2021 Mercedes-AMG E 53

2021 Mercedes-AMG E 53

With an updated striking design, increased options for individualization and the MBUX infotainment system, Mercedes-AMG is enhancing the E 53 Sedan. The completely redesigned front view lends the performance E-Class an even more powerful appearance. The AMG-specific radiator grille with its A-shaped contour along with redesigned LED headlamps reinforces the wide stance. Extensive design measures make the rear view of the sedan appear even more muscular thanks to the two-piece taillamps, new rear bumper and the new diffuser insert. The interior shows a sportier character through the large displays, new AMG Performance steering wheel and AMG-specific MBUX functions. The electrified, AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor generates an output of 429 hp and produces a peak torque of 384 lb-ft. Its EQ Boost starter-alternator briefly provides an additional 21 hp of output, plus 184 lb-ft of torque and also feeds the 48 V on-board electrical system. Other technical highlights include the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+variable all-wheel drive system.

"Our revised E 53 is extensively enhanced, the visual update offers our customers real added value, which is underscored by our hallmark AMG grille. With the electrified 3.0-liter engine we have retained the proven drivetrain. The extensively revised suspension now offers even more of a range between long-distance comfort and precise dynamism," says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

2021 Mercedes-AMG E 53

The new features at a glance

• Restyled front section with AMG-specific radiator grille and redesigned LED headlamps
• Front bumper in A-wing design with five vertical struts in the center section
• Two-piece all-LED taillamps
• Revised rear bumper and new diffuser insert
• Standard aerodynamically optimized 19-inch alloy wheels in a Twin 5-Spoke design
• Optional aerodynamically optimized 20-inch alloy wheels in a Twin 5-Spoke design
• Extended range of paint colors with Graphite Grey metallic, Mojave Silver metallic and Cirrus Silver metallic
• MBUX infotainment system with AMG-specific functions and displays for instrument cluster and media display (touchscreen), intuitive "Hey Mercedes" voice control and optional proximity control
• New AMG Performance steering wheel with three rounded twin spokes, seamlessly integrated buttons and two round AMG steering wheel buttons
• New two-tone Grey / Black upholstery offering

Two power domes and round twin tailpipe trim elements

Additional visual characteristics of the E 53 Sedan include the hood with two distinctive power domes, large outer air inlets with two cross louvers and new front splitter in silver chrome. The front bumper flics in high-gloss black improve the aerodynamics where it matters. The key identifiers on the tail end are the round twin tailpipe trim elements, which are available in high-gloss chrome or high-gloss black (as part of the Night Package), and the new, two-piece all-LED tail lights.

The dynamic appearance is rounded off by restyled 19-inch alloy wheels in an aerodynamically optimized Twin 5-Spoke design. 20-inch alloy wheels in a Twin 5-Spoke design are optionally available, also aerodynamically optimized and with a wider rim edge, painted in a choice of matte black or high-gloss titanium grey.

With the optional AMG Night Package, the new E 53 models can take on 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 designed in high-gloss black.

Interior with innovative MBUX infotainment system

The interior of the new models welcomes the occupants with AMG-specific appointments, luxurious materials and the latest-generation MBUX infotainment system. The synthesis of exclusivity and sportiness is embodied by the sports seats in black MB-Tex/DINAMICA microfiber with an AMG design, red contrasting topstitching and an AMG badge.

There are also red seat belts available along with various trim elements.

Visually the two displays for the instrument cluster and multimedia display blend beneath a shared glass cover to form the "Widescreen Cockpit." The customer can choose between the three AMG display styles: "Modern Classic," "Sport" and "Supersport" for the instrument cluster. The "Supersport" mode is particularly striking with a central, round rev counter and additional information presented in the form of bars to the left and right of the rev counter. Via the AMG menu, the driver can call up various special displays such as Engine Data, gear speed indicator, Warm-up, Set-up, G- Meter and RACETIMER. With individual AMG displays such as visualization of the drive programs or telemetry data, the touchscreen multimedia display underlines the dynamic configuration.

AMG TRACK PACE, the virtual race engineer, is also optionally available for the E 53: The software is part of the MBUX infotainment system, and when negotiating a race circuit it continuously monitors more than 80 vehicle-specific sets of data (e.g. speed, acceleration). Additionally, lap and sector times are displayed, as well as the respective difference from a reference time. The MBUX Augmented Reality function also allows the ideal line of a stored race track to be displayed on the multimedia display or optional head-up display, allowing the driver to improve lap times with a virtual instructor on board.

New AMG Performance steering wheel as standard

With a fresh design and seamlessly integrated buttons, the new AMG Performance steering wheel creates an even closer link between human and machine. The three rounded twin spokes combine stability with nimbleness, along with the steering wheel rim motorsports-inspired features. The AMG Performance steering wheel is available in leather, DINAMICA or as a combination of leather and DINAMICA. All steering wheel options are available with steering wheel heating. In the steering wheel rim there is also a capacitive sensor mat to recognize "hands-on." If the system detects that the driver does not have their hands on the steering wheel for a certain time, a warning cascade starts, which activates Emergency Brake Assist if the driver continues to be inactive.

