Overview
The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 doesn’t compromise sportiness for luxuriousness, and vice versa, making it a complete and compelling machine. As with the regular Benz-branded E-class, the enhanced-by-AMG E53 is available as a sedan, coupe, or cabriolet and boasts a beautifully appointed and well-equipped interior. Unique to this AMG-tuned trio is a rich-sounding turbocharged straight-six-cylinder engine that pairs with an electric supercharger to produce an uninterrupted 429 horsepower. Teamed with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, it’s notably quick and capable in all four seasons. With a chassis that’s successfully setup to both excite and soothe the senses, the 2022 E53 does a masterful job of being everything to almost everyone.
What’s New for 2022?
For 2022, the E53 receives only a few minor alterations. Every model now comes with standard automatic high-beam headlights and a heated steering wheel. All three body styles can now also be painted in Nautical Blue metallic.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
All three E53 configurations come standard with all-wheel drive, an adjustable air suspension, a fully digital instrument panel, and a robust infotainment system, but we recommend the drop-top cabriolet model. We’d also select upscale options that include the head-up display and massaging front seats.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Every E53 is powered by an AMG-tuned turbocharged and supercharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine that makes 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. It pairs exclusively with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive. Manual swapping of the gears is available at any time via paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The last E53 coupe we tested 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. The E53 rides on standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch rollers. However, the larger set are more prone to eliciting harsh impacts.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
While the E53 sedan is rated for 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, both the coupe and convertible models have lower estimates. Both the coupe and convertible earned ratings of 21 mpg city, but the coupe is rated for 28 mpg highway while the convertible carries a 27 mpg rating. Once we have the chance to test one on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, we can evaluate its real-world mpg. The last E53 sedan we tested earned 32 mpg highway, which exceeded its government rating by 4 mpg. For more information about the E53’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
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
A large 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard and supports the company’s latest MBUX infotainment system. The unit can be controlled through myriad functions that include a touchpad on the center console, steering-wheel-mounted controls, and voice commands. The latter are intended to be an intuitive alternative to traditional switchgear, but our past experiences have failed to prove its innovation. Every E53 also comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Burmester stereo, and wireless charging.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
While driver-assistance technology such as automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring are standard, most additional equipment costs extra. For more information about the E53’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
- Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available automatic high-beam headlights
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes-AMG provides competitive limited and powertrain warranties. However, the company doesn’t offer complimentary scheduled maintenance—something that rivals from BMW and Jaguar do.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
