplifier. Highlights of the infotainment system:

• 12.3” MBUX touchscreen display
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Bluetooth
• SiriusXM Radio
• HD Radio 
• 9-speaker Burmester sound system
• Hey Mercedes voice activation

With a fresh overhaul and no expected changes, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Convertible shall continue to flaunt its polarizing exterior. Some people might love the look, some people might hate it. We think it looks pretty modern and cool. The hood is pretty long and not all people are a fan of it. But at the front end of it, you are greeted with a pretty grille with vertical bars and a large Mercedes-Benz logo. The headlights are also the classic Mercedes LED headlights. Below the grille, you will find the front blacked-out bumper with stylish cutouts for fog lights. From the side, the Merc looks pretty stylish, especially with the top down. 

Nothing can beat the feeling of cruising down the street on a sunny day with the wind hitting your face, all with the top down. The rear end of the E 53 looks pretty stylish too, with horizontally mounted tail lights that go across. There is also a quad exhaust system in the blacked-out rear bumper. It rides on 19” AMG twin 5-spoke wheels with grey accents. The roof is not a hard one, rather a soft one. It also has exterior LED lighting and you can spec the E 53 with AMG Night package for cool jet-black accents. Overall, we think the car looks really nice.

In terms of physical proportions, the Lexus is pretty heavy, but not as heavy as the Merc. Dimension-wise, the Merc, Bimmer, and the Lexus are pretty much the same. But if you ask us, the Lexus and the Bimmer (especially the Lexus) easily outclass the rest when it comes to the overall style and looks. Some of the exterior features in the 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Convertible include:

• 19” AMG Twin 5-spoke wheels 
• Black soft top
• Stainless steel exhaust w/ chrome tailpipe finisher
• Multi-link front suspension
• Multi-link rear suspension
• Heated outside mirrors with driver auto-dimming
• LED DRLs
• LED brake lights

The Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Convertible in particular has not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Why? Well, because it is an expensive luxury car. Expensive luxury cars are not available readily to agencies to throw into walls or crash into other cars and test for safety ratings. This is why the E 53 has not been tested.

However, the E-Class on which it is based has been tested and it has returned positive results. NHTSA gave it a full 5-star rating and IIHS sang nothing but praises about it, giving it a Top Safety Pick+ award. Thus, it can be assumed that this convertible is also a pretty tough car. The car comes packed with tons of standard safety and driver-assistance features. There are also lots of options available. Key safety features are:

• Blind Spot Assist
• Active brake assist with automatic emergency braking
• PARKTRONIC w/ Active parking assist
• An aerial view camera system
• Attention assist
• Car-to-X communication
• Adaptive high beam assist (optional)
• Active blind spot assist (optional)
• Lane-keeping assist and lane change assist (optional) 

2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Convertible vs 2021 Lexus LC500 Convertible

Right off the bat, the thing that differentiates them is the price. The Lexus LC 500 is quite a bit costlier than the E53. Both convertibles are very, very good. The LC500 produces more power and provides performance identical to the E53. The E 53 has a longer list of standard features, but the LC500 is also well-stacked. Both the interiors are well made and well crafted. However, the LC500 looks way cooler than the E 53 and also has the Lexus badge of reliability and trust.

2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Convertible vs 2021 BMW 8 Series 840i Convertible

The Bimmer is also quite a bit more expensive than the E53. The Bimmer is more practical than the E53, as it actually offers more cargo space. But the rear row in the BMW is more cramped than that in the Mercedes. Both are brilliant German pieces of engineering and both offer a long list of standard features. We feel that the BMW is meant for those who prefer style and aesthetics more and that it would actually fit them better.

2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Convertible vs 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS

Although smaller in price, the Porsche 718 Boxster is actually larger in terms of pricing. It is a pretty fast car too, but in terms of power, it falls behind the others. It makes up for it by being smaller and better in terms of handling. It is not as practical as the Merc, since it only fits 2 people, but it is also a worthy competitor and something you can look forward to if you want to buy a luxurious convertible. 

The Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53 is actually a cheaper version among the other popular convertibles at its price point. Despite being cheaper, it still presents its opponents with tough competition. Armed with a gorgeous and high-quality interior and a futuristic infotainment system, the E53 is very well-rounded. It is also surprisingly practical for a car like this and also manages to cram in a ton of safety features. So, yes, if you have the bank balance, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Convertible is certainly worth considering.