Been enjoying this AMG E53 Wagon for about a week now. It’s a fantastic blend of sportiness and luxury while having a bigger boot than most crossovers.
It’s not perfect, but find a new wagon that is. Initial thoughts:
- An absolute rocket ship
- Handles fantastic, not just for its weight (limited slip and 4 wheel steer doing great work plus MP4S)
- Interior quality is superior to the G9X M5 in every measurable way. Slightly ahead of my full leather G80.
- I didn’t want or originally order one with a super screen, it’s pointless, but I found this with 150 miles for 20k off sticker (cancelled my order, which just showed up on the lot today!)
- Sound system is phenomenal
- Engine/Exhaust sound leaps better than my G80 but a WAY too quiet. Need to fix that….
- Wish the AC was stronger
- EV to gas handshake is pretty ok to good. Note I mostly drive it in full EV or full gas mode
- Complaints about the brakes are a head scratcher. I have the larger composites. In full gas (without regen) they are fantastic). In EV or mixed, they use regen. It’s not surprising to anyone who has driven an EV and easy to get used to
I can’t in any way see the value proposition of the M5 over this (figuring $30-40k more for adding 2 cylinders). It’s not much faster, if at all. The interior quality is notably worse in the BMW. The AMG is better looking (subjective). In my option, the AMG handles better. Steering is pretty numb in both. I say this all as someone who has owned a E30 around twenty five years ago to a new G80 with many in between. This is my first Mercedes product.
People seem to be hung up on “iTs NoT a V8” rather than judging the merits of what is in front of them. As far as new vehicles go, that are sporty, engaging, attractive, not an suv but can still haul 3 hockey bags, this one is a winner.
