Mercedes AMG E53 Hybrid: New Plug-In
While we spend a lot of time talking about the efficiency and environmental benefits of electrification here at GreenCars, going electric (or adding electric to a gasoline engine) has great benefits for performance as well. In fact, we think the best performance cars in the world all come with plug-in hybrid power, and the technology is working its way into fast cars of all shapes and sizes. Cars like the new 2025 Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid. This all-new performance luxury sedan boasts 577 horsepower and can still deliver over 50 MPGe (combined), according to the EPA estimates.
Based on Mercedes’ all-new E-class sedan, the E53 Hybrid is the latest in a long line of rapid executive cars from AMG, following on from the E55, E63, and E43 models; cars which have earned a great reputation for combining performance with luxury.
Mercedes E53 Performance
Of course, the E53 Hybrid, which packs a 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine as well as a permanently-excited synchronous electric motor, can’t deliver all that power and all that economy at the same time. But that’s the beauty of plug-in hybrid technology: it provides the ability to cruise effortlessly with zero emissions when you’re commuting or in a relaxed mood, as well as offering the choice of power, speed, and drama on demand.
The E53 Hybrid’s gasoline engine produces 443 hp and 414 lb-ft of torque all by itself, figures which would eclipse many high-end sports cars from just a decade ago. The electric motor adds 161 horses and a stunning 354 lb-ft to the equation, enabling this all-wheel drive performance sedan to dash to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. In fact, if you engage the Race Start function, power is briefly elevated to 604 hp and the 0-60 time drops to 3.7 seconds.
E53 Electric Range and Charging
But that’s not all. When you want to drive more efficiently, the E53 Hybrid has the ability to cruise on purely electric power for 42 miles, according to the EPA estimates, enough to cover most American commutes without ever using the gasoline engine. A 21.2-kWh battery pack provides this range as well as an amazing amount of flexibility. Not only can it be charged at home on a Level 2 charger at 9.6 kW, but it can also handle Level 3 fast-charging at 60 kW, a feature that’s rare to find in a plug-in hybrid.
That large battery pack, and the formidable electric-only range, are what makes the EPA MPGe ratings of 54 city, 65 highway, and 59 MPGe combined, possible. All while having access to almost 600 hp.
AMG E53 Trim Levels
The new Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid will be available in three trim levels starting this fall. Standard trim, with a starting MSRP of $88,000, includes AMG’s performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system, a sophisticated AMG Ride Control suspension with adjustable dampers, rear-axle steering, and a switchable performance exhaust. You also get an illuminated radiator grille, Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system with 14.4-inch display, augmented reality navigation, a surround view 360-degree camera, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and a panoramic sunroof.
Stepping up to the Exclusive trim with a starting MSRP of $90,450, adds a digital lighting system for incredible night-time driving capability, a stunning Burmester 4D surround-sound system, active ambient lighting that syncs to the audio system, and heat- and noise-insulating glass.
Finally, the Pinnacle trim, with a starting MSRP of $92,150, adds projection ability to the digital lighting system, a head-up display, interior assistant, and four-zone climate control.
New Technology Features
A new Dynamic Plus package is available which includes a high-performance composite brake system with larger front discs, electronically-controlled rear differential, dynamic engine mounts, Race Start function, a higher top speed, and a special leather-and-microfiber steering wheel.
If you’re a tech geek for whom a digital instrument cluster and large central touchscreen isn’t enough, the available MBUX “superscreen” package adds a 12.3-inch front passenger display with privacy function, along with a selfie and video camera for use when the vehicle is stationary.
Mercedes E53 Hybrid: Conclusion
Arriving this fall in Mercedes dealerships across the U.S., the E53 Hybrid isn’t a very flashy new entrant to the scene: choose a conservative color and even with its AMG trim and 20- or 21-inch wheels, it’ll likely fade into the background.
But that’s kind of the point of this luxury car. Behind the unassuming skin lurks a fearsomely powerful drivetrain capable of stunning speed, and the ability to commute in complete silence with zero emissions.
On paper, flashier, more powerful plug-ins like BMW’s new 717-hp M5, or full-electric models such as the Lucid Air Grand Touring, might offer more all-out performance, but we suspect the E53’s balance of abilities and its subtle style will make it a great car to live with.
