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By Gabriel Vega –  January 19, 2022

Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet Review: Six Cylinder Magic

While Mercedes-AMG is best known for its fire-breathing V8s and V12s, its beginnings featured fewer cylinders. In 1993, the C36 AMG, the first vehicle co-developed by AMG and Mercedes-Benz, hit showroom floors with its silky smooth inline six-cylinder engine. While the C-Class would eventually get a V8, it cemented the six-cylinder as part of AMG's history.  The German carmaker's latest offerings are a return to form, such as the Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet I've been driving. With a 429 horsepower turbocharged inline-six under its hood, it lacks the mind-bending performance of its V8-powered siblings. However, it delivers a premium GT drop-top experience with great looks, a fantastic interior, and enough power for most people. Forget Bland Colors The first thing that'll strike you about my Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet's exterior finish is just how much it changes the overall vibe of the car. It's called Brilliant Blue Magno, and it's a $3,950 option worth every penny. The matte finish not only helps accentuate the E53's aggressive body lines but it allows this AMG to stand out in a sea of executive-friendly shades that often shroud six-figure sporty GTs.  This generation of the E53 is the first to feature Mercedes-AMG's Panamericana grille and its vertical slats, paying tribute to the brand's racing heritage. As if the grille wasn't big enough, the lower front fascia also houses a massive air intake in front of the car's intercooler. While this detail is mainly functional, getting to see a few of the car's components is a nice touch.  Two large LED tail lights characterize the rear of the E53, seemingly wrapping around the rear quarter panel, visually widening the car. Below, you'll find rounded quad exhaust pipes, a sharp contrast to the E63's squared-off tips.  This AMG achieves its main visual goal with a refined, aggressive aesthetic that's just great to look at from any angle. From a visual standpoint, the E53 looks no less sharp or aggressive than the E63. While there are subtle differences in the exhaust department, there's no clear indication that a big V8 doesn't live under the hood. A Drop Top With Big Speed Powering the Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet is a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six developing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. This is enough to rocket this luxury convertible to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and continue to a limited top speed of 155 mph. A small electric motor dubbed EQ boost adds up to 21 hp. However, it spends most of its time filling in torque across the powerband. Aside from creating what is likely the world's best auto start/stop system, EQ Boost means you get immediate power at any rpm.  The E53 feels quick, faster than its figures would suggest on the road. While peak power comes in at 1,800 rpm, the use of a razor-sharp nine-speed dual-clutch transmission along with the added torque fill means the E53 pulls hard to redline with consistent power. Around town, I never felt the need for more power; 429 hp is a lot, plenty for most people. It was only up in the canyons where the E53 began to fall behind its V8-powered siblings. However, in all other scenarios, the inline-six is terrific. Like most new products from Mercedes-AMG, the E53 Cabriolet features an all-wheel-drive system. While the system is rear-biased, it gives the E53 a tendency to understeer once you start to push it. The benefit here is seen when you try and launch it. With its launch control system and traction on all four corners, this drop-top pounces off the line without an ounce of wheelspin, resulting in greater speed with less effort. While there isn't a ton of steering feel on offer, adjustable modes allow you to alter its weighting considerably. For me, the steering is best left in Comfort mode, as Sport+ and its artificial weighting require more effort without immediate reward. An air suspension system with active body control keeps things in check once the going gets twisty. In its most aggressive setting, the E53 remains surprisingly flat, even for a 4,500-lb convertible. However, cycling things down to their softest settings leaves you with a daily driver that isn't phased by significant imperfections on the road. It excels on both the luxury and performance sides of the equation.  While there's no fire-breathing V8 to deliver a brutal sound, the E53 features an active exhaust system. Let off at high rpm's, and you'll get satisfying pops and crackles for days, only adding to the driving experience.  Excellent Ergonomic Design Aside from nailing the looks and the drive, the Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet's interior is a wonderful place to be. Given this car's as-tested price of $105,440, composed of over $20,000 spent in optional extras, it has all the bells and whistles.  For example, you'll find Nappa Leather throughout my tester, an $2,990 option for the seats, and a $500 option for the AMG steering wheel. A $2,850 carbon fiber pack covers the E53's dashboard and center console in the lightweight material, only adding to the sporty aesthetic. As a result, everything you touch feels incredibly high quality, befitting of a six-figure convertible.  On the tech side, Mercedes-AMG's current interior layout remains one of my favorites. In front of the driver, you'll find twin 12.3-inch screens, one for the digital instrument cluster and the other for the MBUX infotainment system. MBUX is a top-notch system with a thoughtful layout and vibrant colors. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard if you prefer a phone-based system.  Instead of a folding metal roof, the E53 counts on a soft top. While the fabric top is lighter than its metal equivalent, it lacks the additional sound deadening benefits. The E53 is louder than expected on the road, slightly taking away from an otherwise refined driving experience. However, with music playing or a podcast, the added noise becomes less apparent.  Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet Worth Over $100,000? Any way you slice it, $105,440 is a lot for a Mercedes-AMG product that isn't a range-topping option. However, the E53 justifies its price tag by delivering in all areas. Contrary to what I would typically suggest, sticking with a relatively base E53 closer to $85,000 isn't the way to go. That's because all of my tester's optional extras help make the driving experience.  From the upgraded seats to the stunning paint, exhaust system, and carbon fiber accents, the E53's bells and whistles help make it feel truly special. After spending a week with one of AMG's few remaining drop-tops, I walked away feeling impressed, and more importantly, not yearning for a bigger engine. For most people, the E53 is just right. Browse All AMG E 53s For Sale

