2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan Review: Hybrid Thrills Await

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid Sedan represents the latest evolution of a lineage that has defined the luxury sports sedan formula for decades. The E-Class itself, now in its sixth generation, has long been the backbone of Mercedes-Benz’s portfolio—spanning everything from executive commuters to Autobahn stormers. Since AMG first worked its magic on the E-Class in the 1990s, these performance variants have earned a reputation for blending everyday civility with ferocious capability. Underneath its subtly muscular sheetmetal lies a turbocharged inline-six paired with a plug-in hybrid system, delivering both silent electric glide and a raucous rush to redline when demanded. Unlike many hybrids that sacrifice character for fuel savings, the new AMG E 53 uses its electrification to enhance throttle response, broaden its performance envelope, and give the driver a seamless surge of torque that feels more like a finely tuned turbo than a compromise.

Key Specifications of the 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan brings hybrid power to the performance sedan game. It charges quickly through its CCS port. This car shows what modern plug-in hybrids can really do.

Engine and Powertrain

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 sedan comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine paired with an electric motor under the hood. This hybrid setup makes 577 horsepower between 5,800 to 6,1000 rpm and 553 lb-ft of torque between 2,200 – 5,000 rpm. The car has a big 28.6-kWh battery pack. About 21.2 kWh is usable, which still gives plenty of juice for short trips on electricity alone.

The nine-speed automatic transmission shifts smooth and fast. Each tap of the pedal brings instant response. In electric mode, it can hit 140 km/h using just the 160-hp electric motor. That’s a nice balance of fun and efficiency for any performance car fan, especially from Mercedes-Benz AMG.

Performance Metrics (0–60 MPH, Top Speed)

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan delivers serious speed. It can hit 100 km/h from a standstill in 4.0 seconds. With the AMG Dynamic Plus Package, that drops to 3.7 seconds. The car makes up to 604 horsepower in this mode.

Top speed sits at 250 km/h (155 mph) electronically limited from the factory. Get the AMG package and that jumps to 280 km/h (174 mph). Speed isn’t just numbers though. It’s the rush you feel pulling away from other cars. Despite weighing 5,280 pounds, these stats beat most rivals. That includes plug-in hybrids like the BMW M5 and electric sedans like the Lucid Air. All-wheel drive and adaptive cruise add confidence at any speed.

Electric Range and Hybrid System

The Mercedes-AMG E 53’s plug-in power delivers real numbers. It has an estimated electric driving range at 69 kilometers. I’ve pushed it to over 75 kilometers myself, with careful driving.

DC fast charging fills the battery at up to 60 kW. Going from 10% to 80% takes about 20 minutes at a quick charger. Electric mode lets you cruise gas-free up to 140 km/h. Four regenerative braking modes help recharge while slowing down. The system doesn’t support one-pedal driving though. You still need the brake pedal for complete stops.

According to NRCan, the combined fuel consumption using both electricity and gasoline is 4.0 Le/100 kilometers. Using gasoline only (when the battery is fully depleted, it acts a regular non-plug-in hybrid), the E 53 sedan is rated at 11.2/9.0/10.2 in city/highway/combined driving.

Based on real world driving, well, based on my driving style, the onboard computer showed 9.7 L/100 km in about 60/40 city/highway driving. I didn’t drive it like a maniac but did do some speed blasts, of course this was done in the name of science so I can see how powerful this sedan was.

Driving Experience

The AMG E 53 delivers instant electric motor torque and quick race start launch control. A tight limited slip differential and adaptive cruise make it fun. Keep reading to learn how this plug-in hybrid handles city streets, sport+ mode, and long mountain drives.

Acceleration and Handling

Acceleration in the 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 feels sharp and quick. Race Start launch control works with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

I love using sport+ mode for quicker throttle response. The electric motor and plug-in hybrid system work together for aggressive shifts. This sedan rockets to 60 mph in about four seconds.

Handling stays tight thanks to rear-wheel steering that moves up to two degrees. This adds agility when cornering or parking. The electronically adaptive suspension smooths out bumps whether I drive fast or cruise around town.

