2024 Mercedes-AMG E53 revealed as 450kW six-cylinder hybrid
The twin-turbo V8 E63 is dead – at least for now – but coming to showrooms is a turbo six-cylinder plug-in hybrid E53 with V8-matching power.
The middle variant in the high-performance Mercedes-Benz E-Class range – the Mercedes-AMG E53 – has been overhauled with plug-in hybrid technology and as much power as the old V8 E63.
It calls into question the future of the flagship E63, given the E53 has V8-like levels of performance – and reports in Germany claim there will not be a new model to replace Mercedes-Benz's outgoing V8 petrol-only version.
Australian showroom arrival timing for the E53 is yet to be confirmed. If it comes to Australia it would be a sedan only, as the new E-Class wagon will not be sold locally.
Powering the new E53 is a revised version of its predecessor's 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol engine, now developing 330kW/560Nm – up 10kW/40Nm.
But it is now matched with a 120kW/480Nm electric motor integrated in the transmission for system outputs of 430kW/750Nm in normal driving, or 450kW during short bursts of Race Start launch-control mode with the AMG Dynamic Plus pack optioned.
It is a match on power for the outgoing 450kW/850Nm E63's twin-turbo V8 – but down on torque – with a nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and variable 4Matic+ all-wheel drive.
Mercedes-AMG claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.8 seconds for the quickest 450kW E53 sedan with every option ticked, and a top speed of 280km/h (or 250km/h without options).
Without the AMG Dynamic Plus package – and 'only' 430kW – the 0-100km/h time is 4.0 seconds, with one-tenth of a second added to each time for the wagon body style.
Compared to the previous E53, the new model's 3.0-litre engine benefits from a new turbocharger with higher boost pressure, revised software, and extra cooling.
The 21.2kWh (usable capacity) battery pack is mounted under the boot floor, and is claimed to be capable of up to 101km of electric driving range at speeds of up to 140km/h.
The battery can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent in about 20 minutes at up to 60kW DC, with 11kW AC home charging capabilities also available.
There are four levels of regenerative braking – capable of recuperating up to 120kW – including an automatic setting, and a one-pedal mode that allows the car to come to a full stop by lifting off the accelerator alone.
AMG has stiffened the body shell for the E53, with a front brace between the suspension strut mounts, a 'thrust field' under the engine, and extra struts from the side members to the rear of the car.
Standard fitment is steel-spring suspension with adaptive dampers in Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes, plus wider tracks than the regular E-Class, and rear-wheel steering with up to 2.5 degrees of rotation.
The brakes measure 370x36mm up front and 360x26mm at the rear – with four-piston front and single-piston rear calipers – aided by an electromechanical brake booster claimed to better blend the regenerative and conventional disc brakes.
There are five regular drive modes – Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Smoothness and Individual – plus Electric, and Battery Hold, the latter maintaining the level of charge in the battery by using the petrol engine more often.
The optional AMG Dynamic Plus pack unlocks the full 450kW output, plus larger 390x36mm six-piston front composite brakes, red brake calipers, an electronically-controlled locking rear differential, and dynamic engine mounts.
It also adds a microfibre and nappa leather-trimmed AMG Performance steering wheel with drive mode dials.
Differentiating the E53 – the E53 Hybrid 4Matic+, as it is marketed – from regular E-Class variants are sportier front and rear bumpers, an AMG 'Panamericana' grille with illuminated slats, 11mm-wider front wheel arches, and new side skirts.
The wheels measure 19, 20 or 21 inches across in Europe, while there are also hybrid badges on the boot lid and front wheel arches, four circular exhaust tips – a hallmark of non-63 or 45 AMG models – and a rear lip spoiler.
Inside, there is a choice of two front sports seat designs with leather-look and microfibre upholstery, a nappa leather steering wheel with drive mode controls, AMG-specific menus for the Superscreen infotainment system (including a lap timer), red stitching, and unique trim inserts.
Available at launch in Europe is an Edition 1 model, with white matte or grey gloss paint, black stripes, 21-inch wheels, black and carbon-fibre exterior trim, a car cover, and yellow highlights on the seats, seat belts and floor mats.
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG E53 is due on sale in Europe later this year. The regular E-Class line-up is due in Australia in the coming months.
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