The next plug-in hybrid model from Mercedes-AMG after the GLE 53 is the new E-Class in the ‘53’ guise, available for both sedan and estate body styles.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain consists of a 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder turbo engine, a 400V/28.6kWh battery installed under the trunk floor, and a 120kW electric motor integrated into the nine-speed AMG Speedshift gearbox.
The maximum system output stands at 603bhp with launch control. Without it, the standard output figures stand at 576.6bhp and 750Nm.
With the launch control, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid takes 3.8 seconds to do the 0‑100km/h. The top speed is electronically limited to 280km/h.
On battery power alone, the AMG E 53 Hybrid can drive for about 100km at speeds up to 140km/h.
The AMG-spec brakes comprise internally ventilated brake discs (370x36mm) and four-piston fixed callipers at the front and 360x26mm discs at the rear with single-piston floating callipers.
It gets an illuminated AMG-specific radiator trim with vertical slats. Wider front fenders, dynamic outer air inlets with two vertical fins, and the central A-wing characterise the AMG front apron.
In addition to the ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, ‘Sport+’, ‘Smoothness’, and ‘Individual’ AMG Dynamic Select drive modes, two hybrid-specific modes – ‘Electric’ and ‘Battery Hold’ – have also been added. The Battery Hold mode offers limited use of the electric motor to keep the charge level almost constant.
There is an E 53 Hybrid‑specific, illuminated trim in grey open-pore ash wood with an AMG logo as standard. The MBUX Superscreen with the passenger monitor is available as an optional extra.