THE 2019 MERCEDES-AMG E 53 SEDAN PACKS A 429-HP INLINE-SIX

For the past few years, the Mercedes-AMG E 43 has been the car you buy when the regular E 300 won't do and the E 63 S is a little too much.

With a twin-turbo V-6 cranking out 396 hp and 520 Nm of torque, a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, and a quick-shifting nine-speed transmission, the E 43 offered more performance than most people would use, as well as surprisingly agile handling. But soon, the E 43 will be phased out in favour of a new model: the all new Mercedes-AMG E 53.
Mercedes already showed off the E 53 Coupe and Cabriolet at the Detroit auto show, but now it's giving the sedan the same AMG-lite treatment. Inside, it's still your typical E-Class cabin, but Mercedes did update some of the E 53's exterior styling. The hood, for example, gets two power bulges, and around back, the bumper and diffuser have been restyled.

As the name suggests, the biggest changes are under the bonnet. Like the CLS 53, the E 53's 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six is good for 429 hp and 520 Nm of torque. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system can supplement the engine's power thanks to an electric motor that makes 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes also added an electric auxiliary compressor that works with the exhaust-driven turbocharger to minimise turbo lag.

A nine-speed AMG transmission still sends power to all four wheels, and according to Mercedes' estimates, the E 53 sedan hits 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. That's only slightly quicker than the current E 43, although fuel economy should also improve. Mercedes expects the coupe version to hit 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with the cabriolet matching the sedan's time. All three top out at an electronically limited 130 mph. Optional 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels are available, with 14.2-inch brake discs included on all four corners.

Pricing isn't available at the moment, but Mercedes says the E 53 sedan will go on sale toward the beginning of next year.

Are you an AMG fan, like the all-new 2019 Mercedes AMG E52 Sedan? Tell us your thoughts and views in the comments...