Mercedes has unveiled an updated version of its entry-level AMG E 53 performance saloon, hot on the heels of the facelifted standard E-Class range. The brand’s updated rival for the Audi S6 is on sale in the UK now, with prices starting from £64,750 for the saloon and £66,750 for the estate.
The updated AMG E 53 4MATIC+’s styling tweaks mirror those of the standard E-Class range, albeit with a more hardcore appearance. Up front, there’s a new radiator grille which mimics the design of the AMG GT Coupe’s – and at the rear, there’s an aggressive new diffuser which houses a quad-exit exhaust system.
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The E 53 is available in a choice of two trim levels. The base model features 19-inch twin-five-spoke AMG alloy wheels, a 360-degree parking camera, keyless go and AMG-branded brake calipers. Inside, buyers get a pair of leather-trimmed sports seats, carbon-fibre trim and Mercedes’s 12.3-inch dual-screen infotainment system.
The E 53’s infotainment set-up also includes AMG-specific functions, such as a lap timer, telemetry settings and track mapping. There’s a new flat-bottomed steering wheel, which is similar in design to the rest of the range, but is fitted with a pair of AMG buttons to adjust the car’s driving modes.
The more lavishly equipped AMG E 53 Night Edition Premium Plus is priced from £68,250 and adds a set of matte-black 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass sunroof, privacy glass, gloss-black window surrounds and an improved 13-speaker Burmester sound system.
Both E53s are powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine, which is supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Combined, the unit has an output of 423bhp and 520Nm of torque which, thanks in part to the car’s four-wheel drive system, is enough for a 0–62mph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.
Like all Mercedes-AMG models, the E 53 gets a host of extra chassis technology, including adaptive dampers, a sophisticated five-stage traction control system, uprated disc brakes, dynamic engine mounts and a limited-slip differential for the rear axle.
Check out the latest on the more powerful Mercedes-AMG E 63 here...