You could sell this car on horsepower and body type alone. Watch:
429 horsepower convertible.
If you have blood in your veins and oxygen in your lungs, that got a response.
But the 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet is better than that. That's just the line drawing that ends up a modern art masterpiece.
This is the cabriolet version of the car I called "the new standard" back in January---the Mercedes-Benz E Class. And it's from Mercedes' AMG division.
Yes, that's where the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbo engine with EQ Boost comes from. And that's the 429 horsepower, accompanied by 384 pounds per foot of torque, mated to an AMG Speedshift TCT 9-speed automatic transmission (EPA fuel economy estimate 21 city/27 highway). And AMG also brings Dynamic Select, 4MATIC+ and an AMG sport suspension based on Mercedes' Air Body Control.
The result is a fast, smooth, brilliant-handling luxury sport machine.
The base price for the 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet is $82,850. The window sticker is at the end of this review so you can see for yourself, but among the standard equipment highlights at that price are dual-zone automatic climate control, multicolor ambient lighting, two 12.3-inch digital displays, one a touchscreen for infotainment and climate control, and an astonishingly good (though I've experienced it in several Mercedes and AMG vehicles this year, it's still stunning each time) Burmester premium surround sound audio system.
You could, if you could find one, take a totally stock, no options E53 Cabriolet and be a very happy human. But, assuming your bank balance can take it, you'll be even happier with the extra-cost options that came on our test vehicle. There's so much, I'm going to again refer you to the window sticker at the end of this review for details and prices other than to say that after said equipment and $1,050 destination and delivery charge, the as-tested price of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet is $95,238.
There are two ways to look at that price. There's "Holy ----, Mike! That's only $4,762 away from a hundred grand!" There's also "Hey! I get $4,762 in change from my hundred grand!" The 2021 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet is not a bargain-basement ragtop. It's not meant to be the new millennium Chrysler LeBaron. It's a sophisticated sports convertible for people of means. And it's great incentive to become one of those people if you're not already.
