Mercedes-AMG Launches The Facelifted E53 and E63S In India

• Mercedes-AMG E-Class is priced between Rs 1.02 crore and Rs 1.70 crore.
• Offered in two variants: E53 and E63S.
• E53 comes with an inline-six motor, while the E63S utilises a twin-turbo V8.
• Updates include a new Panamericana grille, alloy wheels, and tail lamps.
• Inside, it comes with Mercedes-AMG’s new steering wheel and MBUX.
• Drift mode allows for controlled drifts.

Mercedes-AMG has launched the performance-oriented E-Class in India at Rs 1.02 crore. Alongside the unhinged V8-powered E63S, the carmaker will now offer the more sensible E53 with a six-cylinder engine. Both models get the latest styling elements and feature updates similar to the standard E-Class.

Here’s a quick look at the prices:

The facelifted performance-focused E-Class now looks a whole lot meaner, thanks to the new design from Affalterbach. For instance, AMG’s Panamericana grille and the aggressively styled front bumper tell you that it’s the performance sedan. However, the LED headlamps are the same as the standard E-Class. 

The sedan also looks beefy, courtesy of the flared wheel arches fitting in the 20-inch forged alloy wheels. Rounding off the exterior styling are the new split-LED tail lamps from the E-Class and a revised bumper with AMG’s quad-exhaust tips. 

In contrast, changes on the inside aren’t as radical. The dashboard design is similar to the pre-facelift model. However, it now gets AMG’s new chunky dual-spoke steering wheel. Also, those two glorious screens -- digital driver’s display and infotainment system -- run on Mercedes’s MBUX, one of the best in the business. Both screens get AMG-specific graphics in keeping with the sporty look and feel. 

All that said, the primary reason to pick this over the standard E-Class is what’s present under the hood. You now have two options to choose from: a new 3.0-litre inline-six unit and the insane 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. The former comes with a 48v mild-hybrid tech. Both motors generate power through all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. 

Here are the specifications:

However, with more power comes more responsibility. And for that, the performance sedan packs driver aids, ensuring that fine balance between fun driving and optimum safety. For starters, there's a ‘Drift’ mode that allows you to do controlled drifts. If you want to step up the performance, simply choose the ‘Race’ mode that puts the engine, gearbox, and suspension at their maximums. 

Should you want a smack of adrenaline, you can also switch to the RWD. But, of course, it goes without saying that you must be more careful behind the wheels then. 

All in all, the performance sedan is the ideal alternative to the recently launched facelifted BMW M5 Competition. We reckon the entry-level six-cylinder variant, E53, will be the perfect stepping stone for newbies who wish to upgrade to a premium luxury performance sedan experience.