2025 Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid: A Riveting Review

If you enjoy the newest Mercedes-Benz E-Class but desire significantly enhanced performance – thanks to a larger electrified six-cylinder engine – the Mercedes-AMG E53 could very well be your perfect ride.

Start with the sleek and opulent design of the recently unveiled sixth-generation E-Class sedan from 2023, then blend it with Mercedes-AMG’s legacy of enhancing both engine and chassis for maximum speed and agility, resulting in the all-new E53 Hybrid.

The main focus here is the enhanced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, introduced with the newest W214 series of upscale German luxury sedans. Boasting over 100 kW of power and almost 500 Nm of torque, the electric motor alone can make you believe this four-door vehicle offers quite respectable acceleration.

However, the true powerhouse behind the E53 is a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine. When all systems are functioning seamlessly, this setup can accelerate the E53 from 0 to 100 km/h in an impressive 3.8 seconds, which is exceptionally quick even for such a large luxury car.

It accelerates remarkably fast for such an heavyweight vehicle; however, numerous elements beneath the hood ensure optimal handling. This includes adaptive suspension systems along with adjustable engine mounts designed to enhance performance.

The E53 is certainly a specialized vehicle; nonetheless, it has very few direct competitors, particularly ones equipped with a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) system. One might compare it to: BMW M5 and the larger Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid , however, they come with a higher price tag and might appeal to a different crowd.

We're still awaiting the arrival of Mercedes-AMG's new E63, which has long been the chief competitor to the M5. Until it arrives, the E53’s main adversary remains thus the Audi S6 , but unlike its more subdued A6 equivalent It hasn't been disclosed whether PHEV power will be included just yet.

The S6’s twin-turbo petrol V6 is capable of pushing it from zero to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds, but the Ingolstadt brand’s large sports sedan is also significantly cheaper than the E53. A more tantalising comparison would almost certainly come with an S6 PHEV.

Does the E53 Hybrid manage to handle all the roles AMG has assigned to it, or does it fall short? To determine this, we put the German marque’s latest high-performance electric saloon through its paces during its recent unveiling event in Victoria.

What is the price of the Mercedes-AMG E53?

The new Mercedes-AMG E53 sedan comes in just one trim level, with a starting price set as follows: $199,900 before on-road costs.

This makes it approximately $30,000 more expensive compared to its closest competitor, the Audi S6 quattro, which has a price of $168,015 excluding on-road fees.

It shares a less direct link with the M5 and the Panamera E-Hybrid, both of which are sizable luxury plug-in hybrid sedans. The M5 offers superior performance and handling but comes at a similar price point of $259,900 excluding on-road costs. In comparison, the Panamera E-Hybrid has a higher starting price of $268,100 before including on-road fees yet boasts greater size.

More remote competitors might also encompass all-electric German sedans such as the Audi e-tron GT around $200,000, varying based on the specific model, and the BMW i4 M50 For approximately $130,000 plus on-road costs, none of them differ significantly in size.

At launch, Mercedes-AMG is introducing an Edition One version of the E53, which adds approximately $29,900 worth of additional features.

To compare the Mercedes-AMG E53 with its competitors, utilise our tool. comparison tool

How does the interior of the Mercedes-AMG E53 feel?

Incredibly cluttered with visuals, even compared to today’s norms.

If you managed to overlook it, the standout feature of the E53 is undoubtedly its massive full-length digital display on the dash. This screen is common to the regular E-Class model and goes by the name MBUX Superscreen at Mercedes-Benz.

The setup features two 12.3-inch displays—one for the driver’s instruments and another for the front passenger—alongside a central 14.4-inch screen designed for infotainment and car adjustments.

In terms of design, it’s not overly complex and bears similarities to configurations seen in other Mercedes vehicles, yet it stands apart from the MBUX Hyperscreen featured in the EQE as it doesn’t sit flush with the dash. From left to right, the display for passengers enables features such as audio and video streaming, along with compatibility with Bluetooth headphones.

The technology ensures it remains unseen by the driver whether they're in Reverse or Drive modes, as it uses light-direction techniques aimed at reducing distractions. An added perk for everyone inside is Mercedes' '4D audio', featuring an advanced Burmester sound system integrated with seats that pulsate bass tones—varying in strength.

At the center lies the multimedia hub of the E-Class cabin. This is where essential features such as sat nav are located, and it's also the area from which you control Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone projection—both accessible through either wired or wireless connections.

Exploring this area allows you to tweak various vehicle settings such as interior ambient lighting, particular adjustments for the suspension and engine performance, along with climate controls. However, there aren’t any actual buttons provided for these climate functions; they can only be managed using the 'constantly available' strip located at the base of your display.

