2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan Review
The 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan is the mid-level AMG-performance variant of the Mercedes E-Class range and the first introduction of mild-hybrid performance for the Mercedes lineup. It forms part of the fifth-generation E-Class introduced for 2017 but is an all-new derivative for the 2019 model year. It reintroduces the inline-six configuration to Mercedes-Benz, bringing with it a dose of 48-volt electrification, upping outputs to 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, driven via a nine-speed automatic transmission to the 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. The EQ Boost starter-alternator provides additional outputs of 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when required. With those figures, the E53 is capable of hitting 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds, placing it in comparative territory alongside the BMW M550i xDrive Sedan, as well as the Audi S7. It offers a fine balance between drivability and trackability - but in all honesty, it is a master of neither. Although exceptionally appealing in many aspects, including a beautiful interior and a safe drive, it does ask a relatively hefty sticker price of $72,550.
What's the Price of the 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan?
For the 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 prospective buyers can expect a starting MSRP of $72,550. Opting for a fully-loaded AMG E53 by equipping all the available packages culminates in a total price of $79,740. These figures are excluding Mercedes' destination and delivery charge of $995 and standard US tax, registration, and licensing fees. Dealer-specific incentives may be offered by independent traders who may also offer independent pricing structures.
2019 AMG E53 Sedan Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 195.2 in | 115.7 in | 57.0 in | 73.2 in | 64.1 in | 62.9 in | 4,341.0 lbs |
2019 AMG E53 Sedan Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The independent AMG Sport Suspension which the E53 is equipped with is based on air body control and is softer than the E63's hardcore suspension; still, it is tuned for performance, which means it's on the firmer side. As a result, the sedan handles minor road imperfections and undulations with poise, while more prominent bumps and rougher surfaces are clearly felt through the cabin. Overall ride quality is smooth and leisurely as the sedan cruises quietly in ECO and Comfort modes. Pushed to the limits, it remains reassuringly planted to the road when taken around bends and exhibits minimal body roll. The steering is accurately responsive and lines up with the nose of the sedan consistently. Along with the suspension, the steering weighting is suited to each drive mode, comfortable for daily driving and tightened up with the Sport and Sport+ modes. The brakes provide ample stopping power and the pedal's responses to driver input remain consistent throughout. The soundtrack from the straight-six engine is visceral and, along with the performance it accords the E53 with, adds favorably to the driving engagement and its sporty character.
As a mild hybrid geared more towards efficiency over outright performance, the general ride sensation lends itself to a casual, relaxed experience. As such, it may not be as engaging and dynamic as comparative rivals such as the BMW M550i xDrive, but it certainly raises the bar and adds some spice to the standard, non-AMG sedan.
2019 AMG E53 Sedan Interior
2019 AMG E53 Sedan Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan A Good car?
The 2019 AMG E53 Sedan is a wonderful car to drive. Within the segment, the AMG E53 stands out only by virtue of its impeccable interior which is meticulously well-built and features high-quality materials; it is fitted with state-of-the-art vehicle features, as well. At its default level, the sedan is kitted out with a decent range of advanced driver-assist and standard safety features which, along with its excellent build-quality, scored it excellent crash test safety ratings. It does receive a low predicted reliability rating, but it seems largely due to faults on other derivatives. In terms of performance, the AMG E53 performs admirably, despite not outgunning any one of its key rivals. It does offer drivers a unique offering in terms of comfortable daily drivability and routine performance, thanks to its AMG infusion, while the new inline-six is buttery smooth and tuneful to boot. There is also a range of attractive optional packages and standalone add-ons that allow for appealing personalization, so while the AMG E53 doesn't necessarily blow the competition out of the water, it is a worthy contender among rivals.
What Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan Model Should I Buy?
The AMG E53 Sedan is the only hybridized AMG sedan available within the 2019 lineup. It is based on the E-Class platform, equipped with a newly developed inline-six and mild-hybrid system fused with some AMG essentials. As such, the AMG E53 is a perfect offering of contemporary Mercedes luxury-comfort paired with AMG-performance. Some of the available optional packages would prove worthwhile, most notably the Driver Assistance Package, which adds a thorough, extensive range of advanced driver assists to the vehicle. The Parking Assistance Package and Rear Safety Package are also good options to include and round out a well-specced model overall without encroaching on the full-blown E63's price.
2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan Comparisons
2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan vs BMW 5 Series Sedan
Positioned in the market with a price that is only $1,900 more than the 2019 AMG E53, the 2019 BMW M550i already deems itself a noteworthy alternative. Equipped with a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, the M550i produces superior outputs of 456 hp and 480 lb-ft, leaving the AMG E53 in the dust with a quicker 0-60mph dash. From a standstill, the M550i manages this in half a second quicker than the Merc, proving to be the better performance-based sedan. However, the BMW is a lot more inefficient in terms of fuel economy and doesn't offer Android Auto functionality at all. Additionally, its Apple CarPlay functionality is subscription-based whereas the AMG E53 offers them both as standard along with a host of other superior vehicle features. Overall the BMW M550i offers the ultimate in performance capability, taking center stage as the value-for-money performance buy in this comparison.
2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan vs Mercedes-AMG CLS 53
Both of these Mercedes-AMG models are equipped with the same powertrain and thus share outputs and performance specs. The AMG E53 is, however, slightly more fuel-efficient by virtue of its lighter chassis. The AMG E53 also offers marginally improved cargo capacity in the trunk, and better rear cabin headroom compared to the sloping cabin of the CLS 53. The CLS 53 does come with a lot more safety features though, including advanced driver assists and general vehicle features that are standard, as opposed to optional on the E53. Deciding whether these additional standard features are worth the $5,350 more you'd pay for the CLS 53 is subjective. But, considering that the two vehicles perform identically in many aspects and that the features the E53 does not have over the CLS 53 can simply be added via the optional packages, we consider the E53 the better buy for the money.