By Andrew Nabors –  February 19, 2018

Reviewed: 2018 Mercedes Benz E400 Cabriolet

Some days at work are better than others, and we're sure you can empathize. Last week when we noticed a new E-Class at our front door it made Monday much more enjoyable. As one of Mercedes-Benz most popular models, the E Class lineup ranges from coupe to sedan, with rear and AWD. Engine choices range from an economical four-cylinder up to the wild E63 AMG.We spent two weeks with a 2018 E400 Cabriolet, and it left each of us with smiles. The E Class was all-new for 2017. Now riding on the W213 chassis, the manufacturer says it was their most advanced new car to-date. Development took over 4 years, with 1,200 prototypes tested to destruction. Probably known as operation brake dance, engineers conducted over 10,000 autonomous brake tests and 5,000 automated lane changes.That last sentence alludes to an updated version of Drive Pilot, the same semi-autonomous system introduced in the S Class. Self-piloting cars are beginning to be a thing because the Cadillac CT6 we had a week before was bestowed with GM's Supercruise. I had an errand to run up to Ferman BMW, so I figured it would be funny to arrive in an E-Class. Traveling at an undisclosed rate of speed on US 19, the E 400 proved to have the same abilities as the S-Class, which are just shy of Cadillac's ability to sense changing traffic.Check Out These Great Deals On The SL65 AMGPutting the hammer down on the highway is much more rewarding than stop & go traffic. Even in Sport + mode, the computer seems to unlock boost at a gradual rate. But once you are going with traffic, it accelerates well for a lower-level engine option. The top is well insulated and showed no signs of buffeting. Hitting a reflector does induce a smidge of cowl shake, but this car is not set up for a road course. It had a sticker price of $87,215 after $12,000 of optional content. Not a bad price to pay for a German Cabriolet with decent power. If you are interested, click the link below to find our dealer nearest you. Stay with us for more great reviews.New E-Class For Sale

By Andrew Nabors –  December 16, 2016

2017 Mercedes-AMG SLC43 Roadster Review

1996 was a time of great changes in the motoring world. GM produced their last full size sedans, and Mercedes introduced the SLK. Yes, the small roadster gave us twenty years of top-down excitement but for 2017 is has been replaced by the SLC. Aside from the abbreviation of Utah's only metropolis, the new SLC incorporates many features of the larger models into a nimble and sporty experience.As a spiritual successor to the SLK 230 Kompressor, the new SLC43 packs a 3.0-liter V6 with twin turbochargers. Horsepower is rated at 362 with torque at 384 lb-ft. Not too long ago, building a short wheelbase two-seat roadster with almost 400 hp would seem unthinkable because the car would be uncontrollable.The AMG handling package is optional, although it contains features that should be standard equipment. For $2,000 on top of the $60,300 base price, you will have a limited slip differential, red calipers and the flat bottom steering wheel.Thanks to incredible engine and stability systems, the SLC is a wise choice for safety. Active head restraints and the latest in curtain airbags offer more than any other compact two-seater. If the climate doesn’t allow for top-down motoring, Magic Sky Control is a $2,500 option borrowed from big brother SL. This electro-chromatic glass in the hard top isn’t exactly magic, nor does it control the sky but it sounds better than dimmable roof panel. Appealing to creatures of the night, the AMG night package is a $925 group of gloss black spoilers front and rear, with black chrome exhaust. It also adds canards onto the front apron for a racy look.We spent a week of daily driving the SLC43 and it doesn't disappoint. Our only gripe is the AMG name being used on V6 cars. Yes, it is a quick car, but $75,375 is a heavy window sticker for 362 horsepower. Curb weight is listed at 3,351 lbs, which is decent considering the amenities like the folding hard top and Harmon/Kardon audio. Mercedes knows their target audience is willing to pay a little more for the quality, and that is what the SLC delivers.All Mercedes-AMG SLC43 For Sale

By Edward Jones –  December 10, 2016

2016 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Review

The C63 has been getting some impressive upgrades over the past two years. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, introduced Sept. 24, 2014, featured the same 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 found in the Mercedes-AMG GT, and was the first model designed from the ground up by AMG. The original C63 AMG was wildly popular, and in honor of the move from a naturally aspirated to a turbocharged engine, on July 15, 2015 they introduced the Legacy Edition, built for South Africa.The engine found in this four-door sports car is capable of 503 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. While driving, you can feel ever ounce of this power and hear it, tanks to the AMG Sport Exhaust System. I'm serious when I say the brutal sound of this car was enough for me to turn off the radio and listen to the delightful sounds of the V8 engine. What's great about this exhaust is that is subtle when the engine isn't under load, but when put to the test it comes alive and lets everybody know that an AMG is coming through.The standard C63 rockets from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, while the S shaves of one-tenth of a second for its 0-60 sprint. Testing this speed was delightful, to say the least.Top speeds for the standard and S trim are 155 mph and 180 mph, respectively.There are few cars that I don't want to give up when my week with them is up and this was most definitely one of them. Mercedes-AMG continues to create some of the most impressive sports cars out there and this is just one of the latest.All Mercedes-AMG C63 For Sale

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