This isn’t an optimal configuration and can be tricky to use when traveling. Activating a feature such as temperature will bring up a specific climate menu, which might confuse you due to the numerous control options available.

There’s still much to explore here if you spend enough time scrolling and tapping. Similarly, the instrument panel provides an abundance of details along with various customization choices.

The buttons on the right-hand side of the steering wheel allow the driver to flick through various displays and themes on not only the instrument cluster, but also the head-up display above.

These two displays are sharp and fairly simple to read. The instrument panel naturally provides various car details such as temperature and fluid levels. However, we noticed that some of the heads-up display designs were overly large, obstructing quite a bit of the forward visibility—especially those racing-inspired versions featuring prominent tachometers.

Located between the driver and the instrument panel is a substantial, leather-covered steering wheel. Similar to those found in many contemporary Mercedes-Benz models, it has a notably large circumference that suits a vehicle of this presence.

The finish quality is excellent, and it feels great to handle. However, we’re not fond of the haptic controls on the horizontal sections since some of our side-to-side gestures occasionally ended up going awry.

We discovered that the placement of both the instrument display and steering wheel seemed out of place within the overall dashboard design, mainly due to how they protrude irregularly compared to the sleek appearance of the primary Superscreen panel.

Despite some ergonomic challenges initially, the electric adjustments for both the steering wheel and seats significantly improve comfort. The test drivers tried out optional AMG Performance Seats, which can be described as nearly sport bucket-style with heavy bolsters, although they are quite firm.

Although these seats are suitable for the car’s performance-oriented use, they're quite uncomfortable during extended journeys due to their stiffness. This became particularly noticeable when moving from the front seats to the back, which surprisingly features the same plush padding as the standard front seats of the E53.

We at least appreciated the level of adjustment here, as you have electric lumbar support and side bolstering control. Going for these seats means you do miss out on some creature comforts like a massage function, but we don’t expect that to be a dealbreaker for many.

elsewhere at the forefront, much of the switchgear operates smoothly, particularly the two round selectors located on the steering wheel.

In addition, you'll find two cup holders, dual USB-C ports, and a wireless charging station beneath the movable center panel. There’s also an extra USB-C port and ample storage space within the central console compartment.

When we move to the rear area, it turns out to be more cramped than anticipated, similar to what one experiences in a regular E-Class. This is somewhat disheartening considering how roomy the outside dimensions suggest it should be, giving off an impression of being slightly claustrophobic.

The headroom is ample since the E-Class maintains a fairly high roofline toward the back of the vehicle. However, the legroom falls short of our expectations. Passengers seated behind taller drivers may find themselves feeling squeezed, and the area beneath the floorboards has limited footspace due to an extensive driveshaft tunnel.

Nevertheless, the back seats are quite comfy too, particularly when you consider how the front AMG seats feel.

You'll find a separate climate control panel at the rear of the center console, featuring similar touch-sensitive buttons as those upfront. While it's certainly convenient—though perhaps expected in a vehicle priced so high—it tends to gather smudges and fingerprints easily. This issue isn’t unique; many similarly styled vehicles suffer from the same problem due to their shiny surfaces upfront.

Other amenities for passengers sitting in the back appear limited initially, lacking evident cup holders right away.

The center armrest folds down and has ample padding. It includes a matte black plastic trim at the forefront. When pressed, this trim reveals a makeshift cupholder setup, somewhat reminiscent of what you'd see in the front seats. Ford Ranger ute , which doesn't really meet our expectations for $200,000.

Another aspect of the E-Class’s interior is that it feels somewhat cheap due to the plastic elements, notably around the steering column. Additionally, during our test drive, the vehicle exhibited some issues with build quality; specifically, an unexplained humming noise emanated from the dashboard area which proved difficult to identify precisely.

Certainly, there are more appealing features such as the leather-wrapped steering wheel and wooden accents upfront – or carbon fibre if you choose that option – but the interior of the E53 seems slightly underwhelming due to an abundance of shiny finishes and other less welcoming components like the back cup holders.

Mercedes-Benz cites a trunk volume of 370 liters, which might not be particularly large for a car of this class. However, you benefit from a spacious entry point and what feels like an endless expanse of floor space. Although you will need to hoist objects over the lip of the trunk, at least it sits relatively low, making loading easier.

Flanking the cargo area, there are two switches to lower the rear seatbacks, providing additional room for elongated objects. Additionally, you have the option to fold down just the central seat if you wish to keep using the outer seats.

