On top of
announcing its performance results for the third quarter of 2018, Mercedes-Benz
Malaysia has also previewed the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4Matic+ today, one of the six
new models set to be introduced in the fourth quarter.
Available as either
a sedan or a coupé, the mid-range AMG model replaces the E 43 and remains a
more affordable rung in the Affalterbach ladder leading up to the
fire-spitting, V8-powered E 63. Pricing is estimated at RM 740,000 for the sedan
and RM 764,000 for the coupé, which would make the four-door around RM 80,000
more expensive than the outgoing E 43, a car that was only offered as a sedan.
The biggest
difference is the introduction of the AMG’s first ever EQ Boost mild hybrid
powertrain – already found in the CLS 53 – to supplant the older 3.0 litre
twin-turbocharged V6. Although the new engine is similar in capacity, it’s now
a straight-six and uses an electric compressor to supplement a conventional
exhaust-powered turbo, eliminating turbo lag and resulting in a 34 hp increase
to 435 hp and 520 Nm of torque.
This compressor is
powered by an 48-volt electric starter/generator motor, which can also provide
an extra 22 PS and 250 Nm of accelerative boost if required. All this is paired
to a nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automatic transmission and an AMG Performance
4Matic+ all-wheel drive system, enabling the coupé to sprint to 100 km/h in 4.4
seconds; the sedan is just 0.1 seconds slower at 4.5 seconds. An AMG
Performance exhaust system with switchable valves is included.
Both cars are
fitted with AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with Adaptive Damping System Plus
(ADS+), and receive higher spring rates to reduce body roll and improve
cornering stability. They also get special steering knuckles and load bearing
joints at the front, which work together with the increased negative camber all
around to enhance lateral dynamics. The larger brakes come with four-piston
callipers at the front.
You can tell the E
53 sedan apart from the older 43 through the redesigned rear diffuser
integrating quad round tailpipes, plus a new 20-inch two-tone alloy wheel
design you see here. It retains a full AMG Line appearance package with a more
aggressive front bumper and side sills, as well as a small rear spoiler an
AMG-badged grille with chrome pins. The coupé is all new and gets a dual-bar
grille instead.
Inside, both models
are fitted with a new Nappa leather-trimmed flat-bottomed steering wheel (with
Dinamica microfibre grips on the coupé) from the facelifted C-Class, along with
AMG sports seats upholstered in Nappa leather; the coupé gains red stitching to
go with its red seat belts. The two-door also has aluminium dashboard trim
instead of the four-door’s carbon fibre.
Standard equipment
on both cars include Multibeam LED headlights, keyless entry, triple-zone auto
climate control, heated power-adjustable front seats with memory, 64-colour
ambient lighting, Air Balance fragrance, a panoramic sunroof, a rear windscreen
blind, a handsfree powered bootlid, a Widescreen Cockpit with twin 12.3-inch
displays, Comand Online navigation, Qi wireless charging and a 13-speaker
Burmester surround sound system. Opting for the coupé adds a head-up display,
while the sedan gets rear side window blinds.
Safety-wise, both
models are equipped with the Driving Assistance package, consisting of
Distronic adaptive cruise control, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind
Spot Assist and Evasive Steering Assist. Last but not least is Active Parking
Assist and a 360-degree camera.
