Mercedes debuts power-packed AMG E 53 with hefty price tag
It s hard to imagine Mercedes-Benz needing another van in its vast lineup With AMG and Maybach included the enduring German manufacturer offers about three dozen sedans sport utility vehicles and trucks Still the carmaker ascertained another niche need the AMG E The high-performance Mercedes-Benz is a nine-speed automatic plug-in hybrid touring sedan It combines a turbocharged inline-six engine with an electric motor producing a total of horsepower The option for market system is the -mile electric-only range With its AMG status performance looks dominate racing-style brakes a sport-tuned adaptive suspension and rear-wheel steering improve the car s cornering Wider front fenders and a front fascia with larger air inlets are also in the mix A handsome appearance is backed up with driving and recharging prowess Acceleration from to miles per hour is accomplished in seconds A -kWh battery pack provides the electrification an -kW onboard AC charger handles Level charging the -kW DC fast-charger will replenish the battery from to percent in approximately minutes according to Mercedes The EPA estimates the hybrid E will deliver a combined MPGe Standard models include the AMG MATIC all-wheel drive system an illuminated radiator grille and the latest generation of the MBUX infotainment system with augmented reality navigation Performance aside the high-end hybrid exudes luxury The comfort begins with supremely secure well-bolstered seating and both heated and cooled An peculiar coloring match also work yellow console stitching and yellow seatbelts Both complement the primary gray seating and panels Further additions to the luxury ambient lighting a floating armrest and open-pore wood trim Different shades of ambient lighting add a superfluous but fun luxury characteristic Front and back seat room is spacious with the ride particularly smooth for rear seat occupants Whether in city driving or at freeway speeds the ride is confident with a caveat The summer performance tires define a rough ride Every divot every road imperfection is felt The E offers hand Sport Sport Electric Hybrid and Comfort drive modes all adjusting the car s performance Comfort is comfort Sport is the the majority aggressive characteristics from full-attack Sport to the more relaxed Comfort mode A -inch center multimedia display surround-view camera wireless smartphone charging wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a panoramic sunroof are also standard One annoyance The phone charger is tucked deep into the console the charging icon is small and it s complicated to determine if a device is charging Throughout its lineup safety is a Mercedes-Benz strength The AMG E has seven airbags among a list of safety items from a tire pressure monitoring system to heated windshield wipers There s an antitheft alarm system and an electronic stability scheme As a long-standing manufacturer of luxury vehicles with stellar reputations Mercedes-Benz particularly with its AMG and Maybach relationships doesn t offer bargains Rather it s a carmaker that defines getting what s paid for As reviewed the Mercedes-AMG costs For brand loyalists it s money well spent no questions inquired The new car combines a powerhouse open-road luxury sedan with an electric sports car s leanings It s a car for those who splurge because they can James Raia a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento also contributes business lifestyle and sports content to several print and online publications E-mail james jamesraia com
