4 days ago
Review: 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid
This is the most powerful E-class Mercedes currently makes and perhaps one of the most polarising.
The range-topping AMG E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ trades in the brand's V8 for a quieter plug-in hybrid powertrain.
It's still brutally fast, incredibly expensive and packed with a ton of features, but it's no longer the muscle car it once was.
It might be a better car.
At just under $199,000 before on-road costs, the E 53 Hybrid now sits at the top of the E-Class tree.
Yes, the price has jumped by approximately $26,000 over the outgoing E 53 model. But for context it's also about $50,000 cheaper than the previous-generation E 63 V8.
The E 63 S V8 offered 450kW, hit 100km/h in 3.4 seconds and drank fuel like it was free (officially 12L/100km, but double that if you're heavy with the throttle).
This one matches the power, offering a combined 450kW of power and 750Nm of torque – doing so with a 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine and electric motor.
The sprint is 3.8 seconds, only a fraction slower than the E 63.
It sips just 1.7L of fuel per 100km (NEDC tested) but that figure might be a stretch unless you constantly plug in.
It's fast, like seriously fast.
There's less noise than a V8 but it feels just as responsive.
The electric motor alone will get you up to 100km of range, perfect for zipping around the city.
Put your foot down in Sports+ and the car really becomes alive, it's confident, composed and definitely not boring.
But honestly? you don't even need sports mode, as comfort mode delivers plenty of fun and is just as engaging.
With its aggressive stance, crisp AMG lines, and that signature Panamericana grille, this is a sexy car.
Inside, it's not your classic Mercedes. The cabin is bold, digital and hi-tech.
For some it might be a sensory overload, there's ambient lighting that changes colour, Mercedes MBUX screen, blending a 14.4-inch central display with dual 12.3-inch driver and passenger screens. The passenger screen is cleverly designed to be invisible to the driver – keeping distractions to a minimum.
The seats are supportive with heating, ventilation and massage. But the sports seats are firm, a bit too firm for my liking, you can opt for the standard seats.
The split panoramic roof is a nice touch and lets in plenty of light.
Rear passengers are well catered for and the boot allows 370L of luggage, which is sufficient for a few overnight bags or small suitcases.
The Audi S6 and BMW M550i are obvious rivals but lack the same blend of plug-in tech and speed.
I don't think the AMG E 53 Hybrid is trying to replace the V8.
It's a modern kind of AMG – one that fits the brand well.