With stability control off and the limited slip differential working, twisty roads become easy. Drifting feels natural. 4Matic Plus all-wheel drive manages power to each wheel, so I don’t lose much traction.

Comfort in Daily Driving

After pushing the AMG E 53’s impressive acceleration, I find it works just as well for relaxed daily drives. The nine-speed automatic transmission shifts quietly in Comfort mode. Traffic feels less stressful this way. Standard seats work better for long trips than the firmer performance options. They give good support without feeling too hard.

AMG Ride Control suspension uses adjustable shocks to smooth out bumps. City roads feel easy with its four-wheel drive system, even on rough pavement. A panoramic sunroof brings extra light into the cabin. Wireless phone charging keeps my devices powered all day.

Parking becomes simple with the 360-degree camera system. It shows clear views all around this Mercedes-AMG model. Each feature works together so every mile feels easy instead of tiring. That’s key for anyone spending real hours behind the wheel of an AMG E 53. The same goes for any plug-in hybrid sedan in today’s car market.

Sport and Sport+ Driving Modes

Sport and Sport+ modes transform the 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 completely. Throttle response gets sharper. Power delivery feels instant. Steering becomes more direct. With Race Start launch control active, output jumps to 604 horsepower for short bursts. The acceleration pins me back in my seat.

Regenerative braking increases in these dynamic settings too. This improves road control and efficiency from the plug-in hybrid system. The drivetrain combines electric motor torque with gas engine muscle for aggressive acceleration. Features like rear-wheel steering and a limited-slip differential keep handling crisp.

Sport+ gives me that extra edge for fast corners or straight-line sprints. I never lose confidence behind the wheel.

Pricing and Trim Levels

In Canada, the 2025 E-Class is offered as a sedan only, unlike the previous generations where the E-Class was offered as a Coupe/Convertible and Wagon, the only version we get is the 4-door. The E-Class (and C-Class) Coupe has been replaced the CLE Coupe and CLE Convertible. In the United States, you can get the E-Class wagon, but the All-Terrain version.

The 2025 Mercedes E-Class comes in three different variants, the E 350 4MATIC, E 450 4MATIC, and the E 53 AMG HYBRID 4MATIC+ sedan (our review car).

Prices start at $105,000 and can reach upwards of $130,000 with all the optional packages. Our review car was priced at $128,600.

AMG Styling and Exterior Design

The AMG E 53 catches eyes with its Panamericana-style grille, bold front splitter, and functional air intakes. Multi-function LED headlights provide style and bright visibility at night. While there are small differences between the standard E 450 and AMG version, they’re hard to notice if the two cars are parked next to each other or you’re a complete Mercedes-Benz expert.

Working exterior vents cool the high-performance parts. “Turbo hybrid” badges tell everyone this is a plug-in. The huge cross-drilled brakes measure nearly 16 inches across. Six-piston red AMG calipers peek through each wheel.

Overall, the 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 sedan is a handsome looking car, it’s understated like most Mercedes cars, which is what I personally like.

Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan Interior

This may be a performance sedan, but don’t forget it’s still a Mercedes product, so the interior is posh and user friendly, with room for four adults.

High-Tech Interior and Hyperscreen

Step inside and you’ll find a cabin full of technology and style. The optional hyperscreen is pretty eye-catching, maybe not the most useful thing, but it sure does make the interior look futuristic. The 12.3-inch display right in front of the passenger seat, in theory, is for your “co-pilot”, so they can control entertainment or check trip info anytime. Personally, I don’t like anyone messing with my radio or navigation system while I’m driving, but some people might be okay with it and find the big screen useful.

The dash features an advanced display system. It can track real-time routes and performance stats. It shows DC fast charging updates and lets me adjust hybrid settings too. Every detail matters here. Nappa leather wraps the sport steering wheel. Contoured seats hold tight in corners but stay comfortable on long trips.

Illuminated “AMG” letters glow softly at night. They create that special high-performance feel only AMGs deliver. Premium materials and digital tools surround me. Everything from head-up displays to smart driver assistance functions makes each drive smarter and more enjoyable.

