Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4Matic＋ Stationwagon

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BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring

A Mercedes with flawless quality and performance

The two arch rivals, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5 Series, have been replacing each other almost simultaneously for the past few generations, as if they had planned it. As for the latest models, the E-Class sedan debuted in Japan in April 2023, followed shortly thereafter by the 5 Series sedan in May of the same year (Japan is now one of BMW’s top priority markets for simultaneous introductions with the home market). The following month, the E station wagon was promptly revamped. Just when we thought the E-Class would both arrive in Japan in January 2024, BMW introduced the 5 Touring in February.

The same goes for AMG and M. The new E-Class’ first AMG model, the E 53 Hybrid 4Matic+ PHV (hereinafter referred to as E 53), will appear in Europe in March 2024, followed by the M5 in October of the same year.

AMG straight-six turbo engine with a sensual sound

Many European media outlets have suggested that the new E 53 is the successor to the previous E 63 S 4Matic+. In fact, the system’s maximum output of 612 PS (when the Race Start function is activated) is exactly the same as the previous E 63 S. However, its arch rival, the M5, which is also a plug-in hybrid (PHV), boasts a system output of 727 PS. In addition, the C-Class and S-Class will be available with the E Performance model, bearing the powerful title “63 S,” so the E-Class may not end up like this.

So, for the latest high-performance wagon showdown with the E 53, titled “THE BATTLE,” we chose the i5 M60 xDrive Touring, which is positioned as the top model of the regular 5 Touring, rather than the M5. As you know, the i5 is an electric vehicle (BEV). Currently, M+2-digit models are also legitimate M models, and the system’s maximum output and maximum torque of 601 PS and 795 Nm from the front and rear dual motors are exactly on par with the E 53.

The latest generation MBUX is extremely easy to use

What’s interesting is that BMW has always been a dual-wielding brand, offering both BEVs and engines, but the top grade of its core model is a BEV (leaving aside the solitary M5). Conversely, Mercedes, which until recently declared it would “abandon engine vehicles,” has an engine in its top-of-the-line E-Class, albeit a PHV.

If you think about it, that’s only natural. BMW is a two-sword brand, so the latest 5 Series will also be a two-sword brand. In contrast, Mercedes, which was aiming for a full BEV model, has also prepared the EQE, which was developed specifically for BEVs, in addition to the traditional E-Class. The new E-Class is originally a product aimed at an exit strategy, so the platform will be an improved version of the old, worn-out model. Well, it looks like Mercedes’ BEV strategy will be correcting its course from now on…

BMW i5 xDrive Touring: Pursuing the joy of a sports BEV

Since this is a wagon showdown, let’s start by comparing the luggage compartments. The E53’s floor is clearly higher than that of the pure-engine E-Class. The drive battery is apparently located under the floor, which rises more than 5cm from the threshold when the back door is open, suggesting that a PHV was not anticipated when the platform was designed. In contrast, the luggage compartment of the i5 Touring, which has batteries spread across the entire underfloor area and a not-so-small motor on the rear axle, is basically the same as that of an engine-powered vehicle. Underfloor storage is also intact. It is clear that the new 5 was developed from the beginning with dual-purpose use in mind.

In this way, the E 53’s wagon functions show the age of the platform design, but when it comes to driving, the expression “mature” is more appropriate than “old.” At low speeds, the footwork is firm, as is typical of AMG, but as the speed increases, it becomes more supple. With four-wheel steering, the sense of stability is also impeccable.

The i5’s luggage room also features underfloor storage

The latest E 53 is a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) that can also run on BEV, but the true essence of AMG comes out when the engine and motor are running at full capacity. In such hybrid driving, the appeal of the straight-six engine shines, unlike the four-cylinder of the C 63 or the V8 of the S 63 or GT 63. The straight-six is ​​one of the best-balanced internal combustion engines, and is also extremely compatible with the electric system. The power feel that combines the engine and motor is far from rough, even in extreme modes.

During this interview, there were many occasions when the E53 and i5 were driving side by side, but when it came time to accelerate to overtake, the i5 was always one step ahead. When you press the accelerator deeply, the i5’s dash power is enough to make your blood run cold. If you activate the 10-second boost mode and press the accelerator even harder, you’ll be hit with an “acceleration shock” that takes your breath away for a moment. While it’s standard practice for BEVs to mitigate this phenomenon with controls, BMW has chosen to leave it as is.

The M-specific display satisfies the desire to own it

The i5’s 4WD control, which is characteristic of its two motors, is clearly more flexible than the mechanical E 53, and when you actively swing it around, it turns just like an FR. As mentioned above, the fastest 5 Series is the M5, but the i5 M60 is an M60, and it seems to be pursuing the excitement and fun possibilities of a sports BEV.

Both cars are equipped with electronic control of damping force and roll characteristics, as well as rear-wheel steering, but the i5 wins in terms of ride comfort, perhaps due to the platform design year and rear air suspension. However, compared to the sedan, the i5 Touring has some of the negative aspects of a wagon, such as rear-end movement and noise, which may be due to the heavy weight and excessive drive torque of a BEV. In that respect, the E 53 is almost indistinguishable from a sedan when enjoyed on public roads.

In any case, even in the latest high-performance station wagon showdown, the E and 5 continue to compete in a fierce battle, with advances and retreats, twists and turns, and it’s difficult to say which is better. Even in the age of electrification, it seems that the E and 5 will remain sworn enemies.

REPORT / Hiromune SANO

PHOTO / Wataru TAMURA

MAGAZINE / GENROQ May 2025 issue

SPECIFICATIONS

Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4Matic + Station Wagon

Body size: Length 4970, Width 1900, Height 1490mm

Wheelbase: 2960mm

Vehicle weight: 2470kg

Maximum system output: 430kW (585PS)

Maximum system torque: 750Nm (76.5kgm)

Engine type: Inline 6-cylinder DOHC twin turbo

Total displacement: 2996cc

Maximum output: 330kW (449PS) / 5800-6100rpm

Maximum torque: 560Nm (57.1kgm) / 2200-5000rpm

Transmission: 9-speed AT

Drive system: AWD

Suspension: Front and rear multi-link

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc Tire

size: Front 265/40R20, Rear 295/35R20

Vehicle price: 17.26 million yen

BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring

Body size: Total length 5060, total width 1900, total height 1505mm

Wheelbase: 2995mm

Vehicle weight: 2410kg

System maximum output: 442kW (601PS)

System maximum torque: 795Nm (81.1kgm)

Transmission: 1-speed fixed

Drive system: AWD

Suspension: Front double wishbone, rear multi-link

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc

Tire size: Front 245/40R20, rear 275/35R20

Vehicle price: 16 million yen

【inquiry】

Mercedes Call

TEL 0120-190-610
https://www.mercedes-benz.co.jp/

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TEL 0120-269-437
https://www.bmw.co.jp/

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