Facelifted Mercedes-Benz E-Class to Sport Loads of Connectivity
AMG E 53 4MATIC+ comes in Sedan, Coupé and Cabrio
Next up and probably the most significant of these new models. The AMG E 53 4MATIC+ in the choice of Sedan, Coupé and Cabrio. Propelled by an all-new 429 hp 384 lb-ft 2999 cc straight six hybrid. With an exhaust gas turbo and an electric charger too. Add an electric motor residing in its 9-speed gearbox for a bonus 21 hp 185 lb-ft EQ Boost additional output. Its good for a 4.3 second 0-60, 155 mph and 28 highway mpg in the Coupe.
All the new AMG 53s also come with Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution. We indulged in a series of drag race tests that brought the best out of it and the E63s’ user friendly launch control. Just plant it with your left foot on the brake, count down from three and let the brake go. Wow! Hold on tight.
Both AMG models launch with a mad and impressive sense of urgency and without any wheel slip. Traction is immediate and the cars track perfectly straight. Gear changes are unnoticeable and braking is urgent. All well under control.
Facelifted E-Class: Solid Feel
One has a solid feel of the car through the comfortable, thick steering wheel. That new damping system keeps it more than comfortable at all times — even on track. They are super stable with a solid and precise braking feel too. The gearbox box is lightning quick with rev matching blips that sound great through deceleration. Assisted by a small DC motor on launch, the E53 also makes brisk town commuting effortless.
The rest of the Facelifted E-Class range comprises an E350 Sedan and an E 450 available in all three Sedan, Coupé and cabriolet body styles. All the 450 models are optionally available with 4Matic all-wheel drive. The 255 hp 273 lb-ft E350 sedan is good for 60 mph in 6 seconds and consumes 30 highway mpg. The 362 hp 369 lb-ft 3-litre straight six E450 sips 30 mpg and tops 150 mph in the sedan.
Even the Base E350 Feels Solid, Sound on the Road
Out on the road, the E 350 Sedan felt solid and behaved very well. Acceleration is punchy and impressive, especially at high altitude and the engines rev freely through a silky smooth drivetrain. The Facelifted E-Class is stable on the road, even in hard braking. E-Class is well balanced and there are no surprises in the handling department.
Riding the Cabriolet with the top down and the windows up is a wonderful experience. Airflow is pleasantly mild with no buffeting at higher speeds.
Already voted Motor Trend Car of the Year, Mercedes’ Facelifted E-Class range may not be all new. But it also seems quite a bit more than just a facelift. All very much in keeping with the three-pointed Stuttgart star’s incessant pursuit of perfection.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
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