Mercedes-AMG chose to down-size from V8s in the C63 and it was not well received by the internet, and now the brand is already back-tracking as the four-cylinder PHEV won’t meet tighter emissions standards.
Luckily, it has more engines kicking around, including the 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-petrol in the Mercedes-AMG E53 sports sedan. This slinky four-door packs a 450kW/750Nm punch thanks to a plug-in hybrid system which also bestows 100km of electric-only driving range.
With an asking price of $202,100 before on-road costs, the AMG E53 is a little bigger than a similarly-priced C63, BMW M3 and Audi RS5, so should you consider it? Road test editor John Law gives the Chasing Cars verdict on the matter.
Time codes:
0:00 – Intro
0:57 – pricing, sizing
1:23 – no wagon!
1:55 – interior impressions
4:10 – seating
5:20 – back seat
6:58 – styling
7:46 – compromised boot
8:30 – running costs
10:03 – driving impressions
14:35 – drive modes
17:15 – safety systems
19:13 – honest verdict
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Chasing Cars is Australia’s most independent source of new car reviews, car industry news, comparisons and car guides. We give you a critical look at every new car you should consider!
Rubbish interior and hideous screens. I don't understand how people are wowed by these flashy designs and yet you actually sit inside and feel everything, the build quality is inferior to a Hyundai.
There is no "class" at Mercedes Benz anymore.
I drove the previous gen of this vehicle and it was not up to standard.
The BMW G30 M550i is a far better vehicle.
Too heavy….
$200k is crazy but I like the idea of this inline 6. Always thought the AMG C class (maybe called a C53?) should've got it when it debuted in the GLE.
definitely much better than the C63, Mercedes Benz really made a mess and a huge mistake putting a 4-cylinder engine in the C63. For me Audi did much better job with the new RS5.
as for E53 I actually think that is better than M5 and it's still keeping space for hopefully V8 powered E63 🤟😁🙏🙏 and lets see what Audi brings to the table with new RS6!
M5 vs RS6 vs E63 comparison test I can't wait for
The C63 is such a flop. I hope they don't try to say people are not interested in performance sedans.
This E53, I wouldn't mind one. Nice colour too.
Can the internal camera easily turn on and film if you get pulled over by police?
I think the ‘selfie cam’ could save you one day
In the video you can hear the rumble from the runflat tyres. I drove the previous gen E300 on air suspension and the noise from the tyres was unbelievable whilst driving the dealer demo. Mercedes-Benz need to fix this issue.
You get a feeling this was meant to be the new E63s but C63se flopped so hard MB badge this as E53 instead. Who knew AMG customers want V8?
25,000km service intervals is absolutely diabolical. The engine will be eating itself alive by the time the warranty is up.
Selfies! Zoom calls! Really? I think peak Mercedes has already passed.
6:44 look at the build quality 😂
I have mine on the way from Germany now, so excited!!!
I drive the new e300 same shape and already done 80,000k great car never had anything mechanically wrong with it
Such bad design in the 2020’s. Downfall of cars
$200k+??