2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan Uses Its Hybrid For Mischief

Mercedes-AMG has taken the wraps off its latest performance four-door, the 2019 AMG E 53 Sedan, delivering more speed and smarter tech than the outgoing model. Replacing the old AMG E 43 Sedan, the new car packs a 3.0-liter in-line six cylinder turbocharged engine, using Mercedes' EQ Boost technology, for 429 horsepower.

Torque, meanwhile, hits 384 lb-ft. between 1,800 and 5,800 rpm. However, courtesy of the EQ Boost starter generator, the AMG E 53 Sedan can add a further 184 lb-ft. when required. It'll also add 21 horsepower more. Top speed is now 130 mph, and the car will do 0-60 mph in an estimated 4.4 seconds.

AMG pairs the engine with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, which supports double-declutching and multiple downshifts. There's also AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, with fully variable torque distribution. AMG Sport Suspension uses multi-chamber air suspension and continuously adjustable damping ADS+ that can individually change the forces at each wheel.

Three modes are offered – Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ – which Mercedes claims makes a more noticeable difference in how the car rides. AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, meanwhile, offer five drive modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and the customizable Individual – which affect engine, transmission, suspension, and steering settings. A separate "M" button leaves the paddle-shifters entirely in control of the gearbox.

Much of the magic is down to the 48V electrical system. Powered by the EQ Boost starter generator, it's responsible for a number of features: it boosts charge pressure in the engine before the exhaust gas turbocharger can get up to speed, minimizing turbo lag, as well as delivering hybrid-like functions such as a gliding mode to cut gas consumption when the car is coasting.

As for distinguishing this performance-minded sedan from the regular Mercedes-Benz E-Class, on the outside that's down to a new hood. That gets a pair of power domes, while there are twin tailpipe trim elements at the rear: they're finished in high-gloss chrome normally, or black chrome with the optional Night package. A new diffuser at the rear has been applied, and there are optional 20-inch AMG light-alloy twin five-spoke wheels.

Behind them there's the AMG Sport Braking system as standard. At the front that means cross-drilled and vented 14.2" brake discs with four-piston fixed calipers; at the rear, there are 14.2" discs with single-piston floating calipers.

Inside, meanwhile, AMG Performance Seats are optional, as is carbon fiber trim. However the widescreen instrumentation is standard, as is a 12.3-inch central infotainment display. The AMG Performance steering wheel is standard too, with black Nappa leather trim and a red 12 o'clock marking. Voice control is supported for the HVAC, interior lighting, and other features.

Mercedes-AMG says the new 2019 AMG E 53 Sedan will go on sale in the US by the end of the year. No word on pricing at this stage.