Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet Review: An Attractive-Looking Convertible, But Can You Drive It In India?

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet looks attractive and has a vibe of a luxury convertible while AMG brings in its own special element. Read on to know our review.

Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet

Source : Somnath Chatterjee

New Delhi: Indian roads aren't exactly the most hospitable towards sports cars or convertibles. Or so we have been told but it isn't the truth since the road network is getting better, the chances to enjoy more supercars and sports cars are increasingly possible and they are happening.

These days you have better roads and with the E53 AMG Cabriolet that you see here, you can even drive one every day to work and back. I really did not see an issue why you would not- except perhaps the attention? With a soft top from which you can choose between four colours, the E53 looks low-slung like any AMG along with all of the fast bits while the shape is also a bit of an elegant luxury car with its surfacing.

It is a long car, the E53 but looks attractive and has a vibe of a luxury convertible while AMG brings in its own special element. The massive Panamericana grille marks it out as well as those four exhausts poking out which does give a hint of the performance.

The engine here is an AMG one, being a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 435bhp and 520Nm while an electric boost function brings in additional horsepower and torque. Back at what I said, the E53 AMG is docile and easy to drive while also being surprisingly compliant in terms of handling our roads. The engine quietens down in the standard mode and the 9-speed automatic is easy while the ground clearance is ample too.

In fact, it does not touch even a single speed breaker and it is one of the most practical sports cars that I have driven. The AMG seats are comfortable and it is not some extreme supercar. It is also as lavishly equipped as any top-end Mercedes with a heated steering wheel and a Burmester audio system amongst others.

With the top in place, it is as if you are driving with a metal roof as it is very refined. However, the party piece has to be how quickly the massive roof opens and you can do that while driving up to speeds of 50 km/h. The massive roof folds up in just below 20 seconds while the driving experience is taken to a new level.

While onlookers stare at you, the E53 becomes a bigger thrill and top-down you enjoy the car even at low speeds. Wind noise is kept at bay and you can basically drive it like any car with no noise issues. When given an opportunity, the V6 leaps forward and the E53 sounds even better with the top-down. Dial it up to Sport+ and the exhausts crackle along with a shocking rate of acceleration in a straight line.

The E53 AMG does show its size in terms of cornering but it is more of a fast convertible rather than a nimble sports car, there is some scuttle shake though not much.

With the roof down, you can drive for long distances and you never get tired while the ride/ground clearance is tuned to handle all of our roads. The engine has a dual personality too and makes for an ideal long-distance road trip or for that short drive.

Priced at Rs 1.3cr, the E53 AMG Cabriolet has no rivals and mixes a luxury convertible with a sports car with its powertrain. The fact that you can easily live with it with no compromises is a bonus.

What We Like - Looks, performance, practicality, luxury

What We Do Not - Not a proper four-seater