Not too long ago we brought you news of the updated Mercedes-Benz W213 E-Class which will not only receive new engines and technology but also get updated with the brand’s current design philosophy.
As you can imagine, where there’s a Mercedes-Benz, an AMG model is close by. This time it’s the turn of the E53 4Matic+ which is a tiered down model from the ballistic V8-engined E63 top boy. This AMG model is also mildly-electrified to feed the onboard 48V electrical system.
The E53 is powered by an all-aluminium M256, 3.0-litre straight-six engine with 320kW and 520Nm. Unlike most engines used in AMG models, the direct-injection M256 motor employed in the E53 isn’t a hand built power plant but rather a tuned version of the Mercedes-Benz mill and found in “450” models such as the S450, GLE450 and CLS450.
The M256 engine is force-inducted of course, but instead of the typical twin-turbo setup that most cars in this category would be using, the AMG E53 uses a single twin-scroll turbocharger and an e-Booster. Given the car’s 48V electrical architecture and the fact that the ancillaries such as air-conditioning and water pump are run electrically, an electric auxiliary compressor – which can spin up to 70,000 rpm – would be an ideal solution to plug holes in the power band caused by turbo lag. This means a century sprint time of 4.5 seconds (the Estate is a tenth slower) and a top speed that’s limited to 250 km/h.
The E53 also omits its engine starter motor and alternator which is replaced by an integrated starter alternator unit that the brand calls EQ Boost. The unit sits between the engine and the AMG SpeedShift TCT 9G gearbox. What’s interesting about this unit is that it can supply 16kW of power and 250Nm of torque.
The EQ Boost unit isn’t just a starter alternator but also performs hybrid functions as well, claims the brand. It can recuperate energy, shift engine load points and coast when at speed. Apart from reducing fuel consumption and emissions, the unit’s other job is to deliver a better driving experience, which is pretty much what AMG’s are all about.
The E53 rides on the marque’s AMG Ride Control+ air suspension which is a multi-chamber air suspension system that’s paired up to the Adaptive Damping system which aims to reduce body roll when cornering. The E53 also has an AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system that offers up traction in any condition.
Elsewhere, the W213’s mid-life update brings on a meaner look when compared to the recently outed E450, with dual power domes on its bonnet along with an AMG-specific radiator grille, large outer air inlets with two cross louvres, new front splitter in silver chrome and LED headlights. Around the back the E53 is clearly distinguished by the round twin tailpipe trim elements.
Opt for the Night Package and the front splitter, wing mirror caps, disc frame, longitudinal member inserts, trim strip in the rear apron and tailpipe trim elements get finished in high-gloss black.
Inside, the E53 gets AMG-specific appointments such as sports seats upholstered in Artico faux leather and Dinamica microfiber with red contrast stitching and AMG badges. And because it’s an AMG-Mercedes, the seatbelts are red.
Behind the newly-designed AMG Performance steering wheel is a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment. It also has three AMG display modes called Modern Classic, Sport and Supersport. These graphics show engine data, gear speed indicator, warm-up, set-up, G-meter and Racetimer.
Further, AMG Track Pace – which works like a virtual race engineer – is optionally available and continuously monitors more than 80 vehicle-specific sets of data, along with lap and sector timing. It can even show the driver the ideal racing line around a circuit by overlaying a guide path over live footage, which is basically augmented reality.
The facelifted Mercedes-Benz W213 E-Class is slated to land on Australian shores from the fourth quarter of 2020, while the drop-top and coupe variants follow shortly thereafter.
Stay tuned to this space for more on the AMG E53. For more information on Mercedes-AMG, please visit our Showroom.