To compare how the Mercedes-AMG E53 measures up against its competitors, utilise this tool. comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

For the E53, AMG replaced the 2.0-litre four-cylinder mild-hybrid turbo-petrol engine from the E200 and E300 with a robust turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine, along with adding a potent electric motor.

Although our driving route did not offer an extensive real-world showcase of the E53’s daily performance, we recorded a fuel efficiency of around 5.5L/100km during our journey through Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs and into the lower reaches of Victoria’s High Country.

We were able to try out various driving modes too, such as the all-electric option.

To compare the Mercedes-AMG E53 with its competitors, utilise our tool. comparison tool

What is the driving experience like for the Mercedes-AMG E53?

Similar to an enhanced E-Class, yet lacking the extreme aggression typically associated with AMG.

And that’s exactly what you’d want for a car that isn’t necessarily touted as a giant-killing high-performance super sedan.

This becomes even clearer when you look at the price gap; the E53 comes with an additional cost of merely $70,000 compared to the E300 sedan. The latter provides four fewer cylinders, approximately one liter less engine capacity, along with a substantial battery and plug-in functionality. For many, this significant variance in horsepower might very well justify the extra expense.

Having an engine that’s 50 percent bigger within a fully developed plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) system makes quite an impact, and this significantly aids the E53. Additionally, it comes equipped with a substantial battery and offers a considerable distance for driving solely on electricity, accompanied by various other features designed to maintain your engagement.

Let’s begin in all-electric mode, just like during our local unveiling event. Similar to most EVs, when you fire up the substantial E53, expect only minimal sounds such as some clicks and soft hums before everything powers into position silently, allowing for an entirely quiet departure.

Unlike other hybrid vehicles, which limit their electric-only mode speed, the E53 can cruise purely on electricity up to an impressive 140 km/h; however, this isn't quite as quick as when both engines work together. Even so, thanks to the electric motor’s substantial 480 Nm of torque, those who prefer a sportier drive still experience a solid push forward.

When using this mode, the combustion engine kicks in solely when you press down on the accelerator or if the battery charge drops below a certain level. In such cases, the dashboard will display an alert, and you won’t be able to continue operating in electric-only mode.

You have the option to recharge the vehicle’s battery while driving. The paddle shifters typically used for changing gears in sport mode can also modify the level of regenerative braking. However, comprehensive single-pedal control is not yet an option unless you choose either the battery-hold or EV-only modes.

Luckily, the hybrid assist system addresses the issues we had with the E300, particularly its transmission's cumbersome performance at low speeds.

Nevertheless, focusing on electric vehicle (EV) operation can deplete the battery rapidly. Indeed, when switching to another E53 mid-journey, we discovered the battery had been exhausted after approximately 75 kilometers—25 kilometers less than Mercedes' NEDC estimate.

The comfort mode offers the most 'standard' configuration for the E53 and is probably the option that vehicle owners will use the majority of the time. It strikes a balance between gasoline and electric power to provide as seamless a driving experience as possible without excessive features.

In sport mode, everything becomes more responsive as it gives priority to the engine assisted by electric power, while simultaneously firming up the vehicle’s adjustable shock absorbers. This adjustment leads to quicker acceleration when you press the gas pedal, and the gearbox is tuned for faster gear changes.

In Sport+ mode, all elements are maximised as both the combustion engine and electric motor operate at full capacity. Here, the suspension becomes firmest, and AMG’s distinctive adaptive engine mounts tighten up too, focusing on enhancing handling rather than smoothness.

In reality, there is a minor distinction, yet nothing extreme enough for all internal fittings to come undone. These subtle enhancements infuse AMG’s touch into the E-Class with vibrancy and spirit, more than what can be attributed solely to the cabin design.

Just as anticipated, the combination of low-profile tires, big alloy rims, and firm suspension leads to considerable road noise within the passenger compartment, especially when driving over rough chip-sealed roads. Cars equipped with the additional 21-inch wheels experience this issue more acutely.

It can be excused since the E53 is primarily a luxury sports sedan rather than a long-distance tourer. However, this prompts the query about its target audience, considering that the regular E-Class might be more suitable for extended commutes or cross-country travels.

In Australia, where the condition of the roads varies from poor to uncertain in numerous regions, and speed limits often seem unnecessarily restrictive even when routes are well-maintained, this vehicle struggles to truly open up. Given its stable feel, one might anticipate that the E53 would excel on the unrestricted highways found throughout its native land.

In any case, it would likely be more comfortable to use with the standard softer seats. The pairing of the rigid AMG Performance Seats and the stiff adaptive suspension system—even when set to comfort mode—may prove too intense for most drivers.

