Many people think the defining element of a high-end car is a powerful V-8 engine — or, even better, a V-12 engine.
But some of the most iconic high-end cars — models like the Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing of the '50s, for instance — were powered by in-line sixes. They had two fewer cylinders but were smoother than a Bill Clinton interview — and much classier.
Unfortunately, a 300 SL is a million-dollar car today.
Luckily, there's a new Mercedes that costs a fraction as much — equipped with the same kind of engine.
Plus several fewer things.
What It Is
The E53 is the high-performance version of Mercedes' midsize E-Class sedan/coupe/convertible.
Whether you go with the four-door or the two-door (or without a roof), you'll get a specially tuned 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine unique to the AMG models that produces 429 horsepower, enhanced by an electrically driven "kompressor" (a turbocharger) to enhance low-speed performance and a 48-volt high-torque starter/generator that powers all the formerly belt-driven accessories, such as the air conditioning compressor and water pump.
This eliminates parasitic drag on the engine — as well as the need to ever replace a drive belt.
All E53s come standard with a high-performance version of Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive, too.
Prices start at $73,800 for the sedan, $74,950 for the coupe and $81,650 for the convertible.
What's New
Who needs coffee in the morning when you have Emotion Start?
This is a new-for-2020 standard feature that wakes up the exhaust sound (via electrically-opening baffles in the exhaust pipes).
What's Good
Nothing else sounds like a straight-six engine — or is as smooth as one.
It's much more affordable than a '55 300 SL Gullwing.
It's partially electric — but without the limitations.
What's Not So Good
There's no rear-wheel-drive option.
Servicing the 48-volt EQ system will likely cost more than replacing drive belts.
The afterthought 12-volt power point (it's located where it's nearly impossible to see — or reach — on the passenger side footwell).
Under the Hood
Al E53s are defined by the 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine they're powered by— which produces 429 horsepower and features an electrically spooled turbocharger that produces an immediate boost — because there's no lag waiting for exhaust gasses to build up sufficient pressure to spool up the turbo. The six's output is also used entirely for propelling the E53 — not the E53 and its accessories.
These are all driven by the EQ Boost 48-volt starter/generator bolted to the engine's flywheel — which also delivers practically instantaneous engine restarts, greatly reducing the noticeable transitions between stop-start cycling in traffic.
A performance-calibrated version of Mercedes' nine-speed automatic — with AMG-specific driver-selectable modes — is standard, along with a torque-vectoring/heavier-duty version of Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
Though ferociously quick — zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds — the E53 has a modest thirst: 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway — in part because the six turns itself off when not needed (which you won't notice) and because of three overdrive gears in the nine-speed automatic.
On the Road
The inline six that is the heart of the E53 will remind you of Patrick Swayze's bouncer character in the movie "Road House." It's nice — until it's time to not be nice.
At idle, you'll have trouble telling whether it's on.
The 48-volt EQ system also practically eliminates the unpleasant awareness of the engine turning itself off whenever the car stops moving — a "feature" now standard in almost all new vehicles that has been added to the mix as a way to increase mpg stats and decrease exhaust emissions (a nonrunning engine emits zero emissions). But most of these systems subject the car's driver and occupants to noticeably repetitive stop-start cycling — which is almost as much fun as living next to a busy railroad and having trains roll by your house and shake the ground multiple times every day.
The 48-volt system also prevents something else.
Unlike other new cars that have stop-start engines (which is almost all of them), when the Benz's engine stops, the accessories — like the AC — do not. The compressor is driven electrically, so you don't get sweaty for the sake of saving a little bit of gas.
Also electrically driven is the turbocharger that helps the massively heavy Benz — 4,341 pounds for the sedan — launch itself faster than an M80 with a quarter-inch fuse. The explosion of acceleration is also instantaneous.
And this engine sings a song not even Caruso could equal.
At the Curb
The classic Gullwing of the '50s came with only two "wings" (doors) and just two seats. It was a beautifully impractical car.
The E53 is a beautifully practical car.
Even the coupe has back seats — and they're remarkably practical for a car this beautiful.
Once you're in them, at least.
Getting in back there takes some gymnastics because the car is so low (it sits 4.3 inches off the pavement) and because the front seats need to be slid forward first. But once you are back there, there are 34.1 inches of legroom — which is substantially more legroom than in the backseats of something about the same overall size, like a Ford Mustang coupe (which has only 29 inches).
And you can always go for more access — by selecting the sedan — without sacrificing any performance.
You'll also get more trunk — 13.1 cubic feet versus 10.1 for the coupe/convertible.
The Rest
Many new cars have LED backlighting. Few execute it as deftly as Mercedes. Even the air vents effuse a cozy glow — in practically any hue of the rainbow. Combine that with almost-infinitely adjusting seats — massaging infinitely adjustable seats — and Mercedes' exceptional Burmester surround-sound audio, and you have a car that's pleasant to take for a slow drive or a fast lap.
The Bottom Line
1955 was a long time ago. Luckily, Mercedes hasn't forgotten.
Eric's new book, "Don't Get Taken for a Ride!" is available now. To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.
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