- 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53 Hybrid packs plug-in hybrid power
- Peak power matches output of former E 63
- U.S. pricing starts at $89,150, including destination
A redesigned Mercedes-Benz E-Class went on sale last year and this fall spawns its first tuned variant developed by AMG.
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53 Hybrid is AMG’s first take on the latest E-Class generation, and it’s a plug-in hybrid that packs a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 and an electric motor integrated with the transmission for V-8-like performance.
Mercedes on Thursday confirmed a starting price of $89,150 in the U.S., including a $1,150 destination charge.
Despite only packing six cylinders, the car’s standard output is a stout 577 hp, but initiating launch control, an available feature known as Race Start, will temporarily boost this to 604 hp, matching the output of AMG’s former E 63, which was powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8.
2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53 Hybrid
Performance estimates include a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds with launch control (normally 3.9 seconds) and a top speed governed at 174 mph. The electric motor delivers a maximum 161 hp on its own, and can carry the E 53 Hybrid to speeds of up to 87 mph, according to AMG.
The E 53 Hybrid’s powertrain is a new development at AMG. It will also make its way next year into a 2026 GLE 53 Hybrid, albeit with a slightly tamer 536 hp output.
2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 53 Hybrid
The GLE 53 Hybrid will have a bigger battery, though. It will feature a 31.2-kwh battery, while the E 53 Hybrid has a slightly smaller 28.6-kwh battery. The battery keeps 21.2 kwh for everyday driving, where it helps to reduce fuel consumption. The remaining capacity is kept for an electric boost during high-performance driving and is kept topped up thanks to brake energy recovery. When using the battery’s full charge, the EPA estimates the E 53 Hybrid will cover 42 miles before needing the gas engine.
Beyond the powertrain, the E 53 Hybrid benefits from extra rigidity compared to the standard E-Class, plus a wider track, high-performance brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension with steel springs and adaptive dampers. All-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering are also standard.
2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53 Hybrid
Many of these features’ characteristics, along with those of the powertrain, can be adjusted using the E 53 Hybrid’s drive mode selector, which comes with Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes for normal conditions, plus a Slippery mode when roads are wet or frozen. An Individual mode also allows the driver to save their preferences.
For extra performance, AMG offers a Dynamic Plus package that adds larger brakes at the front complete with calipers painted in red. The electronically controlled locking rear differential has also been tweaked to deliver better traction out of the corners, while dynamic engine mounts also form part of the package.
2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53 Hybrid
In the cabin, the standard features include a digital instrument cluster and a large 14.4-inch infotainment screen. A surround-view camera is also included, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and a panoramic sliding sunroof.
Better equipped Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels are available from $91,600 and $93,300, respectively, including destination. The Exclusive trim adds digital light headlights, a Burmester audio system, active ambient lighting, and heat and noise insulated glass, while the Pinnacle trim adds these features along with digital light headlights with projections, a head-up display, four-zone climate control, and more.