Mercedes-AMG continues on its path to electrification with the brand new E53–so far the highest-performing model of the brand new E-Class midsize luxurious sedan. As the E53 nomenclature suggests, this is not but the highest canine of the E-Class vary. That can be the yet-to-arrive E63, however for now, we’ll need to accept this.

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ because it’s totally known as, follows the electrified footsteps of the C63, using a plug-in hybrid drivetrain to enrich the turbocharged gasoline engine. This is ready to compete with the upcoming BMW M560e xDrive–another M however not fairly full M automotive from BMW that replaces the M550i xDrive. It’s additionally a plug-in hybrid however with much less energy at 565 horses versus the 603 horses of the AMG. Is this electrified sedan an indication of issues to come back, or must you purchase the outgoing mild-hybrid E53 right now earlier than it is too late?

In order to provide the most recent and correct info attainable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from Mercedes-AMG.

The AMG E53 Makes Up To 603 Horses

As with plenty of these high-performance plug-in hybrid luxurious sedans, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ combines blistering pace and the driving pleasure of an inside combustion engine (ICE) with the necessity for zero emissions mobility. It’s a sedan that addresses right now’s environmental challenges while preserving the heritage and the sound of an ICE whenever you need it.

603 Electrified Horses, But With A Catch

The new E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ combines a 3.0-liter inline-six that’s been turbocharged to 443 horses, which is a wholesome enchancment over the earlier mild-hybrid E53’s inline-six with 429 horses. This is mixed with a 161-horsepower electrical motor that is built-in into the AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission. When each energy sources are working in tandem, the whole output turns into 577 horses and 553 pound-feet of torque, which is distributed by way of a extremely variable 4Matic+ all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

That 603 horsepower determine you are seeing is whenever you use the launch management of the Race Start mode, which, sadly, is an non-compulsory further that is a part of the AMG Dynamic Plus bundle. The ensuing 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of three.8 seconds for the sedan and three.9 seconds for the wagon is 0.7 seconds quicker than the outgoing mild-hybrid E53 and simply 0.6 seconds slower versus the outgoing V-8 E63 S.

It Can Drive Like An EV, Too

With that gearbox-mounted electrical motor, the E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ has the power to journey in pure electrical mode for round 53 to 63 miles primarily based on WLTP testing. This is because of the generously sized 21.22 kWh battery pack that may be charged at as much as 60 kW DC, and that is sufficient for a ten to 80 p.c cost in simply 20 minutes. In pure electrical mode, the highest pace is proscribed to 87 mph, however with the complete PHEV drivetrain working, its prime pace is an electronically restricted 174 mph for the sedan and 171 mph for the wagon.

Unfortunately, in the event you’re ready for the range-topping E63 and hoping for a plug-in hybrid V-8 like within the S63 E Performance, nicely, you are out of luck. The upcoming E63 will likewise get an inline-six plug-in hybrid drivetrain, however clearly has extra energy and extra subtle electrical motors.

2025 Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ Specs

(Specs sourced from Mercedes-AMG)

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Is A High-performance PHEV Model

If there’s one factor you possibly can belief the parents at Mercedes-AMG to be good at, that might be making a heavy car really feel like a a lot smaller car. While Mercedes-AMG hasn’t but revealed the burden of the brand new E53 Hybrid 4Matic+, the brand new C63 S E-Performance, likewise a PHEV high-performance sedan, is a really heavy automotive subsequent to the non-hybrid BMW M3, and it is partly why the automotive is so controversial. We will not be shocked if the curb weight of the E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ may even be considerably heavier than the outgoing mild-hybrid mannequin, and that is as a result of sheer complication of making an attempt to attain each the pleasure of an ICE together with the necessity for zero emissions mobility.

An Electrified Vehicle Trying To Feel As Natural As Possible

Say what you need about how highly effective the brand new 2024 Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ is, however simply studying by way of the technical bits makes me fearful about proudly owning one long-term. The complication of the E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ begins with the braking system as a result of, as everyone knows with electrified automobiles, the transition between the hydraulic-based friction brakes and the regenerative braking to cost the battery can really feel unnatural.

