Review: Mercedes-AMG E53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet

What happens when the words AMG and Cabriolet come together? Well at least in India, it's happened for the first time with the Mercedes-AMG E53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet. Yes, the name is long but this car is equally powerful, quick and yes beautiful. This 3-pointed star was the first car to be launched in India and is the 3rd AMG model in the country that is based on the ever-popular E-Class sedan. 

Dynamics

This Cabriolet runs on a familiar 3.0-litre, turbocharged, in-line six-cylinder petrol engine that is paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. This engine produces 430 bhp and 520 Nm with the 48V system offering a 21 bhp and 250 Nm boost during hard acceleration. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic gearbox with Mercedes claiming that the car goes from 0-100 kmph in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 250 kmph.

The various drive modes are there too, and choosing a particular one completely changes the character of the car. Yes, this is an AMG so Sport or Sport+ is where you would like to spend more time in. But in traffic, the comfort mode is the one that suits the car the most. You can also adjust various settings individually to get a more desired experience while driving the car.  

Also Read: Mercedes-AMG E53 4Matic+ Cabriolet Launched In India

The E 53 Cabriolet was the first launch from the three-pointed star brand in India for 2023.

Now we know the AMGs are all about performance and this one even comes with a Track Pace feature that gives you lap, sector, and acceleration times plus selected live telemetry data which helps the driver improve his driving skills. But that’s for a closed track; what really helps on normal traffic-laden and broken roads is AMG ride control+ or air suspension the car comes with. It helps in dealing with the bad roads but at the same time doesn’t compromise with the drive dynamics.

The 3.0-litre, turbocharged, in-line six-cylinder petrol engine is paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system.

It’s a familiar feeling of driving an AMG as long as the roof is closed. The car feels similar to the E53 sedan that is also on sale in India. It is when the roof comes down and it takes just under 20 seconds for that to happen, that the sound of the AMG exhaust really hits you. It does take some time in getting used to but it just adds to the sporty experience the car provides.

The roof of the E 53 Cabriolet can come down in just 20 seconds.

Taking the roof down also doesn’t really affect the way the car handles. The angle of the windshield plays an important part here and despite being almost 5 meters long the car justifies its AMG badge. The 4-wheel drive system also plays its part and ensures there’s no loss of traction. However, where you have to be careful is negotiating with the bigger speed breakers, especially with a couple of passengers.

Safety

This AMG scores well on safety too. It gets as many as 7 airbags and comes with a 5-star crash test rating from Euro NCAP. It also gets Active brake assist, which helps avoid a collision with the vehicle or an object in the front and there’s Active Park Assist as well where the car parks by itself.

Design

Overall, the design looks quite sporty and is in sync with the AMG badge of the car.

There’s no doubt that a Cabriolet always looks more beautiful with the roof down but here the added charms are the AMG elements. This includes the signature AMG radiator grille, AMG alloy wheels, AMG spoiler lip, and yes those classic, round twin tailpipe trim elements in a high-gloss chrome shape look. Overall, the design looks quite sporty and is in sync with the sporty AMG badge of the car. It is available in five paint shades including this Designo Opalite White Bright and even the soft top can be taken in 4 different shades. 

The key exterior elements include - AMG alloy wheels, AMG spoiler lip, and round twin tailpipes in a high-gloss chrome.

Interiors

Inside too many AMG elements make the car look special. The 3-spoke flat-bottom AMG Performance steering wheel in black Nappa leather and AMG buttons really stands out. AMG door sill panels, stainless-steel sports pedals and floor mats also add to the exclusivity and sportiness. The AMG carbon-fibre trim though is optional, and it would’ve been great if it was made a part of the standard package.

The 3-spoke flat-bottom AMG Performance steering wheel in black Nappa leather and AMG buttons really stands out. 

You also get the MBUX entertainment system with hey Mercedes voice command and Mercedes Me connect, a combination we’re now quite familiar with owing to its presence in many cars from the brand in India. The infotainment system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple car play and works with a 590-watt Burmester sound system. You also get a wireless charger, Ambient lighting in 64 colours, heated front seats and a heads-up display. 

In addition to the MBUX entertainment system, you also get a wireless charger, Ambient lighting, heated front seats and a heads-up display. 

Access to the 2nd row is quite easy but the backrest here is almost straight. A smart feature though is that this row can be folded down to add to an otherwise conservative luggage space. 

Price & Verdict

The Mercedes AMG E53+ 4 Matic+ Cabriolet is Rs. 24 lakh more expensive than the AMG E 53 sedan.

The Mercedes AMG E53+ 4 Matic+ Cabriolet is priced at Rs. 1.30 crore ex-showroom which means it has come with Rs. 24 lakh premium as compared to the AMG E 53 sedan. So is that a good price to pay for the exclusivity this sportscar offers? We feel yes considering it offers the experience of too many cars rolled into just one set of wheels.