Skip advert
Advertisement

New Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe 2018 review

The new Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe is one of the first 53-badged models to arrive in the UK, but what's it like on the road?

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Mercedes E-Class
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Mercedes’ new 53-badged AMG cars represent a perfect halfway house between the standard models and the fire-breathing 63 variants. The efficiency benefits of the electric compressor are negligible, but the system works well to optimise available performance. The E 53 isn’t the last word in dynamic ability, but as a fast, practical and beautifully built luxury coupe, it makes a strong case.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Mercedes is busy electrifying its entire model range. From the humble C-Class to its S 560 e saloon; a further 10 full-EVs are due by 2022.

But in the melee of it all, the firm hasn’t forgotten about its AMG performance arm. As such, Mercedes has launched a new line of 53-badged models – and this E 53 Coupe is among the very first to arrive in the UK.

Best fast family cars on sale

Using the now familiar 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, Merc’s engineers have bolted on an electric compressor for 48v mild hybrid assistance. The system isn’t really designed to boost fuel efficiency – instead, it tries to eliminate turbo lag for faster responses.

In the real-world, that translates to quite impressive performance. The E 53 won’t pin you in your seat like its V8 siblings, but the way it builds speed is impressive. Bury the throttle on the exit of a roundabout and you’ll hit the national speed limit in the blink of an eye.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Q2

2023 Audi

Q2

49,852 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,397
View Q2
Kona Hybrid

2023 Hyundai

Kona Hybrid

39,775 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £13,997
View Kona Hybrid
A3 Sportback

2018 Audi

A3 Sportback

50,544 milesManualDiesel2.0L

Cash £12,497
View A3 Sportback
C-HR

2022 Toyota

C-HR

19,983 milesAutomaticPetrol1.8L

Cash £16,549
View C-HR

But the E-Class Coupe is still a big car with serious heft to haul around. It isn’t the last word in dynamic ability – feeling stable and secure rather than particularly fun. That said, with the 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system and slick box, it’s more than adept at keeping up with quicker cars on a country road.

Advertisement - Article continues below

But the E 53 is just as happy wafting down the motorway, where it sits quietly and comfortably; the ride isn’t pan smooth over broken surfaces, but it’ll rise and fall beautifully over larger undulations. The E-Class’s semi-autonomous technology makes it a relaxing car to drive long distances, too.

Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Estate long term test

Apart from the improved responses, you rarely notice the 48v system working its magic, however. The engine shuts down earlier than you might imagine as you come to a halt, but there’s no opportunity for zero-emissions cruising or silent manoeuvres around town.

Yet those after a sporty coupe will quickly warm to the 53’s rorty exhaust note. It falls short of the E 63 saloon’s boisterous thunder clap (there’s no AMG E 63 Coupe, by the way), but it’s pleasingly tuneful under hard acceleration.

Of course, the cabin is as exquisite here as it is on all E-Class models, with the 12.3-inch widescreen dials coming as standard on all E 53 Coupes. Our car’s black leather and contrast red stitching is also included, alongside 64-colour ambient lighting and privacy glass.

Externally, 53 models are marked out by their unique round exhaust pipes and AMG badging. The body styling is subtle, complemented by 19-inch wheels and LED lights.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,510 off RRP*
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,459 off RRP*Used from £15,045
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,578
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £12,195
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

EV affordability alarm! Running costs are £6k higher than for petrol cars, say car clubs
BYD Atto 3 - front cornering

EV affordability alarm! Running costs are £6k higher than for petrol cars, say car clubs

Running costs for car share club EVs are £6k higher than ICE equivalents according to new data
News
8 May 2025
Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future
Mazda MX-5 EV exclusive image - front

Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future

The next Mazda MX-5 roadster is set to be offered as a pure EV, and our exclusive images preview how it could look
News
10 May 2025
Bargain prices drive used car sales boom, but new cars struggle to sell
Used Renault Arkana - front action

Bargain prices drive used car sales boom, but new cars struggle to sell

Demand for pre-owned cars beats pre-pandemic levels as buyers seek out bargains
News
9 May 2025