The capacitive switches, which are seamlessly integrated into the surfaces of the horizontal twin spokes, are new and showcase a very elegant look. Haptic sensing aids in the area of the symbols make it easier to control. With the left- hand sensor surface on the upper steering wheel spokes, the instrument cluster is operated, and the media display is controlled via the right-hand sensor surface. The lower spokes contain the controls for the cruise control/DISTRONIC (left) and telephone/hands-free system/volume control (right). The standard AMG Drive Unit steering wheel buttons for actuating the drive programs and individually definable functions include even more brilliant displays and are now both round.

With the metal shift paddles arranged on the left and right behind the steering wheel rim the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission can be manually operated. The restyled paddles are ergonomically adapted to the new AMG Performance steering wheel, slightly larger than previously and positioned further down.

Six-cylinder in-line engine with EQ Boost starter-alternator

The AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbo engine of the E 53 models is characterized by top performance and intelligent electrification. The EQ Boost starter-alternator combines a starter motor and alternator in a powerful electric motor that is fitted between the engine and transmission. It is not only used as an electric alternator, but also performs hybrid functions. These include boost with 21 hp of output and 184 lb-ft of torque, recuperation, shifting of the load point, gliding mode and the virtually imperceptible restarting of the engine with the start/stop function. This innovation as well as the intelligent charging via an electric auxiliary compressor and an exhaust gas turbocharger all have the same goal: to enhance the hallmark AMG performance and driving dynamics, while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The starter-alternator provides support with a boost when starting off, while the electric additional compressor builds up a high charge pressure without any delay, for a faster increase in torque for acceleration until the large exhaust gas turbocharger is deployed. As a result the 3.0-liter engine reacts extremely spontaneously, and provides a highly dynamic response without turbo lag. Additionally, the six-cylinder in-line engine offers a high level of refinement.

Short shift times, high efficiency: AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission

The 3.0-liter in-line engine is coupled with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, which impresses with extremely short shift times, fast response to shift paddle commands, a simulated double-declutching function and multiple downshifts. Whether automatic or initiated by the driver using the steering wheel shift paddles, upshifts or downshifts are implemented instantly. Especially in the "Sport+" drive program and in manual mode, the transmission is very responsive.

Characteristics at the touch of a finger: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT

With the five DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs "Slippery," "Comfort," "Sport," "Sport+" and "Individual," the characteristics of the 53-series models can be influenced by the tap of a finger. The available range extends from efficient and comfortable to very sporty. The modes modify key parameters, such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering. Independent of the DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, the driver has the option of switching directly to manual shifting mode, in which gearshifts are executed exclusively using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The suspension set-ups can also be selected specifically as needed.

AMG DYNAMICS vehicle dynamics control is integrated into the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs. In the "Basic," "Advanced" and "Pro" levels, it influences the control strategies of the ESP ® (Electronic Stability Program) or the all- wheel drive, for example. The intelligent pilot control anticipates the desired vehicle behavior based on the driver's actions and the sensor data. The spectrum ranges from extremely stable to highly dynamic. Via the AMG Performance steering wheel’s AMG Drive buttons the AMG DYNAMICS functions can also be individually selected.

Independent AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension

Increased agility, flat cornering performance and greater traction come courtesy of the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension developed in Affalterbach. The multi-chamber air suspension with particularly sporty spring/damper set-up and continuously adjustable damping ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System) combines outstanding driving dynamics with increased ride comfort. A harder spring rate, for example, when cornering and braking, effectively reduces body roll.

The damping at each wheel is adjusted to suit the current driving situation and the condition of the road. This is done rapidly and precisely, using two separate valves for the rebound and compression forces in the dampers. The damping characteristics can also be preselected in three modes, "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport+," allowing a significantly more noticeable differentiation between excellent long-distance comfort and sporty driving dynamics.

AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive

The variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive combines optimal traction for dynamic driving fun with a high level of driving safety in all conditions: in the dry, in the wet or in snow. The transition from rear-wheel to all-wheel drive and vice versa is seamless, because the intelligent control is integrated into the overall vehicle system architecture.

Technical data at a glance

	Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan
Engine	AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter in-line 6- cylinder engine with exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor
Displacement	2,999 cc
Output	429 hp @ 6,100 rpm
Add. output with EQ Boost	Up to 21 hp
Peak torque	384 lb-ft @ 1,800 – 5,800 rpm
Add. torque with EQ Boost	Up to 184 lb-ft
Drive	AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all- wheel drive with variable torque distribution
Transmission	AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G
Acceleration 0-60 mph	4.4 s

(Mercedes-Benz USA Press Release)