The true strength of this car becomes evident when navigating winding roads, something that AMG likely intended primarily for non-European markets, despite it being somewhat of a specialized application. Additionally, the robust E-Class platform allows AMG to further enhance performance effectively.

Turn the knob to Sport+ and bring everything to life. However, be aware that you'll hear significantly more engine noise, which is mostly simulated and broadcasted through the speakers. Take a closer look at the vehicle's back end and you will find that the exhaust tips are not entirely functional.

The genuine article when it comes to handling dynamics is the E53, even though it tips the scales at more than two tons. Its rear-wheel steering allows for nimble maneuvers at low speeds, almost like turning on a coin. However, pushing through tighter corners too quickly may result in some understeering.

The car provides ample feedback via the seats and steering wheel, allowing you to precisely understand its behavior beneath you. Thanks to the 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, which has a bias towards the rear but ensures stability, achieving significant rear-end traction will be quite challenging.

You'll hear some tyre noise when the front tyres work hard to maintain control through sharp turns, but generally, it sticks to the road like glue. The vehicle's enhanced braking system also performs reliably; although they require time to heat up initially, they grip strongly once warmed up.

This is beneficial for a vehicle of this kind because controlling weight was essential for AMG to achieve in order to ensure it handles well without feeling cumbersome. Despite this, it can still seem ponderous when taking tight turns at high speeds, and doesn’t respond with the agility one might desire when making rapid directional shifts.

The E53 truly shines on the open highway with its exceptional stability and grip at high speeds. However, Australia’s roads aren’t quite up to showcasing these features to their fullest potential.

There's no doubt regarding the powerful performance of this large sedan. Pressing down on the accelerator near an intersection can trigger the stability control system to reduce wheelspin effectively. This is remarkably impressive for an all-wheel-drive vehicle, highlighting the substantial amount of torque readily available.

When accelerating, there is minimal torque steer, indicating the AWD system's preference for power distribution to the rear wheels. This further confirms that the vehicle is not designed with comfort as a priority; instead, its Mercedes-Benz counterparts excel in that aspect.

Like the standard E-Class, the E53 comes packed with technology. While the displays are impressive, it also boasts an extensive array of driver assistance systems that make navigating typical traffic conditions simple and stress-free.

On the highway you can make use of its adaptive cruise and lane-centring systems, which work well when the road is dominated by sweeping bends and predictable movements. You can also use this on rural roads to an extent, though the car is hesitant to crank on significant steering lock on its own.

This is when competitors such as the 5 Series Experience this advantage, where the large BMW adeptly navigates through sharper turns at high speeds, just like numerous Audi models do. We found the E53’s capability to maintain a steady course on straight roads without visible lane markers particularly noteworthy.

The vehicle has speed sign recognition; however, it won't make an alert noise when you exceed the set limit by one or two kilometres. If your turn signal is activated near a neighboring car, even if you're preparing to merge at a busy multi-lane junction, the system will trigger a warning sound, which can be quite bothersome.

As stated earlier, the four-wheel steering enhances maneuverability at low speeds, and the assortment of sensors and cameras assists in accurately placing the vehicle in confined spaces regardless of its extended hood.

The visibility from inside the cabin is also excellent, thanks to a spacious rear window and clear views over the shoulders for swift head checks whenever needed.

Overall, AMG’s enhancements to the E-Class chassis and powertrain substantially boost the E53’s handling and acceleration, making the cost seem reasonable. However, these significant improvements really shine at high speeds. In a place like Australia, this can feel somewhat underutilised.

To compare the Mercedes-AMG E53 with its competitors, utilise our tool. comparison tool

What do you get?

There is just one variant of the Mercedes-AMG E53 offered.

2025 Mercedes-AMG E53 key feature highlights include:

• 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels
• AMG electronic rear axle limited-slip differential
• Active rear-axle steering
• AMG high-performance compound brake system
• Dynamic AMG engine mounts
• Semi-autonomous parking assist
• Red brake calipers
• Illuminated grille
• LED headlights
  • Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus
  • Digital Light
• Panoramic sunroof
• Privacy glass
• Keyless entry and start
• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• Nappa leather AMG Performance steering wheel
• Head-up display
• MBUX Superscreen
  • 12.3-inch digital instrument display
  • 14.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • 12.3-inch passenger display
• Wireless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Augmented reality satellite navigation
• Digital radio
• 17-speaker Burmester immersive audio setup
• Wireless phone charger
• Electrically adjustable, with heating and ventilation features for the front seats
• Nappa leather upholstery
• Four-zone climate control featuring Digital Vent Control
• Ambient lighting
• Illuminated front door sills
• Arctic, Piano Black, and Open-Pore Black Ash Wood Trim
• MBUX Interior Assistant

