The E 53 AMG has been around for a couple of years, but this is the first time Mercedes Benz has brought it to India. One could argue that sedans are a shrinking market, but the E-class has always been an outlier and continues to be one of the best-selling cars for Mercedes Benz in India. Only makes sense to bring a faster, racier version of the E-class to India then, right? I think so.
First things first, if you are expecting a hooligan like the E 63S with its growling V8 then allow me to pare your expectations right now. This is the new breed of AMG is who are kinder to polar bears and love the ice caps, but do not be disappointed by the lack of a V8 or even a V6. Under the hood of this E 53 AMG sits a 3.0 litre turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt hybrid system, which makes 429 hp and 52 kgm of torque. Before you appreciate the power figures, may I have a quick cheer for the return of the inline-6 at Mercedes. With the electric wave upon us, and at AMG, these engines deserve to be celebrated for as long as they are around.
This powertrain is a delight whether you are launching from standstill or cruising comfortably. The power is available whenever you want it, with or without the turbo drama, and in the real world of speed cameras taking over our cities, I am going out on a limb and saying this is all the power one needs in a daily driver. The 9-speed automatic transmission is quick enough and the 4Matic+ system ensures you are never out of grip; in case you decide to be little naughty coming out of a corner. When pushed hard, the E 53 is fun, agile and, despite its size, it feels smaller than the limousine it is.
The lovely inline-6 sounds fantastic at full throttle. Its sound is cleaner and less gravelly than the turbocharged V-6 is found in its German competition and I like that. However, in the lower rpm range it almost sounds a little muted and while there is a button to make it louder, I wish Mercedes would let this engine sing from get go.
The inline-6 is not the only addition to the E 53 AMG. The mild refresh for 2021 has revised front and rear bumpers, new exterior lighting, a new steering wheel, and new AMG alloy designs. The rear end looks more polished, and compact, while the front is more blunt and upright, giving the E 53 more presence than before. There is a tautness to the car now, without compromising on the elegance of the E-class, which I quite like.
Like all Mercs, the E 53 AMG gets full marks for interior build quality and its sporty, upscale cabin. Most of it is shared with the regular E-class but the red stitching and red belts always remind passengers they aren't in a regular E-class. A large 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard and supports the company's latest MBUX infotainment system. The unit can be controlled through a touchpad on the centre console, steering-wheel-mounted controls, and voice commands. Standard list of features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a fantastic Burmester audio system, massage seats, wireless charging and a lot more.
At 1.02 crore, ex-showroom Delhi, the E 53 AMG is not exactly inexpensive. Plus, there is a bunch of SUVs to choose from including some nice ones from within the Mercedes family. Bringing the E 53 AMG to India is proof that Mercedes Benz isn't giving up on sedans yet and I for one am happy about it. The E 53 AMG can be pretty much all the car you need with its smooth turbocharged inline-6, well sorted suspension and steering, and comfortable tech-filled interior. Cars like the E 53 AMG have enough going for them to put you off SUVs. Join the revolution and bring back a fast sedan into your life, if you can afford it, I say.