Mercedes has lifted the wraps off the 2021 E-Class Sedan and All-Terrain, which have been updated with a striking design, more personalization options, and the latest MBUX infotainment system. But if you want more performance, the 2021 Mercedes E-Class has been given the AMG performance treatment. Joining the 2021 E-Class range is the refreshed Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan.

Visually, the front fascia has been redesigned with an AMG-specific grille featuring an A-shaped contour and redesigned LED headlights. New two-piece LED taillamps adorn the rear, while a new rear bumper and diffuser insert give the 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 a more muscular appearance. Other visual flourishes that distinguish the E53 Sedan include a hood with two distinctive power domes, large outer air inlets with two cross louvers, and a new front splitter in silver chrome.

Finished in high-gloss black, the front bumper flics also improve the aerodynamics, while the twin tailpipes are available in high-gloss chrome or high-gloss black with the Night Package. As standard, the new E53 sits on restyled 19-inch alloy wheels in an aerodynamically optimized twin five-spoke design. 20-inch alloy wheels in a twin five-spoke design are optionally available with a wider rim edge and finished in either matte black or high-gloss titanium grey. An optional AMG Night Package also gives the new E53 a sportier appearance as the front splitter, mirror caps, disc frame, longitudinal inserts, trim strip in the rear bumper and tailpipe trim elements are all finished in high-gloss black.

Inside, the interior features AMG-exclusive sports seats in black MB-Tex/Dinamica microfiber with red contrasting topstitching and an AMG badge. There are also red seat belts available along with various trim elements. Three AMG display styles are available for the instrument cluster: Modern Classic, Sport, and Supersport. The Supersport mode looks striking, with a central, round rev counter and additional information presented in bars to the left and right of the rev counter. Using the AMG menu, the driver can also display information such as engine data, gear speed indicator, warm-up, set-up, G-Meter, and race timer.

As part of the MBUX infotainment system, AMG is offering an optional "AMG Track Pace" virtual race engineer that monitors more than 80 vehicle-specific sets of data such as speed, acceleration when track driving. Lap and sector times are also displayed, as well as the respective difference from a reference time. To help improve lap times, an MBUX augmented reality function also displays the ideal racing line on a track on the multimedia display or optional head-up display.

As standard, the new E 63 features a new AMG Performance steering wheel with seamlessly integrated buttons and three rounded twin spokes. It's available in leather, Dinamica or a combination of both. All steering wheel options are available with steering wheel heating. A sensor mat in the steering wheel rim recognizes when the driver has their hands on the wheel. If the system detects that the driver does not have their hands on the steering wheel for a certain time, a warning system starts, which activates the emergency brake assist if the driver continues to be inactive.

New switches are seamlessly integrated into horizontal twin spokes, while haptic sensing aids in the area of the symbols make it easier to control. The instrument cluster is operated with the left-hand sensor surface on the upper steering wheel spokes and the media display is controlled with the right-hand sensor surface. The lower spokes contain the controls for the cruise control, telephone, hands-free system, and volume control. Elsewhere, the metal shift paddles are restyled and are slightly larger and positioned lower than before.

Under the hood, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 is powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbo producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. An EQ Boost starter-alternator combines a starter motor and alternator in a powerful electric motor fitted between the engine and transmission, providing 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of boost. Power is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, enabling the new E53 to sprint from 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds. A multi-chamber air suspension with sporty spring damper set-up provides excellent driving dynamics and increased comfort by reducing body roll. The 2021 AMG E53 Sedan will go on sale in the US in fall 2020, with pricing to be announced closer to the on-sale date.