Mercedes-Benz Adds More Affordable 53 Variant to the electric AMG GT 4-Door Coupé

• The electric AMG GT 4-Door Coupé is now available in 53, 55, and 63 trims.

• The new AMG GT 53 features 544 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.

• While the 55 and 63 simulate V8 engine noises in AMGFORCE S+ mode, the 53 simulates a six-cylinder engine.

When Mercedes-Benz launched its new AMG GT 4-Door coupé electric high-performance sedan a little over two months ago, two versions were available.

The Mercedes-AMG GT 55 4-door coupé was the entry-level model while the AMG GT 63 4-door coupé was the range-topper.

The latter is still true, but the GT 55 has been promoted to a mid-level trim with the addition of the new Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4-door coupé, which was announced earlier today.

This new arrival is positioned as the most affordable of the three versions, with prices in Germany starting at 115,430 Euros compared to 154,700 euros for the 55 and 196,350 Euros for the 63.

Of course, this lower price comes with less power, but the AMG GT 53 will not be lacking in this regard. Indeed, the automaker claims a figure of 544 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque for this new electric sports car, which should enable it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.5 seconds.

Like the other models, the GT 53 features an 800-volt architecture and a 106-kWh battery with directly cooled cylindrical cells, making sustained spirited driving possible without having to take breaks to let the battery temperature fall.

EPA range estimates are not yet available, but Mercedes claims an 800 km figure according to the WLTP testing cycle, along with charging rates quick enough to add 534 kilometres in 10 minutes.

Like the other two models, the GT 53 comes standard with all-wheel drive thanks to an electric motor on each axle. The rear motor is mated to a two-speed transmission that allows better acceleration and efficiency at low speeds without compromising power delivery at higher speeds.

Also like the other models, the GT 53 is equipped with an AMG-tuned adaptive air suspension that is meant to improve handling during performance driving and comfort on longer road trips, thanks to a variety of selectable drive modes.

In addition to Comfort and Sport modes, Sport+ can be activated via a switch on the steering wheel.

Mercedes-Benz says that this drive mode provides a more emotional driving experience, notably by simulating the behaviour of an internal combustion powertrain.

Indeed, this mode simulates gear changes by briefly altering the motors’ torque characteristics during acceleration to provide the feel of a real transmission Drivers can also control this simulated transmission with the steering wheel mounted paddles. In addition, the sound system simulates the sound of a gasoline engine to provide familiar auditory feedback to the driver.

While the GT 55 and 63 simulate the sound of an AMG V8 engine, the GT 53 mimics the sound of an AMG six-cylinder powertrain, in keeping with its positioning within the lineup.

Indeed, Mercedes-AMG’s gasoline-powered 53 models are powered by six-cylinder engines while 55 and 63-badged cars feature eight cylinders.

In the case of the GT 53 4-door coupé, engineers recorded the soundtrack of the 3.0L turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine of the former AMG E53 coupé.

In terms of design, the GT 53 does not differ much from its more expensive relatives, featuring most of the visible features that can also be found on the GT 63. These include the standard active rear wing and the available active rear diffuser.

Inside, the main difference that can be seen in the pictures of the AMG GT 53 that Mercedes-Benz provided resides in the absence of carbon fibre elements that cover various elements of the GT 63, such as the steering wheel and the center console.

Since the new electric AMG GT 4-door coupé isn’t yet available on the automaker’s online configurator, we don’t know for sure whether that is a genuine difference between the two models or down to a difference in the options packages that were selected on the pictured vehicles.

Sales of the electric Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4-door Coupé will begin next week in Germany and are expected to follow shortly in North America.