Mercedes has just launched the performance-oriented AMG E53 and E63 S in India, with the E53’s price starting at Rs 1.02 crore and the E63 S priced from Rs 1.70 crore (ex-showroom, India). It is also worth mentioning that both the E53 and E63 S come with the standard wheelbase, unlike the regular E-Class in India that comes in the long wheelbase (LWB) form.
- Mercedes E53 uses a 435hp, 3.0-litre, in-line, six-cylinder twin-turbo engine
- E63 S comes with a 612hp, 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine
- Both models get Mercedes’ 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system
- Their interiors and features are in-line with the E-Class facelift
| Mercedes-AMG E-Class price (ex-showroom, India) | |
|---|---|
| Variant | Price |
| AMG E53 | Rs 1.02 crore |
| AMG E63 S | Rs 1.70 crore |
2021 Mercedes AMG E53: what is it?
In essence, the E53 is the entry level AMG model of the new E-Class facelift that sits above the standard range, but below the full-blown E63 S. This is the first time that the E-Class is being offered in the AMG E53 guise in India.
It features the updated styling and tech from the facelifted E-Class, though gets a number of AMG-specific design changes. These include an AMG-specific grille with 12 vertical slats and an enlarged Mercedes logo, along with a more aggressive front bumper. At the rear, there are flatter brake lights, a small boot-lip spoiler and a reshaped apron, which has also been aerodynamically optimised.
2021 Mercedes AMG E53: interiors
On the inside, it shares its overall layout with the E-Class facelift and features a 12.3-inch touchscreen MBUX infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, though, both screens offer bespoke AMG display options. There are also features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, wireless phone chargers and 360-degree parking camera. Other AMG specific touches include a new twin-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with larger aluminium paddleshifters and haptic feedback controls, sporty AMG seats up front and AMG badging dotted around the cabin.
2021 Mercedes AMG E53: engine and gearbox
Powering the E53 is a 3.0-litre, in-line, six-cylinder, twin-turbo petrol engine (same unit as in the GLE 53 Coupe) that develops 435hp and 520Nm. This powertrain also features Mercedes’ EQ Boost, 48V mild-hybrid system that can add up to 22hp and 250Nm to the overall output under hard acceleration. The gearbox duties are performed by a 9-speed automatic gearbox and power goes to all four wheels via the Mercedes’ advance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. Mercedes also offers AMG Ride Control+ air suspension as standard.
2021 Mercedes AMG E63 S: details
The new Mercedes-AMG E63 S is the range topping model, which packs even more performance than the E53. In terms of styling, the E63 S is very similar to the E53, though it does get an even more aggressive front bumper, a new rear diffuser, squared-off exhaust tips and 20-inch alloy wheels. The interiors and features list on the other hand remain unchanged, when compared to the E53.
Under the hood is where the main difference over the E53 lies, as the E63 S uses the same 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine as in the pre-facelift model. This engine churns out 612hp and 850Nm (same output as before), which is a massive 177hp and 330Nm more than the E53. This engine also comes with cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency. Here too, there is a 9-speed automatic gearbox that uses the 4Matic+ system to send power to all four wheels. All of this allows the E63 S to do the 0-100kph sprint in just 3.4sec.
2021 Mercedes AMG E63 S, E53: competition check
The top-spec Mercedes-AMG E63 S competes directly with the BMW M5 Competition (Rs 1.62 crore) and the Audi RS7 (Rs 1.94 crore), in India. Meanwhile, the AMG E53 doesn’t have any direct rivals in our market as none of its rivals offer a middle ground between the normal range and full-blown performance model in India.
Also see:
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2021 Mercedes Benz S Class review, test drive