The latest W214 generation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has spawned its first hot AMG variant.
The Mercedes-AMG E 53 will slot in below the as-yet unrevealed E 63, and features a six-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Mercedes-Benz Australia says it’s “too early to confirm plans for the E 53 for Australia”. The core E-Class range is due here in the coming months, after having been revealed early in 2023.
Should it come here, it’ll likely be a sedan-only affair as Mercedes-Benz Australia has discontinued all its wagons.
The E 53 mates a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 330kW of power and 560Nm of torque with a 120kW/480Nm electric motor integrated into the nine-speed automatic transmission, for total system outputs of 430kW and 750Nm.
Power is increased to 450kW in Race Start mode, which utilises the full power of both the electric motor and petrol engine. That’s identical to the outgoing AMG E 63, though torque falls 100Nm short.
Drive is sent to all four wheels through the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system.
Claimed 0-100km/h times are 4.0 seconds in the sedan and 4.1 seconds in the wagon, with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package shaving 0.2 seconds off of both times.
In contrast, the outgoing AMG E 53 sedan produced 320kW and 520Nm, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds.
The new E 53 uses an updated version of the same engine, with a new twin-scroll exhaust gas turbocharger with higher boost pressure, plus new engine software. It also features an additional front cooler and a wheel arch cooler.
A 400V 28.6kWh (21.22kWh usable) battery, located under the boot floor, affords a claimed WLTP range of 93-101km in the sedan and 90-97km in the wagon.
It can be charged at up to 11kW using AC power, with 60kW DC charging also available.
Paddles behind the steering wheel adjust the regenerative braking, and in D- mode Mercedes-AMG says there’s a “one pedal feeling… [and] the vehicle decelerates purely electrically to such an extend that the hydraulic foot brake is often not even needed”.
The AMG E 53 rides on steel suspension with adaptive two-valve adjustable damping, while standard active rear-axle steering sees the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction of the front wheels (at up to 100km/h) or in the same direction (at over 100km/h) to aid agility.
Stopping is handled by 370x36mm ventilated discs and four-piston fixed calipers up front and 360x26mm discs at the rear with single-piston floating calipers, aided by an electromechanical brake booster.
There are selectable Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Smoothness and Individual drive modes, with hybrid-specific Electric and Battery Hold modes.
The former sees the vehicle run purely on electric power, while the latter limits the use of electric power to conserve battery.
There’s a more aggressive front end design compared to the regular E-Class, with a version of AMG’s vertical slat grille that features illumination, plus larger air inlets and front fenders that are 11mm wider on each side to make room for a wider track.
There are unique side skirts and 19-inch light alloy wheels, while down back there’s a lip spoiler and a unique rear apron with a diffuser and two round exhaust outlets on each side.
20-inch alloy and 21-inch forged wheels are optional.
Inside, there’s illuminated trim set within grey open-pore ash wood, a Nappa leather-wrapped AMG performance steering wheel, and power-adjustable front sports seats finished in Artico leatherette and Microcut microfibre with red contrast topstitching.
Power-adjustable ‘performance seats’ are optional.
The MBUX Superscreen, which includes a passenger display, is optional, while the screens feature AMG-specific and hybrid-specific screens.
As is typical with AMGs, there are various option packages that feature numerous aesthetic enhancements. These include the AMG Exterior Night Package, AMG Exterior Night Package II, and AMG Carbon Exterior Package.
An exclusive Edition 1 model will be offered in the first year of production, finished in Manufaktur Alpine Grey uni or Manufaktur Opalite White Magno exterior finishes.
It features decorative black stripes and 21-inch forged wheels, with the hub caps wearing an Edition label with a laurel wreath.
Inside, there’s black Nappa leather upholstery with yellow decorative stitching throughout the cabin, plus Edition 1 lettering on the headrests and engraving in the centre console.
The E 63 is set to use a plug-in hybrid six-cylinder powertrain as well, replacing the current twin-turbo V8.
While its BMW M5 rival is also set to feature a plug-in hybrid system, it’s expected to be mated to a V8 engine.
Mercedes-Benz last year refuted claims it was planning to launch V8 versions of the new C 63 and E 63.
Click an image to view the full gallery.
