Overview

The Mercedes-AMG E53 is a successful exercise in multiple personalities. All three body styles—sedan, coupe, and convertible—share a velvety turbocharged inline-six with electric assist. Not only is this powertrain smooth and efficient, but it sends up to 429 horsepower through an equally competent nine-speed automatic transmission. Some might find the silky inline-six too tame to wear the AMG nameplate, but we’re sold. Behind the engine sits a luxurious cabin anointed with premium materials and myriad options such as massaging seats and semi-autonomous driving ability. All of this rides on a standard air suspension that adjusts for supreme comfort or firm handling depending on the driving situation. Few cars on the market can impress in as many ways as the E53—if you have the means, we highly recommend picking one up.

What's New for 2020?

With very little to improve upon, Mercedes-AMG is keeping changes simple for 2020. The E53 and all other AMG models receive a standard Emotion Start feature, which prompts the vehicle to elicit a louder exhaust note on startup. A Slippery mode is added to the drive modes, and illuminated doorsills are now standard. Matte fiberglass trim, two new performance steering wheels, and buttons to adjust the drive modes are newly optional.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The E53 strikes a peculiar balance between the rip-snorting E63 and the docile E450. We would select the cabriolet and save the hard-top coupe and sedan for those concerned more with raw performance. Standard air suspension, 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and all-wheel drive make most options superfluous. Having our way with color choice and some premium add-ons such as massaging front seats, cabin-fragrance system, and a performance exhaust, we would leave the dealership for $92,760. It's a steep price for sure, but we challenge you to find a more comprehensive package for less than six figures.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The E53's engine is well mannered at idle and cruising speeds. We're most impressed with its sharp response to every prod of the throttle and the virtual absence of turbo lag. Of the several drive modes, Eco and Comfort—as their names suggest—are best suited for efficiency and relaxation; Sport and Sport+ activate more aggressive throttle and transmission characteristics, plus a snarling exhaust note. Manual swapping of the gears is available at any time via paddle shifters on the steering wheel. We tested an E53 coupe and it sprinted from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.

The standard air suspension seamlessly makes the switch from twisty-road demon to comfortable freeway cruiser. Swapping drive modes subtly changes the sedan's road-damping demeanor without becoming either pillowy or punishing. The steering—as with the other dynamics—is crisp, sweetly responsive, and well balanced, blending feedback and precision.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The sedan and coupe model are each rated for 28 mpg highway, but the EPA expects the convertible to be less efficient in that metric by 2 mpg. We haven't yet had the chance to test any of the E53 variants on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test loop, so we can't speak to the accuracy of these ratings. Then again, how concerned with fuel economy can you be if you're buying a 429-hp performance car?

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The E53 earns top marks for interior build quality and the ability to make its passengers feel as if they have just walked into a fine high-end pastry shop in Paris. The sporty, upscale cabin is completed by a collection of deluxe standard and optional features. The standard interior is plenty fancy, but deep-pocketed buyers can elevate the experience further with exotic wood trims, a fragrance atomizer, and massaging front seats. Flashy red seatbelts are standard fare but can be replaced with black belts for free, which we would choose to do. The only thing that irked us was the column shifter, which is awkward to use at first, looks out of place in a sports sedan, and feels fragile.

The E53 sedan has the smallest trunk volume among most rivals, yet we managed to fit a comparable number of carry-ons in it; with the rear seats in place we managed to fit five suitcases inside. Coupe and convertible models are less practical. Interior storage space is significantly better than the competition, with a commodious center console and a massive underfloor trunk compartment.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Digital instrumentation is the norm in this class, but the E53's huge, dazzling dual-screen setup would've impressed Steve Jobs. An extended list of top-notch features such as a 12.3-inch wide-screen instrument cluster, wireless charging, and a premium Burmester surround-sound system are standard.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Preemptive-safety tech, semi-autonomous driving, and further futuristic features are available on the E53. Excellent crash-test ratings and several standard assists stand out on this modern performance sedan. The Mercedes-Benz E-class sedan, on which the E53 is based, was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and earned five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic merges luxury coupe elegance with AMG’s performance DNA. Positioned between the CLE 43 and 63, it targets drivers seeking a balanced blend of power, agility, and refinement. Replacing the C/E-Class coupes, the CLE 53 features cutting-edge tech, a bespoke AMG chassis, and a mild-hybrid powertrain.

Engine & Performance

• Engine: 3.0L inline-6 turbocharged with EQ Boost (48V mild hybrid system).
• Power: Estimated 435 hp / 384 lb-ft torque (EQ Boost adds 23 hp temporarily).
• Transmission: AMG Speedshift TCT 9-speed automatic.
• Drivetrain: AMG-tuned 4Matic+ AWD with rear torque bias.
• 0-60 mph: ~3.8 seconds (estimated).
• Top Speed: Electronically limited to 155 mph (optional AMG Driver’s Package increases to 174 mph).
• Suspension: AMG Ride Control adaptive dampers; optional air suspension.
• Brakes: 14.2-inch front discs with 4-piston calipers (carbon-ceramic optional).

Driving Impressions:
Expect sharp throttle response and seamless hybrid-assisted acceleration. The 4Matic+ system enhances cornering grip, while the suspension balances sportiness with comfort. A "Drift Mode" may be included for rear-focused fun.

Exterior Design

• AMG Styling: Panamericana grille, aggressive front splitter, flared wheel arches.
• Lighting: Standard LED Multibeam headlights; optional Digital Light tech.
• Wheels: 20-inch AMG cross-spoke alloys; summer performance tires.
• Aero: Rear diffuser, quad exhaust tips, and subtle spoiler.
• Colors: New AMG-specific hues (e.g., "Solarbeam Yellow") alongside classic options.

Interior & Technology

• Dashboard: Latest MBUX Hyperscreen (12.3-inch digital cluster + 14.4-inch central touchscreen).
• Seats: AMG Performance seats with massage/heating/cooling (Nappa leather standard).
• Trim: Carbon fiber, matte aluminum, or open-pore wood accents.
• Features:
  • Augmented Reality Navigation.
  • Burmester 3D Surround Sound.
  • Advanced Driver Aids (e.g., Distronic+ with lane-change assist).
  • AMG Track Pace telemetry.

Key Specifications