It’s remarkable that the E-Class, a benchmark in the premium mid-size sedan segment, is nearing replacement after seven years in the US market and yet remains thoroughly competitive. The Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan for 2023, while not the freshest face, continues to make a compelling case in that sought-after middle ground of performance, sharing space with veterans like the BMW 5 Series (and its M550i xDrive counterpart, also due for an update) and the slightly newer Audi S6. In fact, fresh metal from the German Big Three is noticeably absent in this category.
The 2023 Mercedes-benz Amg E53 boasts a potent 429-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder engine, positioning itself above the standard E-Class models but below the ferocious AMG E63 variants. The Audi S6 with its 444-hp V6 follows a similar strategy, leaving the BMW M550i xDrive, wielding a 523-hp V8, as the clear power leader. Given that the BMW is priced similarly to the E53, does its superior horsepower make it the obvious choice, offering more performance per dollar? Or does the 2023 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan still hold some unique advantages?
What’s New for the 2023 AMG E53 Sedan?
The 2023 mercedes-benz amg e53 marks the final year for this generation of the German sedan, cruising into its twilight years with minimal changes. The updates are limited to minor adjustments in trim options and paint colors. However, the price does see a significant increase of $6,300, bringing the MSRP to $81,300.
2023 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan Pricing and Trim
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Sedan starts at $81,300, excluding the $1,150 destination charge and any optional extras. With only one E53 trim level available, the final price hinges on personalization through optional features. Considering the already substantial base price, we recommend, at minimum, adding the Driver Assistance package for $1,950. This package includes crucial safety and convenience features that arguably should be standard at this price point, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, along with evasive steering assist and lane change assist.
| AMG E53 4MATIC Sedan |
|---|
| Fully Loaded |
| $ 81,300 |
| 3.0L turbo-six (429 hp/384 lb-ft), 9-speed automatic and AWD |
| 19-inch alloys, LED headlights, power sunroof |
| Nappa leather upholstery and heated front seats |
| Dual 12.3-inch displays, 13-speaker Burmester audio |
| Blind-spot monitoring, surround-view camera, automatic parking |
Interior Design and Key Features
The cabin of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 retains a contemporary feel, even with its age, thanks to the expansive dual MBUX displays. Standard equipment is generous, and passenger space is competitive within its class.
The focal point of the AMG E53’s interior is undoubtedly the MBUX infotainment system. Its dual 12.3-inch displays dominate the dashboard, complemented by a wide trim strip housing four circular air vents beneath. The build quality is robust, utilizing premium materials, and the design remains modern despite the car’s age. Satin silver accents adorn various trim pieces, but the predominantly black interior can feel somewhat austere unless opting for lighter upholstery choices. The flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel, wrapped in Nappa leather, features touch-sensitive controls that may require a period of adjustment for intuitive use. The traditional three-box sedan design ensures easy ingress and egress through large doors, even for rear passengers.
Passenger Space and Comfort
The 2023 AMG E53 Sedan provides ample interior space, comfortably accommodating four adults of average height. While headroom isn’t as expansive as in an SUV, it remains generous for a sedan. The rear seats also offer sufficient headroom, owing to the E-Class’s non-coupe-like roofline. Rear legroom is slightly less than the BMW 5 Series or Audi S6, but the difference is marginal. Interestingly, the Audi S6 offers the most rear legroom despite having the shortest wheelbase in this comparison. As is typical, the center rear seat is less comfortable and best reserved for occasional use, as shoulder room becomes limited with three rear occupants.
Cargo Capacity and Interior Storage
Trunk space is a weak point for all three German competitors, but the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 lags slightly behind with only 13.1 cubic feet of cargo volume. This is less than the Audi S6’s 13.7 cubic feet and the BMW M550i xDrive’s 14 cubic feet. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats can expand cargo capacity, though Mercedes doesn’t specify the exact volume increase.
