BENZ GT53 AMG SHIFTS LUXE SEDAN MARKET INTO OVERDRIVE!

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com

OK, so it isn’t quite as fast as the Corvette Stingray Z51 but this one still can fly! The “four-door, four-passenger coupe,” as Mercedes likes to call the performance-oriented sedan, can take off from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.4 seconds. And top speed is set at 174 mph. Not earth-shattering numbers but still very impressive, one must say. After all, the 3.0-liter turbo engine with an integrated EQ starter-generator (located between engine and transmission) in the GT53 isn’t just a run-of-the-mill. It was specially hand built by the AMG division in Affalterbach, Germany.

Step on the throttle of the all-wheel-drive luxury car and the inline-6 engine blasts off 429 horsepower at 6100 rpm and 384 pounds-feet of torque at 5800 rpm. Mated to a slick and effective 9-speed automatic gearbox, the GT53 is equipped with a razor-sharp electro-mechanical rack-and-pinion steering. Suspension is handled competently by an independent multi-link system. Both ends have gas shocks and coil springs to improve ride quality and comfort. Bringing the speed demon to a halt are AMG high-performance vented 14.2-inch brake discs. To vary the driving experience, this Benz comes in slippery, individual, comfort, race, sport, and sports+ modes.

Walk up to the GT53 and the first element that will grab your attention are vertical high-gloss chrome struts decking up the radiator grille, embossed with AMG badge and the familiar three-pointed star. Horizontal LED headlights decked with carbon fiber components are pleasing to the eye. The cabin is lavish and elegant as is expected of any AMG-equipped Benz with dual auto a/c, Burmester surround sound system, wireless charge pad, illuminated door sills, panoramic sunroof, steering wheel-mounted shifters and heated front seats. The dash, doors and center console are covered in saddle brown/black Nappa leather upholstery. A touchpad controls audio, navigation and phone infotainment on the massive 12.3-inch display dash screen. A similarly-sized widescreen digital instrument cluster greets the driver too. AMG enthusiasts will quickly notice the emblem imprinted on the seatbacks. All materials and craftsmanship are top-notch.

Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes, electronic stability program, pre-safe (partial braking in an emergency), rearview camera, keyless go/start, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system are standard. Numerous packages are offered and we recommend driver assistance ($1,950), which include active distance, steering, lane-keep, brake and blind spot assists.

Base-priced at $99,950 and topping at $126,320 with options, the performance- and luxury-oriented GT53 packs a bunch or two with outstanding handling and balance. And if you have the dough, we can only encourage you to be a little pompous. After all, who says flaunting is a crime?

GT53 AMG                      

Tires: 255/45R19 front; 285/40R19 rear

Wheelbase: 116.2 inches

Length: 199.2 inches

Width: 81.5 inches

Height: 57.3 inches

Weight: 4,553 pounds

Fuel capacity: 21.1 gallons

City: 20 mpg                                      

Highway: 25 mpg

Web site: www.mbusa.com