Taking delivery of my E53AMG Cabriolet tonight. Drove it yesterday while it was being cleaned up etc. Wow, the E53AMG version of this car is not the same as the E450. Unbelievable handling and power and sound, very different ride than the E450. Impressive. Holy mackerel Batman. Pictures to come.

 

 

The ride in the E53 is different from the E450 for sure. There is no roll on turns, the suspension - even in comfort mode - is stiffer than the sport mode on an E450. The handling is light years different from the E450. I almost backed out of the cost for the E53 and bought an E450, but after driving them side by side, the E53 just ruins driving the E450. But this opinion applies only to those wanting a sports car. If you dont want a sports car but wants a sports car feel, then the E450 is more your style. Driving an E53 with the AMG seats across country or on a 6 hour drive will NOT be nearly as comfortable as driving an E450 with multi contour massaging seats. That is the one thing I would have preferred - an E53 build with the multi contour massaging seats. But as for the suspension, the ride is tight, responsive, and cornering is amazing. The E53AMG feels like - or better - than the ride I had in my BMWs (but I never owned an M racing version of the BMWs, I drove the 750i, 740i and two 3-series).

If you are undecided, do not dirve the E53 first. Go drive the E450 and if you like it buy it. Once you drive an E53, you will feel uneventful when you get back into the E450 (that was my experience).

 

AZEZ - thanks for the comparison. As an E400 Cab owner, I am very interested in hearing from owners as they take delivery and drive the E53. CONGRATS and enjoy !

 

 

You can drive/obtain/order an E53 with the multi contour/massaging seats … unfortunately this option is marked up an additional $370 over their cost in the E450, plus you are also forced to order a leather interior and the warmth and comfort packages … basically making this sub $1000 item a $5000+ option … or so says the DOG. I'm still waiting for the E53 build on the configurator to magically materialize.

 

 

 

Yes, you can get the multi contour massaging seats on the E53, but you need order only the leather seats OR the warmth and comfort package, not both. Actually, I built my car and watched it through production until it got here and the Scottsdale MB dealership was unwilling to sell me the car at a price every other dealership was willing to offer (and the salesperson was my friend). My original order had the massaging multi contour seats. I refunded my deposit and bought a different car - different dealership - at about $370/month less. My car is almost identical to the build I specified without the massaging multi contour seats and white instead of selenite grey. Otherwise pretty much the same. I will send pictures later in the week.

The red interior is awesome, way better than I anticipated. If ordering an E53, order the red or the saddle brown two-tone interior. Beautiful. There was another E53AMG Coupe in the selenite grey, black top, and the red/black two tone interior. That color combination was amazing...but I wanted a cabriolet.

Another thing I noticed is the brakes. When driving the E400 (after driving the E53) it seemed that I had to really stand on the brakes to stop the car (in comparison). That scared me but Im sure had I not driven the E53 first, i would not have noticed anything. Not sure if the E450 has different brakes than the E400. Also I didnt order the AMG exhaust but the white car i bought had it, and Im glad I have it.

Im really happy with the light and nimble feel of the E53, really responsive, super easy to drive, and honestly handles every bit as good as any BMW I've owned - in fact better. The air suspension and AWD has a significant impact on the handling, feel, and driving experience.

 

AZEZ - congrats again and thanks for your impressions - Question: ? do you have the 19' tires or the 20" ... and earlier post described the 20" tires as a slight bit harsh ... ? your thoughts on that ?

 

^ From page 48 of the E53 DOG dated 6/14:

Code 399 Active Multicontour Front Seats w/ Massage Feature
Not with Black MB/Tex DINAMICA w/Red Stitching (651) ((translation … requires leather interior option))
Requires Warmth and Comfort Package (445 package)

as I indicated earlier, this is according to the E53 DOG, which may/may not have been revised to reflect your 'either/or' contention. I welcome definitive information from a dealer rep, such as EuroGermantown who frequents the W213 forum for the ground truth, as I personally find the gouging of a potential customer of nearly $6K for a $1K option on a lessor variant abhorrent. I asked for those experienced in AMG vs non-AMG vehicles if this was a typical pricing practice of MB when introducing new AMG variants, but received zero response.

 

yes that's deceiving. I was told the same when making my order but I resisted and told them I thought their interpretation of the guide wrong wrong. They investigated and agreed and I was able to order my E53 with multicontour with the leather seats and no W&C. Its either or.

 

I have the 20" wheels with Pirelli run flat performance tires. I think they ride fine. Ive had really stiff Pirellis before that I didnt care for but these ride nice.

 

Ive noticed I can drive the E53 in ECO mode getting over 22 close to 23 MPG, with performance equivalent to an E300 in sport+ mode or an E450 in comfort.

 

 

Here is my MPG indicator in the E53AMG. 22.6MPG

 

 

Anyone know the very first E53s when they were sold to customers in the U.S? I am curious how many weeks or months they've technically been released.

 

FYI I think my E53 Cab was in the first batch.
11/01/18 Arrived VPC Baltimore
11/08/18 Released
11/17/18 Arrived at dealer
11/19/18 in my driveway

 

 

Awesome!

 

My dealer got my car on 11/09 2pm. First delivery Sold 5pm to me.

 

 

BenzC400 - Shaping up to be a GREAT Christmas !! Congrats on the delivery of one sharp looking automobile.