Mercedes-AMG
E 53 Hybrid 4Matic＋
E 53 Hybrid 4Matic＋ Stationwagon
A smart sedan finish
The sedan E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ is equipped with a large-capacity battery that allows it to travel 100km per charge.
The first AMG version of the new E-Class has been released as the “E 53,” not the “E 63” as some had rumored. In recent years, AMG has followed a principle of separating the entry-level models, the 43 and 53, into ISG (mild hybrid) versions, while the most powerful 63 is a plug-in hybrid (PHV). However, this time, the 53 will be a PHV. In addition, the confusion over the car’s name in the scoop article, 63 and 53, is likely due to the uncertainty of whether there will be a new, more powerful E 63 model in the future.
So, although the new E 53 Hybrid 4Matic+ is an AMG PHV, it does not carry the “E Performance” name like the previously released C 63 and S 63. While the E Performance has a dedicated unit in the rear that integrates the differential, motor, and 2-speed automatic transmission, the E 53 Hybrid sandwiches the motor between the engine and 9-speed automatic transmission. This layout is used in Mercedes’ regular FR PHVs, and is also shared with the E350e.
A station wagon is definitely the best for an active lifestyle
The stylish E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ station wagon is perfect for an active lifestyle.
The new E 53 Hybrid’s engine is the same 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbo that was also installed in the previous E 53, with maximum output increased by 14 PS to 449 PS (maximum torque 560 Nm) and combined with a 163 PS/480 Nm motor. The system’s maximum output/maximum torque is normally 585 PS/750 Nm, but when the “Race Start” for circuit use is activated, output is increased to 612 PS. This 612 PS figure is coincidentally (or perhaps intentionally) the same as the previous E 63 S, which was equipped with a V8 twin-turbo.
When you line up the new E 53 Hybrid sedan and station wagon together like this, regardless of whether a higher-end AMG model will be released in the near future, it exudes an aura that makes it easy to believe that “this is the top of the E-Class.” The source of this aura is the front fenders, which are 10mm wider on each side. This is becoming a standard detail for AMG cars these days, but the front overfenders of the E-Class in particular are reminiscent of the 500E, and are nothing short of thrilling for a middle-aged person like me.
The E 53 Hybrid, which transmits its 612 PS system output to the road through a hydraulic multi-plate clutch 4WD and 20-inch Pilot Sport 4S wheels, can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds in sedan form. The previous E 63 S, which also has 612 PS, did it in 3.4 seconds, but that’s understandable considering its weight of around 2.4 tons. Either way, it’s undoubtedly an extremely fast car.
The usability of the evolved third-generation MBUX is excellent
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[1] The car features an AMG performance steering wheel made of nappa leather. MBUX has evolved into its third generation and is now easier to use. [2] The car is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder turbo engine that boasts an output of 449 PS/560 Nm. The tires fitted are Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, which are renowned for their grip.
The new E53 Hybrid is equipped with a 21.2kWh lithium battery, and when fully charged, it can travel around 100km in WLTC mode in EV mode. When the battery runs out, the load increases, or when you switch to Sport mode or higher, the engine starts… and in a sense, this moment may be one of the highlights of the E53 Hybrid. When the engine vibration of a straight-four or V8 is added to the motor, it feels foreign, for better or worse, but the perfectly balanced straight-six engine blends in with the motor rotation, running smoothly as if they were one.
When you shift the drive select to a more aggressive mode, the engine noise and gear shift speed increase, but it remains completely free of roughness. The new E 53 Hybrid, which offers such ultimate refinement, may be a new generation AMG. Even so, the high affinity between the straight-six engine and the motor is once again astonishing.
The chassis, which combines electronically controlled air suspension, adaptive dampers, and rear axle steering that can be turned up to 2.5 degrees, is also the height of sophistication. The comfort mode, which softens the damping, has a mellow feel, and even the stiffest sport plus mode is supple when you apply a little pressure on winding roads.
…However, the AMG isn’t just a comfortable husband’s sedan. Thanks to the wider tread, the steering is precise and powerful. Furthermore, the rear axle steering, which alternates between opposite and same phase, makes tight turns easy and keeps the car glued to the road in high-speed corners. To be honest, it’s not easy to shake the rock-solid nature of this chassis with only around 612 PS (?).
Sufficient luggage space
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[3] The trunk capacity of the sedan is 370L. The comfort of the seats is particularly noteworthy for both the station wagon and the sedan. They are excellent products that combine high levels of support and comfort. [4] They feature highly comfortable seats with the AMG logo embroidered on the backrests. The luggage compartment boasts a capacity of 460L under normal conditions and a maximum of 1675L.
Between the sedan and the station wagon, it’s true that the sedan’s movements are a little sharper and the rear feels more effectively restrained. However, it’s only a small difference. Considering the difference in body type, the wagon’s superiority is actually impressive, but this may be because the rear half of the body is much more rigid than usual due to the lithium-ion battery being installed under the floor. In exchange, the luggage floor of both the sedan and the wagon is quite high, but AMG’s attitude of prioritizing driving performance over minor sacrifices in usability is absolutely correct.
If you’re looking for the old-fashioned power, ferocity, or spiciness that comes from a certain imbalance in your AMG, the new E 53 Hybrid might not be quite satisfying. But its endlessly stress-free speed is a new sensation, and I think it’s quite impressive from a technical standpoint.
REPORT / Hiromune SANO
PHOTO / Kunihisa KOBAYASHI
MAGAZINE / GENROQ April 2025 issue
SPECIFICATIONS
Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+
Body size: Length 4970, Width 1900, Height 1475mm
Wheelbase: 2960mm
Vehicle weight: 2430kg
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: 16.98 million yen
Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic + Station Wagon
Body size: Length 4970, Width 1900, Height 1490mm
Wheelbase: 2960mm
Vehicle weight: 2470kg
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
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