Power Suit

Like any W213 E-Class, this particular Merc looks like a dime in a dozen at a glance. However, by the time you decide to take a second look, it’s probably too late, leaving you with nothing but a speck in the distance, accompanied by an unmistakable howl of a blown straight-six heart.

Welcome to the Mercedes-AMG E53, a car many would call a classic ‘sleeper’. Having spent an extended amount of time piloting recently, there’s indeed much to love with just a few bits to loathe in this wolf in sheep’s clothing of sorts.

As with most sleepers, the average Joe would be hard pressed at setting this apart from its lesser AMG Line-kitted E350 sibling. Take that second look and the differences lie subtly in a few key places. Amongst the obvious are the massive 20-inch alloy wheels and brakes, quad-tailpipes, and tailgate badges.

Climb into the cabin and, unsurprisingly, the E53 again pretends to be more sheep than wolf here too. Much of what you see in the top-spec locally assembled E-Class is mirrored here once again, with the exception of a few notable bits that mildly hints at this saloon’s true nature of a wolf.

Highlights of the latter include an AMG-specific sports steering wheel, the dash’s glossy carbon effect and matching shiny aluminium trims, not forgetting the AMG-specific sports seats up front.

Again, anyone would be hard-pressed at setting this apart from its lesser siblings here too.

The E53 only begins to show its fangs during cold starts, the dead giveaway here being its raspy sports exhaust note that’s very apparent at the start before it’s gradually silenced upon warming up. That note returns when Sport and Sport+ drive modes are toggled, sounding raunchiest in the latter.

On the move, the E53 can and will act as civilised as its lesser siblings would, especially when set into either Eco or Comfort modes. Predictably, the adaptive dampers and steering are at their softest and lightest settings respectively.

Annoyingly, the ride still feels a tad bit stiff compared to the regular E-Class, and we suspect those massive wheels and low-profile tyres present to be the root cause. Adding to that is the apparent tyre roar present as the speed gradually increases - typical of run-flat tyres that this Merc rolls on.

These quirks however quickly become insignificant once either Sport or Sport+ modes are engaged, or when the E53 is rightfully pushed. Here, the adaptive dampers are hardened, the ride height lowered, steering weight increased, throttle response sharpened and the sports exhaust’s decibels raised.

This is when this plush family saloon transforms into a rigid and sharp touring car it wishes to be, ready to tear up the asphalt in similar fashion as its DTM racer cousin. Floor the loud pedal and the E53 will thrust you – and your passengers – deep into the plush seats as easily as any of its overpowered 63-series cousins would.

...the E53 will thrust you – and your passengers – deep into the plush seats as easily as any of its overpowered 63-series cousins would

Much of the speed and performance stem from the heightened powertrain the E53 is blessed with, which is a turbocharged straight-six mild-hybrid motor that supplies 435bhp and 520Nm of twist. Both go on to all four wheels through a trick all-wheel-drive system and nine-speed sports automatic box, the latter sporting slick, lightning-quick shifts too.

Adding to the occasion is the exhaust’s grunt with every upshift, but it’s the crackling and popping when throttling off from high-revs that carved the biggest (read: silliest) grins on our mugs. However, they still pale in comparison to the straight-six motor’s sweet symphony, sounding more akin to an old Skyline GT-R when in full chat.

Like the JDM hero, this German power-saloon employs plenty of clever electronic wizardries that ensures it can carve corners well. Simply put, this rather large and hefty saloon isn’t hard to hustle through a twisty B-road as how its lighter and more focused AMG GT cousin would.

Apart from the tyre roar, the slightly stiff ride, and perhaps a nearly unquenchable thirst for fuel when pushed, the E53 perhaps only lacks a Race drive mode.

Nevertheless, it still goes as how any car properly built – or fettled – by House Affalterbach should, with the added bonus of stealth.

Sure, it sounds mad to pony up RM740,888 for this fast and stealthy number, especially considering a respectably capable and arguably more comfortable E350 AMG Line costs nearly half. But like any well-tailored power suit, it’s a premium some will find worthy to meet.

The E53 only lacks a Race drive mode.

FOR	AGAINST
Plush luxuries, bonkers speed and performance, as well as stealthy presence	The stiff ride and annoying tyre roar. It also gets quite thirsty at times
SCORE	8/10