R3.2 million buys you this exclusive new Mercedes-AMG E53 Edition 1
The Edition 1 comes with a raft of extras aimed at the enthusiast.
Image: Supplied
Mercedes-AMG has unleashed its E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ Edition 1 model in South Africa, featuring an exclusive colour palette and a “meticulously curated” list of high-value options.
Only 12 units will be available locally, priced at R3,228,200, a significant premium over the ‘standard’ E53, which costs a shade over R2.5 million, but exclusivity and meticulous curation don’t come cheap these days.
To that end, the E53 Edition 1 flaunts an AMG Exterior Carbon Package, AMG Night Package, and larger forged alloy wheels, at 21 inches versus the regular version’s 20" rims.
The cabin treats occupants to AMG Performance seats and the MBUX Superscreen with hybrid-specific displays, which stretches across the dashboard and includes a screen for the front passenger. This model is also set apart by yellow seatbelts, an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre, and exclusive AMG badging provides an additional garnish.
The Hyperscreen, usually optional, is standard in the Edition 1.
Image: Supplied
Being a high-performance sedan, the E53 Edition 1 also features AMG Ride Control suspension, AMG electronic rear-axle limited slip differential and high-performance compound brake system.
Plug-in Performance
The new-generation Mercedes-AMG E53 is a plug-in hybrid, pairing a turbocharged straight-six engine with a 120kW electric motor for system outputs of 430kW and 750Nm.
Race Start mode briefly raises maximum output to 450kW, allowing the sedan to sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds, while the top speed can be electronically raised to 280km/h.
The AMG 'Night" and 'Carbon' packages are fitted to the Edition 1.
Image: Supplied
With a usable battery capacity of 21.22 kWh, the E53 is said to be capable of covering up to 100km on electric power alone. As standard it comes with 11kW worth of AC charging power, but a 60kW DC fast charger is available upon request, allowing a 10% to 80% charge in about 20 minutes.
The hybrid system integrates with an AMG Speedshift 9G transmission and a fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system.
The E53 Edition 1 is sold with a five-year or 100,000km Premium Drive Comfort Care Service and Maintenance Plan.
IOL Motoring