To resolve this, Mercedes-AMG employed an electromechanical brake booster. The fixed pedal really feel is because of the vacuum-independent braking system controlling the versatile change between hydraulic braking and electrical recuperation. This reduces the braking energy of the hydraulic friction brakes–even with fixed pedal strain, to take care of a excessive degree of recuperation with the regenerative brakes as pace decreases. The supposed result’s that the motive force doesn’t discover this automated change.

Systems To Keep The Midsize Sedan In Check

At the identical time, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ additionally wants to meet its responsibility as each a long-distance cruiser and a sports activities sedan. The AMG Ride Control adaptive metal spring suspension employs two valves (separate valves for compression and rebound) which permits for better variability primarily based on three ranges: Comfort, Sport, and Sport+.

The chassis additionally comes with enhanced stiffness, whereas the aforementioned electromechanical brake system comes with bigger brakes in comparison with the usual E-Class. The customary rear-axle steering additional reduces the turning circle of this midsize luxurious automotive at low speeds or will increase stability at excessive speeds.

Finally, the non-compulsory AMG Dynamic Plus bundle provides the aforementioned Race Start launch management. These dynamic engine mounts permit the engine to both get rid of vibrations or make it really feel as inflexible as attainable to the physique throughout sporty driving. It provides an electronically-controlled rear axle locking differential that enables for higher corner-exiting traction.

Only The Sedan Is Coming To America

To the shock of nobody, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ will solely be bought as a sedan within the North American market, with the wagon being bought in Europe and different world markets. With that stated, right here are some things you possibly can count on within the new E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ because it reaches the North American market later this yr. Pricing, nevertheless, has not but been introduced, however the outgoing AMG E53 coupe, which is a mild hybrid, starts at $84,500.

There’s additionally no denying the elevated efficiency that this mannequin gives, however the brand new E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ can sound too complicated for its personal good. If you continue to need an E53 however one which feels far easier to personal and drive, then the outgoing mild-hybrid mannequin may be higher. It’s nonetheless a completely trendy automotive in 2024, and you will in all probability find yourself with good offers on one as the brand new mannequin arrives later this yr,

An Exterior That Communicates Its Performance Intent

Visually talking, the 2025 Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ units itself aside with its sportier entrance bumpers, an illuminated AMG-specific grille with vertical slats, and a physique that is subtly wider by 0.4 inches in comparison with the usual E-Class. Sitting inside its wider fenders are 19-inch wheels as customary, however they are often upgraded to 20-inch alloys or 21-inch cast wheels.

Moving in the direction of the rear, you will see a sportier rear bumper with quad exhausts and a delicate lip spoiler. If you wish to take away the chrome stuff for one thing extra sinister, you possibly can go for the AMG Exterior Night Package and AMG Carbon Exterior Package. The former largely swap the chrome bits for gloss black ones, whereas the latter is one other non-compulsory further that provides a dose of carbon fiber exterior components (such because the mirror caps and lip spoiler).

Interior That’s Rich In Screens

Unsurprisingly, the brand new E53 inherits the inside of the usual E-Class, which implies you get a well-built inside that is full of a dizzying array of screens. The non-compulsory MBUX Superscreen–one tier decrease than the equally gimmicky Hyperscreen, separates the digital gauge cluster from the only glass that homes the primary MBUX infotainment with the entrance passenger’s show, but it surely’s an possibility field we would gladly keep away from because the expanse of wooden with out the Superscreen seems significantly better to our eyes.

Apart from these two dashboard choices, the E53 will get AMG-specific remedies equivalent to AMG sports activities seats (upgradable to AMG efficiency seats) upholstered in Artico artificial leather-based and microcut microfiber with purple stitching. You additionally get an AMG efficiency steering wrapped in Nappa Leather and illuminated grey open-pore ash wooden trim. Finally, the MBUX infotainment comes with hybrid-specific menus and shows.