2021 Mercedes-Benz E53 AMG Coupe

With the optional AMG Night Package the E53 4MATIC+ Coupé and Cabriolet can take on an even sportier appearance. The outside mirror housings, window frames plus trim elements in the front and rear apron are styled in high-gloss black here. There are also tailpipe trim elements in black chrome. The Carbon Package II adds individual highlights with mirror caps and a spoiler lip on the boot lid in carbon fibre.

Interior with autonomous appointments and specific displays

The interior welcomes the occupants with distinct appointments, luxurious materials and the current-generation MBUX infotainment system. The seats in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre in black with an AMG-specific design, red contrasting topstitching and AMG badge are characteristic for thE53-series models and combine sportiness with strong lateral support and comfort on long journeys. Further interior features include red seat belts and trim elements in carbon fibre. Further upholsteries in nappa leather are optionally available. Nappa leather in black/titanium grey pearl with red contrasting topstitching is new.

Visually the two displays for the instrument cluster and multimedia displays 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 perspective in the form of bars to the left and right of the rev counter and creating a spatial impression of depth. 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 visualisation of the drive programs or telemetry data, the touchscreen multimedia display likewise underlines the dynamic configuration.

New AMG Performance steering wheel with seamlessly integrated buttons

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 lightness, and the steering wheel rim is a hallmark motorsport feature. The cover is selectable in leather, in DINAMICA microfibre or as a combination of leather and microfibre, on request with steering wheel heating. In the steering wheel rim there is also a sensor mat to recognise “hands-on”. If the driver does not have their hands on the steering wheel for a certain time, a warning cascade is started, which finally activates Emergency Brake Assist if the driver continues to be inactive.

The new switches integrated into the surfaces of the horizontal twin spokes have a very elegant look. Haptic sensing aids in the area of the symbols make control easier. The instrument cluster is operated via the left-hand sensor surface on the upper steering wheel spokes, the media display 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 optional AMG steering wheel buttons for actuating the drive programs and further, individually definable functions include even more brilliant displays with new icons and are now both round.

Via the galvanised shift paddles arranged on the left and right behind the steering wheel rim the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission can be operated by hand. For even more precise shift commands the paddles are now slightly bigger and positioned lower down.

Six-cylinder in-line engine with EQ Boost starter-alternator and electric additional compressor

The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine is characterised by top-of-the-range performance and intelligent electrification. The EQ Boost starter-alternator combines a starter motor and alternator in a powerful electric motor and is fitted between the engine and transmission. It is a key component of the 48 V on-board electrical system and not only serves as an alternator, but is also responsible for hybrid functions. These include boosting with 16 kW of output and 250 Nm 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 additional 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. Supported by the EQ Boost starter-alternator when moving off, the electric auxiliary 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-litre engine reacts immediately, and provides a highly dynamic response without turbo lag.

The electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h can be increased to 270 km/h with the AMG Driver’s Package. The AMG brake system is optimally tuned for the power and performance of the E53 models: the front axle features cross-drilled and internally vented discs of size 370 x 36 mm with four-piston fixed callipers and AMG lettering, the rear axle is fitted with internally vented discs of size 360 x 26 mm with single-piston floating callipers.

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

The 3.0-litre 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 double-declutching function and multiple downshifts. Upshifts or downshifts are implemented instantly. Especially in the “Sport+” drive program and in manual mode, the transmission is very responsive. Dynamic acceleration and very short shift times are also available, as is a fuel-efficient driving style, depending on the selected mode.

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 new 53-series models can be influenced at 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. Independently of the DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, the driver has the option of pressing the “M” button to switch directly to manual 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 behaviour based on the driver’s actions and the sensor data. The range spans extremely stable to highly dynamic, for a comfort-biased or particularly sporty driving experience. The AMG DYNAMICS functions can also be directly selected via the AMG steering wheel buttons. Both the modifiable vehicle characteristics and the extensive appointments options offer a wide spectrum between sportiness, elegance and lifestyle, with the coupé and cabriolet meeting each individual customer requirement.

Autonomous AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension for more dynamism

More agility, neutral 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 high 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. 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+ fully variable all-wheel drive as standard

The fully 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 on a slippery surface. 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.

Available for the six-cylinder models for the first time: the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package

For an even more emotively appealing driving experience the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package bundles together technical and visual equipment details previously reserved for the eight-cylinder models. The highlights include the RACE drive program with Drift Mode. The AMG Performance steering wheel in DINAMICA microfibre then has steering wheel buttons for fast control of the drive programs and further settings for the driving dynamics. Red-painted brake callipers with AMG lettering on the front and rear axle visually underscore the sporty character.