No V8 needed for Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4Matic+

MERCEDES-BENZ backpedalling on BEVs means there is likely to be more vehicles like the just-released 450kW/750Nm E 53 AMG Hybrid 4Matic+, a potent large sedan priced from $199,900 plus on-road costs.

Not counting the fully electric EQE range, it brings the number of E-Class offerings with combustion engines in Australia to two joining the $132,000 +ORC E 300 sedan 2.0-litre petrol.

The ‘Benz doesn’t have any direct competition from Audi or BMW though buyers may shop it against Audi’s S6 TFSI quattro at $168,015 and BMW’s M5 PHEV at $259,900, both excluding on-road costs and neither close to the ‘Benz on price.

There’s always the Lexus LS 500h F Sport at $199,250 excluding on roads... but it has more of a luxury focus and a lot less mumbo as opposed to the sports luxury AWD Mercedes-AMG.

The ‘53 runs an innovative hybrid powertrain courtesy of AMG utilising a powerful turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine and 120kW electric motor integrated into the AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission to save space.

The electric motor’s maximum torque of 480Nm is available instantly while the powertrain system output is a whopping 450kW and maximum torque of 750Nm.

This translates into dynamic acceleration characterised by a 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds.

Mercedes-AMG says it “delivers an exhilarating, powerful ride and also prioritises efficiency and comfort” to produce a claimed NEDC tested fuel economy of 1.7L/100 km (real world, everyday driving would be more).

Owners can spin the drive mode knob on the steering wheel and the ‘53 can be driven electrically with the high-voltage battery sufficient for an electric only driving range of a claimed 100km. The vehicle is equipped with an 11kW on board AC charger.

Mercedes-AMG says, “additional software and hardware changes further enhance performance, including a new twin-scroll exhaust gas turbocharger with higher boost pressure, an additional front cooler, and a wheel arch cooler”.

“These aid the 3.0-litre engine to react instantaneously to accelerator pedal commands for a highly dynamic driving experience,” it concluded.

Expected technologies such as AMG Ride Control (with adaptive steel suspension) elevate the driving experience to “new heights”.

In terms of appearance, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4Matic+ presents an expressive exterior and interior styling combining the best of the E-Class with unmistakeable AMG DNA.

The model is differentiated by an AMG-specific radiator trim with vertical slats in high-gloss chrome. It has wider front guards (plus 11mm on each side compared with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class) to make room for the wider track on the front axle.

It has aggressively styled outer air inlets, each with two vertical fins, and a central A-wing on the front apron. The large central lower inlet directs the air to the additional front cooler while an external opening is provided for the wheel arch cooler.

The side view features flowing, smooth surfaces accentuated by the recessed flush door handles. Other AMG-specific exterior hardware includes side skirt panels that visually connect the two wheel arches, 20- or optional 21-inch light alloy wheels, which are almost flush with the body and emphasise “power and dynamism”.

Flat, horizontally connected LED taillights with clear and striking graphics in the stylised Mercedes star signature are a feature of the rear to give the vehicle structure and underline its width.

Inside the ‘53 is a blend of state-of-the-art technology and driver-focused design bringing together the “sophisticated elegance of the E-Class with the performance and styling of AMG”.

The tech offering includes standard all-wheel drive for optimal traction via an electromechanically controlled clutch to distribute driving force variably to the front and rear axles in each driving program.

The 53’s standard AMG Dynamic Plus package is further enhanced by standard active rear-axle steering.

Composite 390mm front brakes run six piston callipers.

An extensive range of option packages is available on the AMG E 53 including a carbon-fibre design option to enhance the model’s exterior appearance.

2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4Matic+ pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.