Mercedes-Benz India will launch 10 new models in 2023. A key focus is to offer products that help increase the top-end customer base. In other words, the portfolio that caters to the ultra-wealthy will expand for the three-pointed star. And we haven’t even gone through the first week of 2023, the first product that bolsters the brand’s gameplan is already here. Meet the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet. A mouthful indeed! But then its starting price tag of INR 1.30 crore does make up for it.
Unveiled first in May 2020, the E 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet is the first convertible AMG that India has received. And the reason for it being so dear is that it arrives as a CBU (Completely Built Unit), which attracts the maximum import duty.
Powering the Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet is a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that offers 425hp/520Nm. In the mix is a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which, at certain times, provides an extra 22hp/250Nm of oomph. The duty of harnessing the system output and feeding it to all four wheels is handled by a slick 9-speed automatic transmission. The setup is enough to post a 0-100kmph sprint time of 4.6 seconds and an electronically-governed top speed of 250kmph. The latter can be bumped to 270kmph with the optional AMG Driver’s package.
Features? As you’d expect, the list is quite extensive. It includes 64-colour ambient lighting, 19-inch alloy wheels, a wireless mobile charger, powered seats with memory function, three-zone automatic climate control and a Burmester sound system. Other goodies, such as heated and ventilated seats, auto-dimming exterior and interior rear-view mirrors, a head-up display, connected-car tech, Nappa leather upholstery adjustable suspension and multiple drive modes, are also available.
There are three colour themes available for the interior, two of which are dual-tone. Other styling touches include four colour options for the roof fabric and five for the exterior. Even for the trim, one could choose among three finishes – carbon fibre, aluminium and open-pore ash wood.
The Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet might be expensive, but it has no direct rivals in India. Will that help push the numbers in the right direction? Only time will tell.
