W214 Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid Debuts – PHEV Super Saloon & Wagon With Up To 603 HP!

The sixth-gen (W214) Mercedes-Benz E-Class finally gains a proper performance guise in the form of the new Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ saloon and estate.

It took almost a year, but the new sixth-generation (W214) Mercedes-Benz E-Class has finally gained a proper performance variant. Debuting today in both saloon and estate (wagon) bodyforms is the Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+.

Aptly, this is the W214 E-Class that’s been fettled by Mercedes-Benz’s Affalterbach-based performance skunkworks AMG. Estate body option aside, what’s critical to note here is the powertrain primed, namely its 6-cyl count and adoption of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup.

At the heart of the W214 E53 is a turbocharged 3.0-litre 6-cyl mill paired with a PHEV setup, altogether outputting 577 HP and 750 NM. The former is raised up to 603 HP with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package.

Displacing 3.0-litres and augmented further by a pair of turbochargers, the E53’s powertrain sees its combustion half delivering no less than 443 HP whilst its PHEV half adds a further 161 HP into the mix. Combined, there’s 577 HP and 750 NM available as standard.

Now, we mentioned ‘standard’ because the model is offered with an optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package that ups the output further to 603 HP. This high-output figure is accessible as an ‘overboost’ function via the E53’s new Race Start launch control mode present.

0-100K M/H dashes take just 3.8 seconds (saloon) and 3.9 seconds (estate) respectively, whilst the 21.22 kWh battery enables up to 101 KM (WLTP) of all-electric driving range.

And thanks to both a slick AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission and 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive (AWD), the E53 easily despatched 0-100 KM/H in just 3.8 seconds (saloon) and 3.9 seconds (estate). These figures see the new E53 stand 0.7 seconds quicker than its predecessor which used a 3.0-litre mild-hybrid (MHEV) turbocharged straight 6-cyl.

As for v-max, the new E53 is electronically limited to just 280 KM/H (saloon) and 275 KM/H (estate), even with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package equipped. Said package does add an electronic rear diff lock,  larger composite brakes, as well as dynamic engine mounts.

Visually, the E53 is easily set apart from the regular E-Class thanks to its illuminated AMG-specific grille, larger intakes, wider front profile, quad-tailpipes and a bootlid rear spoiler.

Not only quicker with promisingly better handling, the new E53 sees its PHEV setup offer respectable all-electric range too. This stems from its 21.22 kWh battery pack primed that enables up to 101 KM (WLTP) of full-electric driving range.

As standard, the W214-gen E53 benefits with a stiffened chassis, sportier suspension with adaptive and adaptive dampers, massive high performance braking hardware, as well as rear-axle steering.

19-inch wheels are standard fitment, but 20- and 21-inch wheels are available as options, as are the AMG Night Package (1 and II) and AMG Carbon Exterior Package.

Visually, the new E53 is visually distinguished by its illuminated AMG-specific grille, larger air intakes in its front bumper, and its wider front profile – up to 11 MM added on each side.  Other touches sees quad-tailpipes at the rear, and an added bootlid rear spoiler.

As for rolling stock, 19-inch wheels are standard, but 20- and 21-inch are available as options. Also offered as options are the AMG Night Package (I and II) and AMG Carbon Exterior Package for those who seek more dark chrome and carbon fibre trims respectively.

On board, things remain largely similar except for the adoption of the AMG Performance steering wheel, AMG sports seats, and updated AMG-specific displays in the MBUX infotainment suite.

On board, the W214-gen E53 sees its cabin largely mirror is standard variants. The exception of course are its adoption of AMF sports seats wrapped in Artico artificial leather and microfibre with red contrast stitching. Present too is the AMG performance steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather.

Elsewhere, the E53’s cabin is also furnished with an illuminated grey open-pore ash wood trim in the dash and doors – this is specific to the hybrid variants in the range. Additionally, the MBUX Superscreen display is available as an option, and features AMG-specific displays too.

With today’s debut, the new Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ saloon and estate are now open for orders in the European market. Availability in other global markets is set to follow suit later on.