While the new demand for SUVs rapidly progressing into the luxury segment, convertibles have always been a favourite in the luxury segment. The feeling of the breeze blowing through your hair is undefinable and can’t be beaten by any luxury car other than a convertible. Mercedes-AMG has announced its plans to expand into the convertible segment by launching the E53 Cabriolet 4Matic+ in India on January 6 as a CBU-only import. The E53 Cabriolet is fundamentally the two-door, convertible variant of the E-class sedan and is available in the more powerful AMG guise. We cover everything you need to know about the Mercedes AMG E53 Cabriolet, including the exterior, powertrain, features and everything in between.
Mercedes AMG E 53 Cabriolet – Exterior
From the outside, this open-top Merc is nothing but a gorgeous cruiser. On the front, the 2023 Mercedes AMG E53 Cabriolet displays crisp lines and an AMG-specific Panamericana radiator grille and vertical slats. (Fun fact: the Panamericana grill actually honours Mercedes-racing AMG’s legacy). In addition, a massive air inlet is located in the lower front fascia. The back of the E53 is differentiated by two large LED tail lights that appear to wrap over the rear quarter panel, giving the impression that the car is broader. One can also notice soft, elegant curves throughout the body of the car.
AMG-only updates to the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Cabriolet include a signature grille and the earlier mentioned reworked front splitter that resemble the front end of the AMG-GT supercar.
Mercedes AMG E53 Cabriolet – Interior
Moving on to the inside of this German roadster, one can notice right off the bat that the car is quite loaded with luxury elements almost everywhere. Mercedes has made sure that the E 53 Cabriolet only contains the best materials for a comfortable ride. From the extra-supportive seats to the tastefully done exotic colourful accents, the sporty cabin of the car looks and feels comfortable yet opulent in every way. Speaking of the convertible top, the brand has ensured a smooth setup. When you want the roof to be up, the E 53 Cabriolet’s “acoustic” soft top provides a calm interior environment. It sits under the rear deck, separate from the boot, and retracts in under 20 seconds and can do so at speeds of not more than 50 kmph.
Mercedes AMG E53 Cabriolet – Features
Talking about features, the E 53 Cabrioletgets a wide array of tech and gizmos to keep you engaged and entertained and assisted throughout your journey. Right off the bat, one notices the massive 12.3-inch touchscreen with the latest AMG MBUX infotainment system located right in the centre of the dashboard. The MBUX recognises gesture movements, enabling smooth interactions with the infotainment system without peeling your eyes off the road. Other useful features include the Air Cap, a retractable wind deflector that even protects the back seats from cold winds, and Airscarf neck heaters which keeps the necks of passengers warm. Powered front sport seats with memory and massaging features, a digital driver’s display, and an AMG-branded steering wheel with touch controls are the other secondary highlights of the premium equipment on offer.
Mercedes AMG E53 Cabriolet – Powertrain
Perhaps the 2022 AMG E53 Cabriolet’s most striking characteristic includes its impressively packed turbocharged straight-six engine. The AMG E 53 Cabriolet is powered by a 3-liter six-cylinder petrol engine, mated to a nine-speed AMG Speedshift TVT 9G DCT transmission which distributes power to all 4 wheels. Supporting this setup is a mild-hybrid system which on its own produces 21 PS and 249 Nm of torque, but as a whole helps in producing a whopping 435 PS and 520 Nm of torque. This powertrain layout allows the car to achieve a top speed of 250 kmph (electronically limited), and a 0 to 100 kmph in a mere 4.5 seconds. Additionally, it comes with AMG’s active exhaust system, Ride Control+ air suspension and dynamic select driving modes.
Mercedes AMG E53 Cabriolet – Rivals
Due to the dearth of high-performance convertibles in India, the Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet sort of occupies a segment all its own. Still, it does have a handful of rivals, irrespective of whether they are from a segment above or below. These include the BMW Z4, Mercedes Benz AMG GT, and the Mini Cooper Convertible. In the ultra-luxury segment, you get Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Aston Martin DB11, and Ferrari Portofino.
Summary
In summary, the Mercedes-AMG E53 is something that can be referred to as a complete solution, offering a thrilling, and enjoyable ride. It is exquisitely fashioned, blending a broad and robust posture with a muscular appearance, and is guaranteed to give you a large grin on your face when you push the pedal unleashing all its ponies under the hood.
