New engine, 48V electrical system, fully variable all-wheel drive, larger brakes, and more equipment features: With the Mercedes-AMG E53 4MATIC+ as Saloon and Estate, the sports car and performance brand is opening up the world of AMG desirable for additional buyers. The centrepiece of the innovations is the electrified 3.0-litre engine featuring twin-turbocharging and an electric auxiliary compressor. The 6-cylinder in-line engine generates an output of 320 kW (435 hp) and delivers a peak torque of 520 Nm. Its EQ Boost starter generator briefly provides an additional 16 kW of output plus 250 Nm of torque and furthermore feeds the 48V on-board electrical system. Other technical highlights include the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and the fully variable all-wheel drive system AMG Performance 4MATIC+.
The new E53 4MATIC+ Saloon and the Estate replace the previous E43 4MATIC models and have been extensively enhanced.
The now 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 in snow. 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.
Higher top speed, larger brakes
The AMG Driver's Package for the first time allows increasing the electronically limited top speed in the new E53 models to 270 km/h. The compound braking system was adapted to the added power and performance: The front axle features cross-drilled and vented discs of size 370 x 36 mm with four-piston fixed callipers and AMG lettering, the rear axle is fitted with vented discs of size 360 x 26 mm with single-piston floating callipers.
A conspicuous visual differentiating feature of the new Saloon and the new Estate is the bonnet, which now features two striking power bulges. From the rear, the round twin tailpipe trim elements in high-gloss chrome (with Night package in high-gloss black) stand out. The bottom end of the rear apron is characterised by the new and more sporty diffuser look with three longitudinal fins. The dynamic appearance is rounded off by new optional 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in an aerodynamically optimised five-spoke design.
Interior with innovative control and display concept
The interior of the new AMG models welcomes the passengers with model-specific equipment features, luxurious materials and the innovative control and display concept of the E-Class. The synthesis of exclusivity and sportiness is also emphasised by the sport seats with an AMG-specific upholstery layout, red contrasting topstitching and AMG badge, red seat belts as well as trim in carbon-fibre or matt silver glass fibre. The optional Performance seats are now also available in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre.
The optional Widescreen Cockpit includes a large display with virtual instruments in the direct field of vision of the driver that serves as the instrument cluster, as well as a central display above the centre console for the infotainment system. Visually, the two displays under one shared glass cover blend into a Widescreen Cockpit and as a central element consequently emphasise the horizontal orientation of the interior design.
New AMG Performance steering wheel as standard
The new, standard-fit AMG Performance steering wheel in black nappa leather with red 12 o'clock marking offers extensive individualisation options such as, for example, different types of inserts or perforated leather in the grip area. Many functions such as, for example, DISTRONIC or telephony can be activated with the controls in the horizontal steering wheel spokes. The touch-sensitive Touch Control buttons respond to swiping motions. They enable the driver to control the entire infotainment system without having to take his/her hands off the steering wheel.
The infotainment system can also be operated via the touchpad with Controller in the centre console and by LINGUATRONIC voice control. Voice control has been extended to include vehicle functions. It now also controls the air conditioning and seat heating/ventilation, interior lights and the optional head-up display.
Six-cylinder in-line engine with EQ Boost starter generator
The new 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine of the E53 models is characterised by top 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. This innovation as well as the intelligent charging via an electric auxiliary 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.
High torque without lag
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 extremely spontaneously and provides a highly dynamic response without turbo lag. An additional bonus is the high level of refinement of the six-cylinder in-line engine.
Paving the way for hybrid functions: 48V on-board electrical system
The power for the 48V on-board electrical system is generated by the EQ Boost starter generator. The conventional 12 V electrical system is likewise supplied from the new network - by means of a DC/DC converter. The 48V battery increases the overall battery capacity in the vehicle, which allows supplying more electrical energy. The existing 12 V system supplies power to consumers such as lights, cockpit, infotainment displays and control units.
Hybrid functions thanks to EQ Boost starter-alternator
The EQ Boost starter generator is a key component of the 48V system and not only serves as an alternator, but is also responsible for hybrid functions. This allows fuel savings that were previously reserved for high-voltage hybrid technology. For the first time, the EQ Boost starter-alternator is also responsible for idle speed control.
The hybrid functions include boost with 16 kW of output and 250 Nm of torque, energy recovery, shifting of the load point, gliding mode and the virtually imperceptible restarting of the engine with the start/stop function.
Short shift times, high efficiency: AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission
The new 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. Whether automatic or initiated by the driver using the steering wheel shift paddles, upshifts or downshifts are implemented instantly. Especially in the "Sport+" and in manual driving modes, the transmission is very responsive.
Characteristics at the touch of a finger: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT
With the five DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes "Eco", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport+" and "Individual", the driver can tailor the characteristics of the new 53-series models even further to suit personal preferences at the press of a button. The available range extends from efficient and comfortable to very sporty. This modifies key parameters, such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering. Independently of the DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes, 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.
Independent AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension
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. This is done rapidly and precisely, using two separate valves for the rebound and compression forces in the dampers. 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.
