Rumours were flying around that Mercedes may introduce an AMG V8 for their Coupe and Cabriolet, donning the ‘63’ moniker. However, Product Management for Mercedes-AMG, Kamelia Brodner confirmed with Motor Trend that Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe and Cabriolet is a perfect match for the segment and there is no place for a V8 coupe.

All that means is if you want a two-door Mercedes-Benz with a V8 engine, you need to look at the C 63 or the S 63. But does it matter if the V8 is not available with the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet when you still have the AMG E 63 S in saloon-style?

We suspect it won’t matter much because the boffins at AMG have had their way with the facelifted E 53, and boy is it special. The Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe and Cabriolet now comes with a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder that is both twin-turbocharged and supercharged. The supercharger is driven by an electrical motor instead of the crankshaft, meaning the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe and Cabriolet pushes out an impressive 435hp and a peak torque of 520Nm.

The 48V EQ Boost starter-generator that forms part of the mild-hybrid system accounts for 21hp and 250Nm of torque. Power is routed via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G automatic transmission to all four wheels, thanks to the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ variable all-wheel drive system.

To differentiate the regular E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet to this E 53, AMG has doused the 2-door, 2+2 coupe with a plethora of go-faster bits. Upfront sits the new A-shaped grille finished in AMG guise. The vertical slats of the grille, instead of the base horizontal or diamond-cut finish, add a menacing face to the big GT. The deeper, more prominent lower air intakes and splitters channel air to increase cooling and aerodynamic efficiency.

From the side, new 19-inch light-alloy wheels in the aerodynamically optimised five-twin-spoke design catch the eye. As an option 20-inch, light-alloy wheels in a five-twin-spoke design are available, finished in a choice of matte black or high-gloss titanium grey. The rear features a tell-tale AMG signature quad tailpipes. The tailpipes are set at the corners of the rear bumper, flanking the massive diffuser and giving the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe and Cabriolet a low and wide rear stance.

The optional AMG Night Package gives the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe and Cabriolet an even sportier appearance. At the same time, the Carbon Package II adds mirror caps and spoiler lips finished in carbon fibre.

The interior is sublime and made of the finest materials Affalterbach has to offer. The Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe and Cabriolet replaces the open-pore wood inlays with carbon fibre, combining a premium feel with sporty intent. The seats in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre in black with an AMG-specific design, red contrasting topstitching and AMG badging.

The two new instrument displays now come with three AMG display styles “Modern Classic”, “Sport” and “Supersport”, with the latter being the sportiest and most performance-focused. The MBUX infotainment system also integrates the AMG menu, which has various performance displays such as Engine Data, warm-up temperature, G-Meter and a Racetimer.

Seamlessly integrated into the brands new three rounded twin-spoke AMG steering wheel are the drive program selector and suspension control for the driver’s easy reach. The five DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs “Slippery”, “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport+” and “Individual”, can be influenced at the tap of a finger. Each of the drive modes affects various dynamic aspects of the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe and Cabriolet such as engine response, transmission, steering and suspension.

The AMG RIDE CONTROL gives the big grand tourer superior agility so that drivers can enjoy a good set of mountain roads just as much as blasting down the Autobahn. The ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System) can be configured into “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+” modes to better suit individual driving style.

AMG models are most notably known for one defining characteristic, and that is speed. Being a German automobile, the top speed of the Mercedes-AMG E 53 is limited to 250kph. Still, it can be increased to 270kph with the optional AMG Driver’s Package. With this increased speed, the package also includes upgraded brakes that are 370mm in diameter with four-piston callipers on the front, while the rear brakes are 360mm in diameter with a single-piston floating calliper.

The Mercedes-AMG E 53 vehicle dynamics are controlled by the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT system, consisting of “Basic”, Advanced” and “Pro”. These modes that influence the level of ESP (Electronic Stability Program) interference and settings for the variable all-wheel drive system.

For the best driving experience, the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package is a must-have option. In addition to red AMG brake callipers, Race mode will be included as one of the selectable drive programs, and with it comes Drift mode. In Drift mode, the variable all-wheel drive system switches to rear-wheel drive only for some tail-out hooliganism around corners.

With luxury, performance, style and enough space to fit four people comfortably, this Mercedes-AMG E 53 has become the all-rounded daily driver you never knew you needed, with more grunt than you could ever want. Yet, we still can’t help what the E 63 Coupe or Cabriolet might have been?