Options

The Night Package ($3000) comprises:

• Glossy black front spoiler, mirror casings
• Black chromium-plated radiator cover, door handles, exhaust tip trim
• 20-inch satin black aluminum wheels

The AMG Carbon Fibre Package ($6000) comprises:

• Carbon-fiber mirror tops, lip spoilers
• Carbon-fibre centre console trim
• Microfibre/carbon-fibre steering wheel

The AMG Performance Seat Package ($5000) comprises:

• AMG Performance seats
  • Multi-contour adjustment
  • Integrated head restraints

The Energy Boost Bundle Plus ($5300) includes:

• Multicontour front seats
• Comfort front head restraints
• Heated front armrests
• Heated outboard rear seats
• The Air Balance package featuring internal aromatherapy and ionization technology

To compare how the Mercedes-AMG E53 measures up against its competitors, utilise this tool. comparison tool

Is the Mercedes-AMG E53 considered safe?

The Mercedes-AMG E53 hasn't been rated yet by ANCAP; however, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, upon which it is based, received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, an affiliated organization.

Standard safety equipment highlights:

• 10 airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Adaptive cruise control featuring stop/start functionality
• Blind-spot assist
• Driver attention monitoring
• Lane-keep assist
• Active Steering Assist
• Surround-view camera
• Traffic sign recognition
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Front airbags, along with center and driver’s knee airbag, are included.
• Front and side airbags for all seating rows

To view how the Mercedes-AMG E53 compares with its competitors, utilise our tool. comparison tool

What is the running cost of the Mercedes-AMG E53?

Mercedes-Benz Australia supports the AMG E53 with a comprehensive five-year, unrestricted kilometre warranty, along with an additional eight-year, 160,000km guarantee specifically for the high-voltage battery. Maintenance should be carried out every 12 months or when the vehicle reaches 25,000km, whichever occurs earlier.

The maintenance plans for the regular Mercedes-Benz E-Class are priced at $3395 for a duration of three years, $4675 for four years, and $6945 for five years.

To compare how the Mercedes-AMG E53 measures up against its competitors, utilise this tool. comparison tool

CarExpert’s Perspective on the Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid

The E53 Hybrid, crafted with input from AMG, represents a notable advancement in the E-Class lineup and introduces a compelling yet specialized choice within the domain of high-performance luxury vehicles from Germany.

Incorporating a robust plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain enhances the E53’s performance significantly and ensures it stays current alongside competitors like BMW and Porsche. While it may not match the impressive 'wow' effect or raw speed of the M5, it’s challenging to dispute that AMG has achieved an excellent equilibrium in terms of the powertrain.

It's simple to navigate through the city streets, feel perfectly at ease on the motorway, and really pick up speed when you floor it – particularly compared to its sole gasoline-powered rival, the Audi S6.

In addition to everything else, you can travel long distances frequently using electric vehicle (EV) mode. With its ample battery capacity and robust regenerative braking system, numerous people might rely solely on the battery for their daily commutes. It’s likely that an average E53 would be able to operate mostly without activating its engine simply by charging overnight every day.

Certainly, but nobody would purchase a $200,000 Mercedes-AMG only to leave most of its power untapped. We're confident that numerous owners will opt for driving modes that optimise the vehicle’s engine performance, such as with their E53.

In typical German fashion, this straight-six is exceptionally smooth but always ready to show you what it can do. TheV6-powered S6 isn’t too dissimilar, and a PHEV version of the Audi would likely give the E53 a run for its money.

However, we can't help but feel that the Mercedes' interior fails to reflect its impressive engineering, considering how similar it is to the regular E-Class. The Superscreen appears somewhat excessive and doesn't match the sophistication of the previous W213 generation's cockpit.

The significant heft of the E53 is hard to overlook, particularly considering it's marketed as a performance vehicle. This substantial bulk isn't too distant from the notably heavy yet substantially more potent M5, indicating that it struggles similarly when trying to compensate for its size.

Nevertheless, it offers a fairly decent value proposition for purchasers who do not wish to opt for the more extreme M5 or Audi RS6, or a bigger Panamera, despite being considerably costlier than the S6.

However, if you're looking for a large, high-performance luxury sedan adorned with the iconic three-pointed star logo, we recommend waiting for the upcoming E63.

If you're thinking about purchasing a Mercedes-AMG E53, contact one of CarExpert’s reliable dealers through this link.

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