Napleton News Review of the Mercedes AMG E 53 Cabriolet

It’s beautifully crafted when viewed at any angle. That’s the Mercedes AMG E 53 Cabriolet. With the roof down, it reminds us of one of those boat-tailed roadsters that were the rage back in the 1920s and 1930s. But here at Napleton News, we find ourselves in 2022. What a difference a few years can make.

What’s so great about this E 53?

Why simply, it’s the best or nothing. That has been the Mercedes-Benz credo for all these years, and it shows no signs of letting up here with the Mercedes AMG E 53 Cabriolet. The E 53 is based on the standard Mercedes-Benz E Class Cabriolet. In that version, engine choices range from a 255 horsepower 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder to a mild hybrid designed 3.0-liter turbo inline six-cylinder that delivers 362 horsepower.

Those are the more pedestrian (!) models. Ours breathes in a different atmosphere since it’s a part of the Mercedes AMG portfolio. Here, it’s a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine making 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. It is matched to an AMG-tuned 9-speed automatic transmission. Like the standard 3.0-liter inline-6, the AMG-massaged 3.0-liter engine is also a mild hybrid with fuel saving capabilities and extended mileage range. All AMG E 53 models are 4MATIC-equipped meaning they have all-wheel drive capabilities for added grip and improved handling.

The Mercedes AMG E 53 is available in Sedan, Coupe and Cabriolet (convertible) versions. Curiously, there is no E 63 twin turbo V8 versions for 2022.

How does the Mercedes AMG E 53 Cabriolet look?

The new Mercedes AMG E 53 Cabriolet features a fabric roof that seals nearly as well as a hardtop roof. With broad “hips” and LED lighting at all corners, the E 53 makes a statement that proclaims its rarity from 100 meters away. As it turns towards you, the pedigree is clearly apparent thanks to the specialty grille with vertical bars and a Mercedes Star planted squarely in the center. Incidentally, the vertical bars remind us of the 300 SL that competed in La Carrera Panamericana (Mexico) road race of the 1950s.

The long, power-bulged hood gives a hint to what lies underneath. At the opposite end, a short decklid covers the cargo space with a liner. It’s here to protect the roof mechanism from getting involved with anything else that may be stored inside the trunk. From the sides, a high waistline offers protection for its occupants, while presenting a clean, long look. It’s one that has aged well.

How about inside?

Honestly, although the rear seat is big enough, the front thrones are where you really want to be. That’s because in the case of the E 53, they are heated, ventilated and massage-equipped. That’s just as we expect in a luxury high-performance sled. It’s also where you are in control. We like being in control.

All the other goodies are here, too. Steering wheel touchpads. Check. Redundant handrest touchpad. Check. Burmester High-End premium audio system. Check, check and check. There’s also a fragrance mister that spritzes the cabin with a nice smelling scent…as needed.

The dashboard is centered around a pair of 12.3-inch display screens for the instrument pod and the infotainment system. Configure them as you like, they allow you to control virtually every function within the cabin.

Cargo room is at a premium here. Taking a foursome to the country club is not possible in the Cabriolet, for reasons described above. Instead, take your bestie in the passenger front seat, and toss the golf bags in the second row.

On the road with the Mercedes AMG E 53.

We’ve said it before and it bears repeating: Driving a Mercedes, especially one of the AMG persuasion, is an event. Even though this is an E 53 instead of the fire-breathing E 63 V8, it’s still quite the kit.

Acceleration is potent, without turbo lag. That’s a result of the well-tuned turbocharger working in sync with the Mercedes 48-volt mild hybrid system and electrical auxiliary compressor. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system helps us cut corners faster than we would with the standard E-Class. It’s also just the thing to supply extra grip in inclement weather.

We also enjoyed the capabilities of the AMG Sport Suspension with Air Body Control. The kit helps the E 53 to adapt almost instantly to changing roads by firming or softening as needed.

Unfortunately after a not-so-subtle mash of the gas pedal, the engine sounds a little weenie compared to the big twin turbo V8.

Still, it’s the little engine that could.

Mercedes AMG E 53 4MATIC Cabriolet Specifications

	2023 Mercedes AMG E 53 Cabriolet Specifications
Popular Powertrains
Engine Type	3.0-liter turbocharged I-6
Horsepower	429 hp @ 6,100 rpm
Torque	384 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
Transmission	9-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Economy	23 mpg (20 city/27 hwy)
Suspension F/R	Multilink /Multilink
Turning Circle	39.7 ft.
Also Available	E 53 Coupe and Sedan models
Specs
Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	5-star
Max Seating Capacity	4
Wheelbase	113.1 inches
Overall Length	190.6 inches
Width	73.2 inches
Height	56.2 inches
Headroom, Front	40.7 inches
Legroom, Front	41.7 inches
Headroom, Rear	36.2 inches
Legroom, Rear	35.1 inches
Shoulder, Front	56.1 inches
Shoulder, Rear	48.3 inches
Cargo Space	9.5 cubic feet