2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class shines, in luxury and sport forms

Currently in its fifth generation, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class of midsized cars is an unusual case of what happens when an automaker does both road-going (touring-class) and sports models really well.

At a Glance

• Comparing the E450 and the E53 model illustrates the differences between a stately luxury sedan and a sports sedan
• The E450 incorporates a mild hybrid system into its powerplant
• The E53 from AMG adds 60 HP to the car

The 2021 E-Class models that are most interesting are the E450 and the AMG E53 variants. These are the “mainstream” models for Mercedes-Benz, and encapsulate luxurious driving and powerful sports handling respectively. Both use the same turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and nine-speed automatic transmission. Both are also available as coupe, convertible, or sedan models, while the E450 is also available as a wagon (aka the “All-Terrain”). All-wheel drive (called “4Matic” by Mercedes) is standard on the sedan, wagon…