Interior storage is adequately addressed with a glove compartment, front cupholders, a lidded center console storage bin, a wireless charging pad in the front cabin, and door pockets on all four doors. The rear fold-down armrest incorporates a shallow storage compartment and two pop-out cupholders.
| Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan | Audi S6 | BMW M550i xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5-seater | 5-seater |
| Headroom | 37.5 in. front 37.6 in. rear | 38 in. front 38.1 in. rear |
| Legroom | 41.7 in. front 36.2 in. rear | 41.3 in. front 37.4 in. rear |
| Trunk Space | 13.1 ft³ | 13.7 ft³ |
Interior Materials and Color Options
Standard Nappa leather upholstery lends a premium feel, although the default black interior color scheme creates a somewhat dark ambiance. Fortunately, several no-cost alternative interior colors are available, including Nut Brown/black and Macchiato Beige/black. Titanium Grey/black with red stitching is another complimentary option.
No-cost trim choices encompass Natural Grain Black Ash Wood, Brown Ash Wood, Natural Grain Brown Ash Wood, Natural Grain Grey Ash Wood, and Aluminum with longitudinal or carbon grain patterns. For an additional cost, Manufaktur Piano Black “Flowing Lines” Lacquer is offered for $1,300, and AMG Carbon Fiber trim for $2,850.
The steering wheel is standard with Nappa leather trim, but a Nappa leather and microfiber combination is a $500 upgrade. The standard cloth headliner can be upgraded to microfiber for $1,600, and red seatbelts are a no-cost option, specifically complementing the Titanium Grey/black interior.
Standard Features and Infotainment System
Mercedes-Benz can sometimes be perceived as conservative with standard features, but the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Sedan is generally well-equipped, with a few notable exceptions. Standard features include Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats with memory settings for both driver and passenger, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry and start, a power sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, an electronic trunk closer, remote start, and customizable 64-color ambient interior lighting. Optional features include soft-close doors, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats.
The MBUX infotainment system is a highlight, featuring dual 12.3-inch digital displays – one serving as the instrument cluster and the other as a touchscreen infotainment interface. Control is possible via voice commands or a console-mounted touchpad controller. Features include navigation with complimentary over-the-air map updates for the first year, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, SiriusXM, HD Radio, a wireless charging pad, front USB-C ports, and a 13-speaker Burmester surround-sound audio system. Optional upgrades include a Wi-Fi subscription, a head-up display, rear USB ports, the MBUX Interior Assistant, and the AMG Track Pace app.
| AMG E53 4Matic Sedan |
|---|
| Heated power front seats |
| Nappa leather upholstery |
| Dual 12.3″ displays with navigation |
| 13-speaker Burmester audio system |
| Head-up display |
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Sedan delivers performance on par with the Audi S6, though it trails the BMW M550i xDrive. However, many will appreciate the AMG’s class-leading fuel economy combined with spirited acceleration and engaging sports-sedan handling.
Powering the 2023 AMG E53 Sedan is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine enhanced with mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. Despite being considered the “AMG Lite” version of the E-Class, the E53 boasts a sophisticated drivetrain comprising an AMG Speedshift TCT nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive. The engine’s smooth operation and the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system’s torque-filling capabilities ensure seamless and rapid acceleration, effectively eliminating turbo lag. The Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan achieves a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.4 seconds, matching the Audi S6. However, both are noticeably slower than the 523-hp V8-powered BMW M550i xDrive, which leads the segment with a blistering 3.6-second time. The E53’s top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Towing is not recommended for AMG sedans, and the E53 lacks a rated towing capacity or a factory tow hitch option.
The E53’s AWD system omits the RWD and drift modes found in the V8 AMGs, but for most drivers, this won’t be a significant drawback. These modes are primarily suited for track use and would quickly consume rear tires. Instead, the E53 provides a pleasingly rear-biased handling feel, further refined by adaptive air suspension. Five driving modes allow customization of powertrain and suspension settings to suit various conditions. Unlike the firmer E63, the E53 maintains a degree of compliance, effectively absorbing road imperfections despite its sporting character. This makes it a more versatile daily driver. In Comfort mode, the suspension softens, and the nine-speed automatic transmission shifts almost imperceptibly when cruising. Yet, the E53 remains capable of covering ground rapidly, thanks to its responsive engine and composed handling on less-than-perfect roads. AMG Performance brakes with 14.6-inch front rotors ensure confident stopping power, even under demanding conditions.
