Mercedes-AMG Electrifies the E-Class with the New E53 Sedan and Wagon.
Mercedes-AMG is taking a bold step forward with the introduction of the electrified “53” variant of the new Mercedes E-Class. Both the sedan and wagon body styles will be available with this electrified powertrain, marking a significant evolution in the AMG lineup.
Contrary to the trend of downsizing combustion engines in electrified vehicles, the new AMG E53 retains its impressive 3.0-liter inline-six engine. In fact, this powerhouse now produces even more power than its predecessor, boasting 443 horsepower compared to the previous model’s 429 hp. The combustion engine is complemented by an electric motor rated at 161 hp, resulting in a combined system output of 577 hp. Engaging Race Start, essentially launch control, temporarily boosts this figure to an impressive 603 hp. Torque figures have also seen a substantial increase, with the new model delivering 553 lb-ft (750 Nm), up from 384 lb-ft (520 Nm) in the outgoing version.
Acceleration figures are equally impressive, with the sedan sprinting from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.8 seconds, while the slightly heavier wagon accomplishes the same feat in 3.9 seconds. Both variants are electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), although the optional AMG Driver’s Package raises the limits to 174 mph (280 km/h) for the sedan and 171 mph (275 km/h) for the wagon. In electric-only mode, the E53 models can reach a top speed of 87 mph (140 km/h).
The new E53 models feature a plug-in hybrid setup, similar to the GLE 53, with a 21.22 kWh battery pack located beneath the trunk floor. Mercedes claims a range of over 62 miles (100 kilometers) in the WLTP cycle when running solely on electric power. The battery supplies energy to an e-motor integrated into the nine-speed automatic transmission.
Compared to the standard E-Class, the AMG E53 boasts a stiffer body, larger brakes, and rear-wheel steering as standard. The all-wheel-drive system is fully variable, and the adaptive suspension offers variable damping. Visually, the E53 features a more aggressive design with wider front fenders, an illuminated grille, and quad exhaust tips. The front axle is slightly wider than that of the regular E-Class.
In the United States, Mercedes-AMG will only offer the sedan variant of the E53. The anticipated launch is later this year, with pricing details expected to be announced closer to the release date. The previous AMG E53 started at $81,300 MSRP.
