Mercedes AMG E53 - Better than an E63? I ReDriven used car review

Based on the fifth-generation W213 Mercedes E-Class produced from 2016, the AMG tuned and engineered E43, E53 and E63 variants represent the high-performance examples of Merc's iconic mid to high-range model.

A mid-life facelift in 2021 has seen the AMG W213 models receive updated front and rear fascias while inside, COMAND has been replaced by MBUX with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and revised touch-sensitive controls. Driver-assistance and safety technology was also updated.

While all AMG E-Class models provide superb levels of performance and luxury, just how much power and performance you require is obviously subjective, however, we feel this is the sweet spot in the range.

00:00​​ - Intro
01:12 - What is it?
03:04 - Does it look good?
04:32​​ - How's the interior?
07:04 - How's the tech?
09:04 - Is it practical?
09:56 - What goes wrong?
10:54​​ - Is it safe?
11:41 - What's it like to drive?
15:14 - How much does it cost?
15:51 - Running costs?
16:33 - Should you buy it?

#mercedes
#amg
#e53

---

At ReDriven, we’ll be taking you through the pros and cons of a huge range of used cars to see how well they’re going now that they’re a few years old, have thousands of kilometres on the clock, and are coming toward the end of their warranty, or maybe don’t have one at all.

Plus, thanks to our resident mechanic, Jim, you’ll find out what commonly goes wrong with them and what might need to be fixed.

Most importantly, we want to make ReDriven a voice for the most in-the-know used car experts there are...you guys.. See, you’re the ones that actually buy, live with, love and sometimes unfortunately hate the cars we’ll be reviewing.

So we want to hear your thoughts. Hit us up in the comments, or on Instagram and Facebook.

We’d love nothing more than for you to give us as much feedback as possible, so we can make this channel the best it can be.

Find us on:

[gerry]

I was fortunate enough to buy a 2 year old used E53 AMG in the UK three months ago. Came with 2 year warranty. Absolutely love it, no issues so far. Get in it and drive it off, you can feel the torque and it just makes you smile, well, it makes me smile anyway. 🙂

[edkelly]

I’ve had mine since 2019 and done 56, 000 trouble free miles, it’s still on original disks and pads! It’s a great car for long European trips. The traction in ice and snow is fantastic with continental winter tyres, it also has the benefit of being able to raise the ride height for driving in deep snow, hard slush and across fields. The comfort is great. Highly recommend.

[Ali-yjpl]

"This thing makes E63 S feel way to expensive"

Mercedes response :
" let's increase the price of this to closer the gap!"

[TheBullfrog]

Am driving this for past 27 months and it is an absolute joy. Located in Singapore, much of the driving is in urban condition with 60% city driving. Fuel consumption I am getting is around between 11-11.5l/100km. To be honest, it surprises many to learn of how good the FC is for an AMG when you compare that with other AMG ranged models.

Power delivery and performance can easily get you in trouble with the authorities. But I always believed that for safety reasons, this power delivery is essential to get you out of dangerous situations.

With the EQ boost cum mild-hybrid generator, with stop/start function switched on, you hardly notice any vibration from the engine like any other car.

The only qualm I have about this car is that tyre changes for the front 2 wheels are between 14, 000km-22, 000km on average. Learnt this is due to the toe-in configuration coupled with the power delivery from the engine does cause tire wear more than you are used to for any other rides. However, the rear tires last twice that of the front.

I have had issues with the whining sound coming from underneath the car most recently. They have changed the 2 driveshafts (4 wheel drive) and subsequently, the front axle is covered under warranty. But the sound still persists despite leaving it at the dealer's workshop for a month. I am required to send it back to have it ratified yet again within the warranty period which is 3 years or 100, 000kms here. In consultation with Germany over my car issue, understood they have not encountered this problem is shown some interest to understand what might be the problem.

Apart from that, felt it is a very reliable engine (straight 6). I would highly recommend this car to anyone who is considering buying one.

[tyrrelli]

Having owned one of these in the UK for 3 years and 19k miles, I can confirm that it’s an excellent everyday car. The 3-litre straight six engine is creamy and strong and the car feels solid as a rock. Mpg not bad either. On long runs I get up to 38 mpg and overall I’ve averaged 29.1 mpg. I usually change my car every 2 or 3 years but I’m going to keep this one and run it until the day comes when I’m ready to go electric. Not yet.

[davidwhetter]

E53 adaptive headlight system issues highlighted! Hi from the UK and thanks for highlighting the adaptive headlight issue that my March 2019 model purchased by me in December 2021 had until last week. A trip to the MB dealer for a reconfigure of system for about 2 hours seems to have sorted. I watched several reviews prior to purchase but you guys were the only ones to highlight the adaptive headlight inherrent fault. Well done!

[olayinkaolatunde]

It’s always good to see the behind the scenes. It’ll make you appreciate the work and effort put into making this informative video. Kudos

[sanadalghezawi]

The concept of the channel is amazing! Videos are to the point and quite enjoyable 👍🏼

[AUSCAR]

Love to see a report on the KIA Stinger.

[Kiwi_Dave]

Loving your channel, thanks for the content. Great source of info to help research what to buy after Lockdown.

[Jimmyroytroy]

I think you actually might be wrong about the exhaust sound being piped through the sound system. From my (admittedly brief research) the true quad exhaust 43 and 53 models are just that. A true quad exhaust. My 2021 GLC 43 does not artificially enhance the exhaust note through the sound system so I am hoping that is the case with this model.

[masteryayi]

Excellent video. You helped me make up my mind! Thank you!!!

[Peacemakeric]

Love watching these reviews. Not everyone wants to buy, or can buy new so this I really helpful for long term issues that might pop up. Would love to see a review on the second Gen GH Mazda 6 hatch/wagon/sedan, or even the P3 Volvo XC70.

[dubplateriddim]

I have a 2016 facelift C250 and the quality that MB exercises even at the entry level is insane. Mercedes benz is the only brand I trust to drive.

[dekkerlundquist]

Another great review. This is an awesome car and excellent value for money.

[GOdStar]

I use all the MBUX infotainment and interior stuff frequently. It’s amazing. I love it and miss it when I drive other cars.

[nickbloomfield]

I always look forward to the out takes. Bloody brilliant

[tommyclarke]

I can see you in that car. And not because I just saw you in it. I just drove my friends 2012 S550 with 150k miles and I was impressed at how tight everything still was.

[deanrwilson]

This segment from Redriven is spot on. A new owner could have spent $270k for one of these and the depreciation is frightening. This car will be worth $35k in not too long dropping to $20k as the KM's are racked up. And the main reason for this is the cost of ownership outside of warranty is scary. And things go wrong that ridiculously expensive to fix. If you are DIY mechanic with patience and shop for parts overseas these cars can be kept on the road as the AMG engines are bulletproof, it's everything they hang off them that sometimes aren't. European cars in general can be expensive outside of warranty some worse than others.

[uzairahsan]

Hi mate, love your work. Can you please make a video on cars with most comfortable rides, new and used cars.
Cheers