Fuel Economy and MPG
While not the quickest in its class, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Sedan‘s six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid assistance excels in fuel efficiency. EPA estimates are an impressive 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. This surpasses both the Audi S6 and BMW M550i in fuel economy.
Coupled with a generous 21.1-gallon fuel tank, the largest in this group, the E53 boasts an estimated combined driving range of 506 miles, a significant 146 miles further than the BMW M550i xDrive.
| 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas9-Speed AutomaticAWD |
|---|
| Power |
| Top speed |
| MPG |
| 0-60 |
Safety Ratings and Features
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Sedan offers strong safety performance and features such as automated parking and a surround-view monitor. However, it’s disappointing that adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking are optional extras.
While a specific safety review for the Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan is unavailable, the E-Class Sedan as a whole achieved a perfect five-star overall rating in NHTSA crash tests, demonstrating excellent crashworthiness. Similarly, the E-Class performed well in IIHS evaluations, earning “Good” ratings across the board and a Top Safety Pick+ award for 2022. However, the Top Safety Pick+ designation applies only to models equipped with optional driver-assistance features.
Standard safety features include nine airbags, a rearview camera, tire-pressure monitoring, ABS brakes, and stability control. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking initiation are also standard. However, adaptive cruise control, full automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning are not standard – a notable omission at this price point, especially considering they are otherwise part of a comprehensive safety suite. Adaptive cruise control with stop & go, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, evasive steering assist, full automatic emergency braking, speed limit assist, and other advanced features are available as part of the $1,950 Driver Assistance package.
Standard driver-assistance features include crosswind assist, automatic LED headlights with automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automated parking, a surround-view monitor, and rain-sensing wipers. Optional safety enhancements include a head-up display ($1,100) and adaptive headlights ($750).
| AMG E53 4Matic Sedan |
|---|
| Blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert |
| Automated parking |
| Surround-view monitor |
| Adaptive cruise control |
| Automatic emergency braking |
Reliability and Recalls
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Sedan appears to have good reliability ratings. JD Power awarded the E-Class range an 81 out of 100 score for Quality & Reliability. To date, there have been two recalls for the 2023 AMG E53: one for a software issue in the exit-warning system and another for a fuel pump that could potentially fail, leading to loss of power. The fuel pump issue also affected the 2022 E53, which had additional recalls, including an improperly secured 12V battery, misrouted wiring harness, steering wheel hands-off detection software error, and a malfunctioning seatbelt locking retractor.
The 2023 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan‘s warranty coverage is standard for the segment, with both limited and powertrain warranties lasting for four years or 50,000 miles.
Warranty Coverage
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
Exterior Design and Styling
The 2023 AMG E53 Sedan received a facelift two years ago to bridge the gap until the arrival of the redesigned 2024 E-Class. Its exterior design embodies typical Mercedes-Benz sedan aesthetics: a sleek silhouette and a tapered rear end that contributes to its elegant appearance but also to the somewhat limited trunk space. The Panamericana grille features vertical slats, and aggressive air intakes in the front fascia signal its sporty intentions. Quad oval tailpipes and dark-tinted taillights further enhance the rear design. LED headlights and a power tilting/sliding sunroof are standard, while a panoramic power sunroof is a $1,000 option.
The car rides on 19-inch AMG twin five-spoke alloy wheels, with various 20-inch designs available as upgrades. Exterior customization options include a dark-tinted grille ($450), the AMG Night package ($750) which blacks out exterior trim elements, and the AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber package ($1,750) adding carbon fiber accents.
Verdict: Is the 2023 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan a Recommended Purchase?
The 2023 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan is undeniably a compelling vehicle, arguably the most appealing model within the E-Class lineup. It strikes a harmonious balance between robust performance and engaging handling, while offering superior comfort compared to the more aggressive V8-powered AMG models – all at a more accessible price point. However, production is concluding after this model year, pending the arrival of the next-generation E53. Purchasing the current model means owning a vehicle that will soon be superseded. The same applies to the BMW M550i xDrive, although it boasts significantly quicker acceleration. The Audi S6 is slightly newer, but age isn’t necessarily a definitive advantage. Ultimately, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Sedan remains an excellent premium mid-size sports sedan, delivering a class-leading combination of performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency, even as it enters its final year of production in this generation.
