Preview: 2025 Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid

Now a plug-in hybrid, the new E 53 AMG makes as much horsepower as the outgoing E 63 S.

Calvin Chan

March 12, 2024

1–2 minutes

Continuing with the migration to electrification, the new Mercedes-AMG E 53 is now a plug-in hybrid that makes as much horsepower as the outgoing E 63 S.

Under its Teutonic skin is a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and 28.6 kWh battery, resulting in a grand output of 577 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Using its RACE START launch control feature will temporarily ramp that figure up to 604 hp for a 0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds. Conducting the show is a 9-speed gearbox and 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive.

The 400-volt battery is mounted below the trunk floor and supports 11 kW AC charging and 60 kW DC fast charging. Different levels of brake regeneration can also be selected with the strongest setting allowing for one-pedal driving. This being a plug-in hybrid means the E 53 can also run on electric power alone but Mercedes has yet to release a range figure.

But it’s not just about power. AMG have made the E 53 more rigid with added strut braces, a retuned adaptive suspension with three damper maps, reworked and larger brakes, and standard rear-axle steering.

And what a looker. We think this new E 53 offers more visual road presence than the model it replaces. Compared to the standard E-Class, the AMG comes with wider front fenders, flared air inlets and side skirts, a rear lip spoiler, quad exhaust tips, and the signature AMG front grill. Not sure if we’re too crazy about the fake side vents, though. Standard are 20-inch wheels, with optional 21-inch forged wheels.

Inside is a similar design to the current crop of Mercedes, with the impressive MBUX Superscreen display (not to be confused with the larger Hyperscreen) and a 12.3-inch passenger-side display just like in the new S-Class and EQ models. Power adjustable sports seats are standard, and are upholstered in a type of suede and microfibre material with red stitching. Options include leather and Nappa leather, and AMG performance seats and steering wheel.

Canadian pricing for the 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid has yet to be announced but expect deliveries to begin at the end of 2024.

Author

Calvin Chan

Calvin has been captivated by cars since he was a child. His parents even joked that his first word was “Honda.” Throughout his time writing at CAR, Calvin has driven and reviewed thousands of vehicles, ranging from SUVs to supercars, but he can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than aimlessly cruising in an open-top convertible until the sun or his sunscreen fades—whichever happens first.