2025 Mercedes-AMG 53 Hybrid 4Matic+ breaks cover

The Mercedes-AMG E 53 has been reincarnated as a hot plug-in hybrid with more than enough power, prompting you to question if you really need the more powerful 63 model. Available in both sedan and wagon body styles, this new E-class in "53" flavour will do 0 to 100kmph in just 3.8 seconds as per Merc.

Mercedes-AMG 53: Powertrain, Performance and Battery

The new E53 has a comparable powerplant to its predecessor. The 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six produces a maximum of 449PS and works in tandem with an electric motor located between it and the nine-speed transmission inside the gearbox case. It can provide up to 163PS and 480Nm of torque on its own, with a short-term power increase available in the Race Start mode as part of the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package.

In total, the new car produces a maximum of 612PS and 750Nm. Both are electronically limited to 250 kmph, but the optional AMG Driver's Package increases the limit to 280 kmph for the saloon and 275 kmph for the Estate. The E53 versions may reach a top speed of 140 kmph when powered entirely by electricity. The 21.2-kWh battery pack is good enough for a range of 100 kilometres.

The E53 Hybrid will also be simpler to recharge than other plug-ins, thanks to 60-kW DC fast charging, which allows the battery's state of charge to be increased from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 20 minutes. Even without choosing the DC charger, the integrated AC charger has a good 11 kW output.

There are several different driving modes available. Seven modes adjust the settings of the powertrain and chassis: Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery and Individual, Electric, and Battery Hold, the last of which operates the engine and electric motor in tandem to maintain the battery charge level.

Mercedes-AMG 53: Exterior and Interiors

While the E53 Hybrid appears to be more muscular than the conventional E-class. Over the normal E-Class, styling improvements include an illuminated AMG grille, widened front wheel arches to fit the wider track, bigger air intakes, a noticeable rear diffuser, a ducktail spoiler, and circular quad exhausts.

The optional Dynamic Plus package additionally has 390mm composite front brake discs and six-piston callipers, which replace the standard cast 370mm discs and four-piston callipers; the package also includes launch control and a redesigned rear differential.

Inside, the E 53 comes standard with performance seats covered in synthetic leather, as well as unique wood trim and an AMG steering wheel, a 12.3-inch driver's display, and a 14.4-inch infotainment screen. Mercedes' full-width Superscreen is an optional feature that provides the front passenger with their own infotainment system.

The paddles behind the steering wheel now serve a dual purpose. In the more powerful dynamic modes, they do actually allow the driver to set ratios, but while operating electrically, they adjust the amounts of regenerative braking. According to AMG, the most aggressive of them will operate with a single pedal.

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