Mercedes-AMG unveils new performance E-Class

Recently Mercedes-AMG has unveiled two new derivatives that will feature in the E-Class model range. While the one takes shape in the form of a Coupé and the other a Cabriolet, both not only have the styling cues but also the performance to justify the AMG nomenclature.

The design up-front is completely new featuring an AMG-specific radiator grille with twelve vertical louvres which are flanked by new sharper-cut all-LED headlamps. The bonnet sees the addition of power-domes which contributes to the A shape design incorporated in the grille and front apron which features five vertical struts exposing the cooler behind it. Just below the headlamps feature familiar outer air inlet grille with two transverse louvres and is garnished with high-gloss black flics.

At the rear are the round twin tailpipe trim elements, which are available in silver chrome or high-gloss black to further enhance the performance luxury theme throughout. The German manufacturer also combines form with function as the sides of the mud flaps improve the aerodynamics at the rear: as a result, this provides for better airflow around the wheel arches. Finishing the rear end is a spoiler lip on the boot lid which comes standard in the colour of the vehicle, but is optionally also available in carbon fibre.

In all four corners of the E53 are new 19-inch light-alloy wheels in the aerodynamically optimised five-twin-spoke design. Customers can also opt for the 20-inch light-alloy wheels in a five-twin-spoke design which features a wider rim edge and comes painted in a choice of matt black or high-gloss titanium grey. Graphite grey metallic and matt brilliant blue magno, latter having been previously reserved for the AMG GT family, are available for selection as new paint colours for the wheels.

To further enhance the sporty and luxury design of the E53 4MATIC+ Coupé and Cabriolet, customers can specify the optional AMG Night which sees to it that the outside mirror housings, window frames plus trim elements in the front and rear apron are finished in high-gloss black. Additionally, there are also black chrome tailpipe trim elements available. For a more performance-inspired theme, there is a Carbon Package II available which results in carbon finished mirror caps and spoiler lip.

“Following the saloon and estate, our new E53 4MATIC+ models also offer a perfect synthesis of performance, elegance and comfort as a coupé and cabriolet. With specific measures on the exterior and in the interior we have re-sharpened the brand identity somewhat and we are continuing to drive forward the revision of our entire E-Class family successively. For lifestyle-oriented customer groups with discerning requirements in terms of performance and efficiency, both two-door models from Affalterbach are the perfect offerings “, says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The interior of the two performance derivatives includes distinct appointments, luxurious materials and the current-generation MBUX infotainment system. The AMG-specific design seats are finished in black ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfiber and are contrasted with red topstitching and an AMG badge. Continuing the red colour theme is the seat belts while the trim elements are created from carbon fibre. Customers can optionally specify their vehicles with Nappa leather and as optional Nappa leather in black/titanium grey pearl with red contrasting topstitching.

On top of the facia are two displays which perform the functions of the instrument cluster and multimedia display and blends beneath a shared glass cover to form the Widescreen Cockpit.  The display’s theme can be customised by the user by either selecting one of the three AMG display styles namely; Modern Classic, Sport and Supersport. A favourite is the Supersport mode which displays a central, round rev counter and additional information presented in perspective in the form of bars to the left and right of the rev counter enhancing the performance theme. Additionally, the driver can access engine data, gear speed indicator, warm-up, set-up, G-Meter and RACETIMER via the AMG menu.

Drivers also benefit from the new AMG Performance steering wheel featuring a fresh design and seamlessly integrated buttons. Taking shape in a light, three rounded twin spokes design with motorsport like steering wheel rim. The steering wheel can be specified in a DINAMICA microfibre finish or in a combination of leather and microfiber finish, on request with steering wheel heating. The steering wheel also a sensor mat which recognises if the driver has their hands on the steering wheel if not, a warning cascade is started after which Emergency Brake Assist is safely activated if the driver continues to be inactive.

Adorning the new steering wheel is new switches with haptic sensing aids. The instrument cluster is operated via the left-hand sensor surface while the media display is controlled using the right-hand sensor surface. Situated below these sensor surfaces is the cruise control/DISTRONIC on the left and telephone/hands-free system/volume control on the right. Available as in option is AMG steering wheel buttons which allow the driver to easily access drive programs.

Under the bonnet features an electrified 3.0-litre engine with twin-turbocharging via an exhaust fumes turbocharger and an electric additional compressor which results in an output of 320 kW and 520 N.m of torque. The EQ Boost starter-alternator also briefly provides an additional 16 kW and 250 N.m of torque and also charges the 48 V on-board electrical system.

Further bolstering the package is the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. Although the Mercedes-AMG E53 4MATIC+ Coupé and Cabriolet comes electronically limited to only produce a top speed of 250 km/h, this can be increased to 270 km/h with the AMG Driver’s Package.

The local introduction of the Mercedes-AMG E53 4MATIC+ Coupé and Cabriolet variants will be confirmed at a later date at which point local pricing will soon follow.