2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe Review: The Swansong
The E-Class Coupe has always been one of the more laid-back models on the Mercedes-Benz roster and loves to look good and pamper its occupants, but add those three magic letters, and you have a real beast on your hands - the 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe. Instead of going with the more typical muscle-car route of dropping a V8 under the hood, the E53 features a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with EQ Boost, producing a solid 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The E53 finds itself lodged between the compact and more nimble C63 Coupe and the large grand touring S63 Coupe, with no real competition on offer from its fellow German rivals. The Lexus LC and BMW 8 Series are the closest things you'll get to a natural rival, making this car somewhat of a rarity.
Best Deals on 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe
AMG E53 Coupe Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
190.6 in | 113.1 in | 56.3 in | 73.2 in | 64.1 in | 62.8 in | 4,429.0 lbs |
Exterior Colors
AMG E53 Coupe Performance
Engine and Transmission
Instead of a traditional 8-cylinder engine, the E53 Coupe features a smooth 3.0L turbocharged inline-six gas engine that has been joined by a small electric motor known as EQ Boost that adds an additional 21 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque for a total power output of 429 hp 6,100 rpm and 384 lb-ft between 1,800 and 5,800 pm. Power is sent to an all-wheel drivetrain via a 9-speed automatic transmission resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. Power delivery is near-instantaneous thanks to the electric motor, but we must admit that even with the AMG sports exhaust system, we prefer the boisterous clamor of an AMG V8.
AMG E53 Coupe Gas Mileage
AMG E53 Coupe Interior
Seating and Interior Space
AMG E53 Coupe Trunk and Cargo Space
AMG E53 Coupe Safety and Reliability
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|---|---|
5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe A Good car?
The fact that there aren't many natural competitors to the 2021 E53 Coupe in the US should tell you everything you need to know. Sure it's a fun 2-door car, but true enthusiasts know that it's not a full-blooded AMG car. At over $75k, many vehicles offer a more thrilling driving experience and many will turn more heads, too. The BMW M2 or M4, for instance, are two great driver's cars that will entertain more and are more practical as well. Hell, even the Chevrolet Corvette is an option here. The fact that both the C-Class and sixth-generation E-Class Coupes are set to be replaced by the upcoming CLE should say it all. In review, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe simply isn't in demand, so it doesn't matter how bad or good the vehicle is.
What 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe Model Should I Buy?
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe comes with most of the features you'll need daily and then some, but it's always fun to make your car unique, so if we were buying, we'd get one in Emerald Green metallic with 20-inch twin five-spoke wheels in matte black. Inside, we'd go for the AMG carbon-fiber trim and add the AMG performance steering wheel in Nappa and Dinamica. In terms of options, we'd get the $1,100 AMG head-up display and $550 soft-close doors, as well as the $1,700 Driver Assistance package, which adds driver aids such as evasive steering assist, active blind spot assist, and active distance assist. The total price of a 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe with this build comes to $84,260, including a $1,050 destination fee.