The 2024 Mercedes-AMG E53 has now been released, about a year after the standard E-Class was unveiled. As the nomenclature suggests, this is not yet the top dog of the E-Class range as that’s reserved for the E63. The E53 has now become a plug-in hybrid midsize luxury sports sedan, and it’s expected that the E63 will follow a similar path as well.
The new E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ combines a 3.0-liter inline-six that’s been turbocharged to 443 horses, which is a healthy improvement over the previous mild-hybrid E53’s inline-six with 429 horses. This is combined with a 161-horsepower electric motor that’s integrated into the AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission. When both power sources are working in tandem, the total output becomes 577 horses and 750 Nm of torque, which is sent through a highly variable 4Matic+ all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
It must be noted that the 603 horsepower figure you’re seeing is when you use the launch control of the Race Start mode, which, unfortunately, is an optional extra that’s part of the AMG Dynamic Plus package. The resulting 0-100 kph time of 3.8 seconds for the sedan and 3.9 seconds for the wagon is 0.7 seconds faster than the outgoing mild-hybrid E53 and just 0.6 seconds slower than the outgoing twin-turbo V8 E63.
Because this is a plug-in hybrid, it comes with a sizeable 21.22 kWh battery that can accept up to 60 kW in DC fast charging, resulting in a 10 to 80 percent charge in just 20 minutes. When the battery is topped up, you can travel in pure electric mode for up to 101 kilometers based on WLTP testing at speeds of up to 140 kph. Speaking of which its top speed is electronically limited to 280 kph.
Of course, being an AMG vehicle, the E53 didn’t just gain a plug-in hybrid powertrain and then call it a day. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG E53 comes with the AMG Ride Control adaptive steel spring suspension, which now comes with two valves (separate valves for compression and rebound) that allow for greater variability. The chassis also comes with enhanced stiffness, while the electromechanical brake system that makes for a natural brake feel when the system transitions from hydraulic to regenerative braking. There’s also rear-axle steering that increases agility at low speeds and then improves stability at higher speeds, while the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package adds the aforementioned Race Start launch control, dynamic engine mounts, and an electronically-controlled rear axle locking differential that allows for better corner-exiting traction.
From an aesthetics standpoint, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG E53 comes with sportier front bumpers, an illuminated AMG-specific grille with vertical slats, and a body that’s subtly wider by 11 mm compared to the standard E-Class. Sitting inside its wider fenders are 19-inch wheels as standard, but they can be upgraded to 20-inch alloys or 21-inch forged wheels. Moving towards the rear, you’ll see quad exhausts and a subtle lip spoiler. An optional AMG Exterior Night Package removes the chrome exterior trims while the AMG Carbon Exterior Package adds a dose of carbon fiber exterior parts (such as the mirror caps and lip spoiler).
Inside, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG E53 inherits the interior of the standard E-Class, which means you get a well-built interior that’s filled with a dizzying array of screens. The optional MBUX Superscreen–one tier lower than the equally gimmicky Hyperscreen, separates the digital gauge cluster from the single glass that houses the main MBUX infotainment with the front passenger’s display. We’d argue that the interior looks nicer without the Superscreen option due to the large expanse of open-pore illuminated wood.
The E53’s interior also gets AMG-specific design flourishes such as AMG sports seats (upgradable to AMG performance seats) upholstered in Artico synthetic leather and microcut microfiber with red stitching and an AMG performance steering wrapped in Nappa Leather. Finally, the MBUX infotainment comes with AMG-specific menus and displays.
As with most AMG cars, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG E53 will most likely be available on an indent order basis as opposed to having a regular stock of the vehicle in the Philippine market. Nevertheless, production of this vehicle is slated to begin later this year.
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