It looks like Mercedes-AMG is aware that the numbers associated with the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé’s maybe a tad unreasonable—be it the price or the power. It has recently introduced an “entry-level” model that has fewer ponies to rein in and is easier on your bank account. Meet the new Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4-Door Coupé, the entry point to the same all-electric family.
Instead of the three axial-flux motors found in the GT 55 and GT 63, the GT 53 uses two synchronous motors producing up to 400 kW (544 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. It still reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds, so “entry-level” remains a term best kept within quotation marks.
A two-speed transmission at the rear axle balances acceleration and efficiency, while the permanently excited rear motor is claimed to achieve 93% battery-to-wheel efficiency over long distances. The 800-volt battery uses directly cooled cylindrical cells and provides a preliminary WLTP range of up to 809 km (503 miles).
Hook it up to a sufficiently heroic 600 kW charger, and Mercedes-AMG says it can recover as much as 534 km (332 miles) of range in ten minutes. Finding such a charger may take longer than the charging itself.
The GT 53 also comes with AMG Ride Control air suspension, adaptive damping, adjustable accelerator response, and active aerodynamics. It sits 4 cm (1.6 inches) lower than its predecessor despite carrying a battery beneath the floor, proving that batteries do not always require cars to resemble rolling apartment blocks.
Since an AMG travelling in silence would feel slightly unnatural, AMGFORCE S+ digitally recreates the sound of the former AMG E 53’s inline-six. Engineers recorded that engine using 16 microphones and more than 100 measurements, then added simulated gearshifts, torque interruptions, and haptic feedback. The engine may be gone, but Mercedes kept the audio files.
Pricing and availability have not been announced. Mercedes-AMG describes it as an attractive entry model at an equally attractive price, although we should probably let our bank accounts decide what “attractive” means. Anyhoo, it has not been listed on the Mercedes-Benz page yet.
Images: Mercedes-Benz.
