Approximately seven years ago, a Mercedes product manager admitted the company made a mistake by not introducing AMG E63 versions of the previous-generation E-Class Coupe and Convertible. He also vowed to fix that with the next-gen cars, but the three-pointed star never fully lived up to that promise. That’s because although two-door AMG models are available today, they’re the "53" versions without the big V8, and that won’t change.
Earlier this week we spoke with Mercedes execs at a virtual roundtable, and there a representative for the company said that E63 Coupe and Convertible models are not on the agenda. Kamelia Brodner, Product Management for AMG, argued the aforementioned E53 is the most suitable version in this segment, adding that a full-fat 63 model is simply not needed with the recently introduced facelift.
"We won’t offer a V8 on the two model lineups," Brodner notes during the call. "For the E-Class saloon and estate we have a V8, but not for the coupe and cabriolet."
The silver lining is AMG’s Dynamic Plus package, which has trickled down to a six-cylinder car for the first time. That package brings the RACE drive program with Drift Mode, a sporty AMG steering wheel, and red brake calipers.
Gallery: Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe (2020)
Also not coming to the E-Class Coupe and Convertible models is a plug-in hybrid powertrain. But customers wanting a plug-in option can still get it in the saloon or estate. Mercedes motivated its decision by saying there wouldn’t be much demand for these electrified two-door cars, so they’re not worth the trouble.
"We will not offer, in the convertible or the coupe, the battery in the back," E-Class Chief Engineer Michael Kelz tells us over the phone. "Because with the luggage space it will be pretty tight. And on the other hand, the demand is not very high."
These omissions from the range, though, aren't Mercedes’ way of gradually lowering the importance of coupes and convertibles. In fact, the company still believes highly in the E-Class coupe and Cabriolet.
See the refreshed cabrio, coupe:
"I can assure you that our future will keep the cabriolet in this class. It's in the heart of Mercedes... I'm pretty sure that you will see another one in the future," said Kelz. The company also believes there’s still enough demand to justify selling coupes, so these stylish body styles are not going anywhere despite the SUV craze.
That’s especially true when you take into account work is well underway at a second-generation AMG GT, which will share many of its bits and pieces with the all-new SL. These two are expected to also fill in the void left by the probable demise of the S-Class Coupe and Convertible, which haven’t exactly been strong sellers.