Facelifted 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Finally Brings A Drift Mode

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 has been unveiled in both sedan and Wagon bodystyles alongside the latest facelifted E-Class and E-Class All-Terrain. Unlike the All-Terrain, the E53 Wagon will not be coming Stateside – for now at least as Mercedes told us to stay tuned for more news later in the year .

Slotting under the E63, which has yet to be uncovered in its latest form, the E53 soldiers on with the same 48v mild-hybrid powertrain as the outgoing model, which replaced the old E43 two years ago.

Tell Me About Power And Specs

Power comes from a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, which develops 435 PS (429 HP / 320 kW) and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) of torque. The EQ Boost starter-alternator adds an extra 22 PS (21 HP / 16 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of electric power under certain circumstances, bringing the numbers temporarily up to 457 PS (451 HP / 336 kW) and 770 Nm (568 lb-ft). The powertrain comes paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and 4Matic+ AWD system with rear-wheel drive capability.

The 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) is dispatched in 4.5 seconds in the Saloon and 4.6 seconds in the Estate, while top speed is electronically capped at 250 km/h (155 mph), but can be lifted to 270 km/h (168 mph) with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.

In the overly optimistic NEDC test cycle, the E53 Saloon returns between 8.8 and 8.5 l/100 km (equal to 32.1-33.2 mpg UK / 26.7-27.7 mpg US) and the E53 Estate from 9 to 8.7 l/100 km (31.4-32.5 mpg UK / 26.1-27 mpg US). EPA consumption figures have not yet been released.

Drivers can choose between Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual driving modes, and have three settings for the Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Basic, Advanced and Pro.

Suspension, Brakes And Drift Mode

Stopping power is provided by 370×36 mm front cross-drilled and vented discs with four-piston calipers, and 360×26 mm vented discs with single-piston calipers. The 2021 E53 features the AMG Ride Control+ air suspension developed by AMG, with sporty spring/damper set-up and continuously adjustable damping. The latter can be preselected in the Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes, enhancing either long-distance cruising or track driving.

Previously reserved for the eight-cylinder models, the AMG Dynamic Plus Package has now been launched for the E53, too. The highlight includes the Race drive program with Drift Mode, which allows those sitting behind the wheel to keep the car sideways for as long as they want. Other features included here are the red brake calipers and Dinamica AMG Performance steering wheel that can be wrapped in Dinamica microfiber or leather and adds buttons for controlling the drive programs and additional settings for the driving dynamics.

Exterior And Interior Revisions

The 2021 E53 follows in the footsteps of the facelifted E-Class lineup with the same visual updates including revised lights on both ends and grille, while boasting a model-specific sporty body kit. The biggest change on the outside is the addition of the Panamericana grille with vertical slats.

Compared to its predecessor, the new iteration has restyled front and rear bumpers, a thin boot lid spoiler, more muscular diffuser with incorporated quad exhaust pipes and bonnet with two distinctive power domes, also found on the regular Avantgarde and AMG Line grades.

Selecting the optional AMG Night Package will get you the front splitter, mirror caps, disc frame, rear apron trim strip, tailpipe elements and others in high-loss black. The grille is available with a darkened look for an additional cost.

Three new metallic colors, the Graphite Grey, Mojave Silver and High-Tech Silver, have been added to the palette. The car rides on 19-inch alloy wheels with a 5-twin-spoke design, and can be ordered with the 20-inch set.

Like the 2021 non-AMG E-Class models, and other modern Mercedes vehicles, the E53 has the MBUX infotainment system, with customizable instrument cluster. It also gets sports seats in black Artico/Dinamica microfiber with the specific design, red contrast stitching and AMG badge. The AMG Performance Seat Packages are available as an option, alongside the red seatbelts and other trim elements. The steering wheel has a new design can comes wrapped in leather/microfiber or Dinamica microfiber.

The facelifted E53 will launch in the USA as a sedan towards the end of the year.