The new Mercedes-AMG E53 has been revealed, with the hot version of the revamped E-Class gaining more aggressive styling while retaining its 423bhp mild-hybrid 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol powertrain.
The new version of the four-wheel-drive performance car features a bolder, bespoke AMG grille, revamped lights and a restyled aerodynamic diffuser and twin exhausts. The standard 19in wheels are aero-optimised alloys, a design that also features on the optional 20in version.
The design tweaks are intended to help the E53, which will be available in both saloon and estate forms, stand out from the regular E-Class.
The 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-pot offers 423bhp and 295lb ft of torque, with a 48V starter-alternator electric motor adding an extra boost of 21bhp and 184lb ft when needed. The saloon maintains a 0-62mph time of 4.5sec, with the estate 0.1sec slower. The car has a top speed of 155mph, rising to 168mph with the optional AMG Driver's Package.
As before, that power is delivered through a nine-speed automatic gearbox, with the E53 featuring variable all-wheel-drive to deliver traction where needed. But while the powertrain is unchanged, E53 product manager Philipp Uttikal said other technical enhancements mean the new version represents “much more than a facelift”.
Uttikal said Mercedes has developed the AMG Dynamic Select drive mode and AMG Ride Control+ air suspension to broaden the performance of the car. The Dynamic Plus package, featuring a drift mode and visual upgrades, is also available on the E53 for the first time. The Dynamic Select system included five pre-set modes, and also integreated fnctions from the AMG Dynamic Select system, which proactively adjusts the car's electronic stability programme and all-wheel-drive systems based on the driver's actions and sensor data.
The E53 features 370mm x 36mm cross-drilled and vented brake discs with four-piston fixed callipers on the front wheels, with 360mm x 26mm single-piston floating callipers on the rear.
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