The 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet is high-tech and handsome

Usually, I might draw back from a Mercedes-AMG convertible. AMGs are normally a little bit too hard-edged and maniacal for my tastes, and not likely within the spirit of what I might need in a luxurious convertible. The AMG E53 is completely different, although. In truth, it is one in every of my favourite vehicles I’ve pushed to date this yr.

The center of the E53 is its AMG-tuned 3.0-liter turbocharged I6 engine with mild-hybrid help. It lacks the guttural heavy-metal ogre growl of AMG’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, positive, however makes up for it with wonderful smoothness and a surprisingly pleasing yowl in its higher rev vary. The E53 is probably the most highly effective E-Class convertible you may get, by the best way; there is no E63 out there.

The I6 engine makes a wholesome 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque with little to no perceptible delay in energy, largely due to the EQ-Enhance mild-hybrid system. EQ-Enhance not solely smooths out the start-stop operation, however its electrical motors provide sufficient supplemental enhance — 21 hp and 184 lb-ft — to get the E53 transferring till the turbochargers are on full boil. Accelerating to 60 mph takes a scant 4.Four seconds, which is fairly good for a 4,566-pound convertible.

The E53’s engine is paired with a nine-speed computerized transmission. It capabilities invisibly when left to its personal gadgets and provides crisp upshifts and downshifts when referred to as upon by way of the steering wheel-mounted paddles.

An added good thing about this smaller-displacement, electrically assisted engine is gasoline financial system. The EPA charges the 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet at 21 miles per gallon within the metropolis, 27 mpg freeway and 23 mpg mixed, which I’ve no hassle matching in common driving.

2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 4Matic Cabriolet: A top-notch top-down driving expertise

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Being a heavy, midsize convertible, the E53 is not precisely sports-car sharp, however that is not a nasty factor. The E53’s suspension does a superb job of smoothing out tough roads, even in its most aggressive Sport Plus mode, and there’s a noticeable distinction in journey high quality between the convertible’s Consolation, Sport and Sport Plus suspension settings. The steering is correct and well-weighted, although in Sport Plus mode, it feels needlessly heavy. The large, multipiston brakes are straightforward to modulate and have loads of stopping energy in most conditions, although they’re liable to fading after a spirited drive.

The up to date E-Class’ inside is likely one of the finest within the enterprise, and that carries over to the Cabriolet. The match and end and materials selections are all top-notch and befitting of a automobile within the E53’s worth vary (extra on that later). The sporty AMG seats are very comfy and have loads of adjustability, so even somebody of my measurement — 6 toes, Four inches — can get cozy with out a lot trial and error.

The huge digital instrument panel and infotainment display screen look sensible, providing up all the data you can need in a method that is clear and wise. Each screens completely outline the feel and appear of the E53’s inside, and that is a great factor. The tiny screens on the steering-wheel mounted controls are additionally a cool contact, permitting you to regulate continuously used objects just like the transmission’s handbook mode or the game exhaust on/off change. This all makes the E53 really feel tech-forward and fashionable.

The cornerstone of the E53’s tech is its MBUX infotainment system, which provides highly effective natural-speech recognition for most of the cabin controls (like warmth and stereo quantity) in addition to must-haves like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Mixed with its colourful, crisp imagery, MBUX is amongst my favourite infotainment methods out there immediately.

I can also’t discuss in regards to the E53 Cabriolet’s inside with out speaking about Air Scarf. For many who have by no means skilled this characteristic, it is mainly a tiny area heater that lives in every entrance headrest, blowing scorching air in your neck. It makes cool-weather, top-down motoring a breeze (pun supposed). It is improbable, and I discover myself utilizing it on a regular basis.

Sadly, all of this goodness does not come low cost. The 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet begins at $83,845 together with a $995 vacation spot charge, and my extraordinarily well-equipped tester is available in only a hair beneath $105,000. Let’s face it, that is some huge cash. Mercedes’ convertibles have at all times carried a hefty premium, and the E53 is not any completely different.

As for the aggressive set, the E53 is form of in a category of its personal. The Audi S5 Convertible is smaller, much less highly effective and cheaper — actually, it competes with Merc’s personal AMG C43 Cabriolet. The Lexus LC Convertible begins at $101,000 and has an excellent, naturally aspirated V8, nevertheless it lacks a variety of the Merc’s tech. The BMW eight Sequence is rather a lot greater. And actually, I might take the E53 over all of those.

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet is a improbable luxurious convertible that gives attractiveness, nice tech and wonderful highway manners, nevertheless it’s costly. Then once more, in case you’re purchasing for a automobile on this section, you most likely aren’t searching for a fantastic worth. Price ticket apart, there’s little or no to dislike in regards to the pretty AMG E53.