The Mercedes-AMG E53 Is Here And It's Killed Off The V6-Powered E43
The Mercedes-AMG E43 hasn’t even been on sale two years, but it’s already for the chop. With 400bhp from a twin-turbo V6, the ‘43 version of the E-Class has always represented an intriguing alternative to the bananas E63, but its run has been ended rather abruptly by the new ‘53’ straight-six.
First announced earlier this year, the E53 is slightly more powerful than its V6-powered predecessor with a total of 429bhp on tap. But, it has an extra little trick up its sleeve: via a 48-volt mild hybrid setup, it’s able to give a very brief 21bhp and 184lb ft boost under heavy acceleration. Nope, the latter figure is not a typo.
0-62mph happens in 4.4 seconds, 0.2sec quicker than the old E43 and - amazingly - just 0.3sec slower than the old rear-wheel drive E63.
Mercedes has just revealed pricing for the car, along with confirmation that it does indeed replace the V6-powered 43. You’re looking at £61,835 for the saloon, and £63,835 for the estate - increases of around £6000 relative to the cars they replace.
So, more money for a much clever engine with more power and a fancy boost function. All well and good, but we weren’t exactly bowled over by the straight-six when we first tried it in the CLS53 a few weeks ago. It’s nice and refined, but is it a proper AMG engine? We’re not so sure.
The V6 on the other hand was always a surprisingly raucous, sweet-sounding thing, so it’s a shame to see it go. It will however live on - for now, at least - in the recently updated C43.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
They needed to update the names. Because C43>CLA45 BUT 45>43 sooo yeah. Now this clear up things.
The 45 is more powerful (381 vs 362 I think).
Gotta love those exhaust tips. At least they look real this time.
Can you imagine what it feels like this week to be someone who owns an E43 Estate and regular M2?
Both of their cars are still very new but have been just replaced with better versions for virtually the same money
Bout time inline 6s came back
The straight 6 is an amazing engine! It’s soo much better then the lazy feeling V6
The sedan looks sooo awesome, can’t wait to have one in 2028.
Good riddance, the E43 was the biggest letdown of a car I ever drove, desperately needs more torque. Great handling though and all.