2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG E 53

　　

2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　, rating written byCameron RogersNews Editor

　　Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the News Editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.

　　The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a perennial favorite with luxury-car shoppers and our test team alike. With a ritzy cabin, smooth engines and technology features that truly make driving easier, the E-Class checks all the boxes you'd expect of a vehicle in this price range. And that's before you peruse the options list, which is chock full of add-ons like massaging front seats, a 23-speaker audio system and soft-closing doors. You can get the E-Class as a sedan, a coupe, a convertible and even a wagon to truly find a model to suit your needs.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG E 53 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$192/mo  for E-Class AMG E 53

　　E-Class AMG E 53

　　AMG E 53 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) (Most Popular) - $81,300 MSRPAMG E 53 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $84,500 MSRPAMG E 53 2dr Convertible AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) - $91,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　Mercedes gave the E-Class a significant update just a couple years ago, and a next-generation E-Class is on the way for the 2024 model year. Even though the E-Class remains essentially unchanged for 2023, we think it's still an excellent pick even among compelling rivals such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Genesis G80.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the E-Class drive? The Mercedes-Benz E-Class feels smooth and balanced on the road, with a seamless powertrain that goes about its business without much fuss. Acceleration is effortless. We tested the E 450 4Matic sedan. At the zzdcar test track, we recorded a 0-60 mph sprint of 4.9 seconds, which puts it near the top of the class. The all-wheel-drive system does a great job of putting power to the pavement and making the E-Class feel sporty when you select the Sport drive mode.

　　The steering doesn't provide much in the way of feedback, but it's quick and light, making it easy to maneuver in parking lots or on tight city streets. In corners, the E-Class feels composed without being stiff. Our biggest complaint is braking performance. While the brakes are smooth, our testing showed that the E-Class posted some of the longest panic 60-0 mph braking figures we've seen on a luxury car in a while. We suspect a better set of tires would improve things immensely.

　　

Comfort

9.0/10

　　How comfortable is the E-Class? The E-Class nails the most important aspect of a luxury car: quiet refinement. The seats offer lots of support and adjustment, though we found the padding to be on the firm side. Even so, they remained comfortable after a few hundred miles behind the wheel. The ride is smooth and isolating without feeling overly disconnected. Our tester had the optional air suspension and we think it's well worth getting.

　　This E-Class is quiet too, with little road or wind noise intruding into the cabin. Dip into the throttle and you get a smooth growl from the six-cylinder engine. It's just quiet enough to avoid attracting attention. The mild hybrid system allows for seamless engine stop-start functionality at stoplights, with no vibrations coming through when the engine shuts off or fires on. The climate control is also quiet, even at full blast. It works simply and evenly, and rear passengers will appreciate the air vents.

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