New Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4-Door Coupe has a 6-cylinder soundtrack but no engine

A new entry-level version of the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé has been revealed. Still every bit the rival for the Porsche Taycan, the new GT 53 boasts synthetic 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine sounds, as well as an electric range of almost 500 miles.

Unlike the more powerful Mercedes-AMG GT 55 4-Door Coupé and 63 models, which are powered by three electric motors, the entry-level 53 must make do with two – one at the front and one at the rear. Still, this is enough for an output of 536bhp and a 0-62mph time of just three-and-a-half seconds. Top speed is limited to 143mph, but, in true Mercedes fashion, can be increased to 155mph for those willing to pay for the AMG Driver’s Package.

While the 55 and 63 models attempt to replicate the sensation of having a burbling V8 under the bonnet with simulated gear shifts and artificial engine sounds that even permeate the seats, the 53 swaps this for a 3.0-litre six-cylinder. According to AMG, the sound is based on that of the now-discontinued E 53 Coupé, and its distinct tone was captured using 16 microphones inside and out of the vehicle.

If you like the idea of this, but can’t quite justify six figures for a new EV, you can currently net a Hyundai Ioniq 6 N – which also has simulated engine tech – with an average discount of almost £6,000 via the Auto Express Buy A Car service.

Mercedes-AMG has worked to keep all of the 53’s power planted to the road by employing a host of active aero elements. As standard, the GT 53 4-Door Coupé gets an active rear spoiler which deploys at just over 90mph. Buyers can also specify an optional active rear diffuser for additional downforce; both items can be manually extended via the ‘Aero Set-Up’ menu in the infotainment screen.

The GT 53 4-Door Coupé comes as standard with the familiar 106kWh battery. It’s the same one used in the 55 and 63, but given the 53 is powered by only two electric motors, it’s the most efficient of the three. Mercedes-AMG quotes a WLTP official range of “more than 800 kilometres” (around 500 miles), which is roughly 70 miles more than the thirstier 55 and 63. 

Thanks to the Merc’s 800-volt architecture, the GT 53 4-Door Coupé can charge at speeds of up to 600kW; find a sufficiently powerful public charger and this will result in a 10-80 per cent top-up in just 11 minutes. Once again, however, this is an option, with the standard charging speed topping out at a still-impressive 350kW.

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Inside, it’s a pretty similar story to the more expensive models in the line-up, in the sense that the cabin is dominated by screens – albeit not quite to the same extent. The main 14-inch touchscreen is paired with an 11.6-inch digital driver’s display and while there is a third screen available for the passenger, this, once again, is a paid extra on the base 53.

Mercedes-AMG is yet to confirm UK pricing for the GT 53 4-Door Coupé, nor when it will go on sale. Order books open on 13 August in Germany, however, with prices starting from €115,430 (broadly £99,000). 

This places the 53 squarely in-line with other high-end performance electric cars such as the aforementioned Porsche Taycan 4S, Lotus Emeya and Audi e-tron GT S.

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