Advanced Infotainment System (MBUX)

The AMG E 53 comes with a 14.4-inch central touchscreen running the latest MBUX software. Its Zero-Layer Interface puts functions right up front. You don’t waste time scrolling through endless menus. A sharp 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster comes standard too. It shows driving data without clutter.

You can connect your phone through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for maps and music. The augmented reality navigation system guides you on new roads and through busy traffic. Personal driver profiles let you log in by touch or face scan. This makes each drive feel custom and secure.

Comparisons with Competitors

The AMG E 53 faces strong rivals. The BMW M5, Audi RS7, and Porsche Panamera Turbo all bring power and attitude. Each offers its own take on plug-in hybrids and performance features. Things like race start launch control and rear-wheel steering matter in this class.

BMW M5

BMW fits the M5 with a 717-hp plug-in hybrid setup. It combines turbo engine muscle with electric motor power. This sedan launches to 60 mph in about three seconds. That matches many exotic cars on the road.

Cargo space measures 16.5 cubic feet. That’s more trunk room than many sporty sedans in this class. Buyers get coverage for four years or 50,000 miles under the basic warranty. The new M5 includes smart features too. Race start launch control and a limited-slip differential come as part of the driving package.

Audi RS7

The Audi RS7 gets 14 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on highways. Its fuel economy falls short of plug-in hybrid sedans like the AMG E53. Audi uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox. AMG offers nine speeds instead. Rear tires on the RS7 measure 275/35R21. These are smaller than the Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan’s 295 size.

The wheelbase stretches 115.3 inches. This means less room inside compared to AMG’s 100 cubic feet of passenger space. Audi gives you just 95 cubic feet. The RS7 doesn’t include some key safety features as standard either. Blind spot warning and front seat center airbags come with the AMG E53 package.

Drivers who want hybrid technology won’t find it here. Features like regenerative braking or electric motor assist don’t exist. Audi sticks with traditional gas performance. They skip the hybrid and plug-in options that PHEVs from other makers offer.

Porsche Panamera Turbo

Looking at the Porsche Panamera Turbo after the RS. The Panamera Turbo makes 229 fewer horses and 185 lb-ft less torque than this year’s AMG sedan. Even with its sleek fastback shape, the extra cost gets you a car that focuses on luxury over raw power.

Straight-line speed matters to me. A car in this class should thrill on city streets and open highways. The Panamera doesn’t focus much on new energy tech either. It lacks features like regenerative-braking systems or DC fast charging that plug-in hybrid sedans offer. Models like the AMG E 53 and BMW’s electric motor cars have these.

The Mercedes delivers impressive specs through its hybrid system. It also provides advanced infotainment and safety ratings. These give more value for daily drivers who want excitement and reliability from their vehicle.

Pros and Cons of the 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53

I spent time driving the 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53. I pushed its plug-in hybrid system with sport+ mode and tested one-pedal driving. Each feature has clear strengths and weak points. Let me show you how DC fast charging, adaptive cruise control, and the AMG Dynamic Plus package work in real life.

Strengths

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 stands out with raw power and agility. It makes up to 604 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque using Race Start. This sedan rivals the old AMG E63 S. It sprints to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. The new plug-in hybrid setup includes an electric motor for instant torque. The rear-wheel steering system helps it carve through tight corners like a sports car. Yet it still offers daily comfort.

A large 21.2-kWh battery provides up to 42 miles of electric range. I can run errands quietly or take short trips without burning gas. I get great efficiency too. EPA rates it at 54 city, 65 highway, and 59 mpg-e combined when fully charged.

Features like DC fast charging make quick top-ups possible. The AMG Dynamic Plus Package adds race start launch control and sport+ mode. These deliver peak excitement on demand.

Areas for Improvement

Weight is a major issue for me. This AMG E 53 sedan gained 832 pounds over the last E450 4Matic. I feel it during quick turns and fast stops. Ride quality suffers on rough roads, especially with bigger wheels. The plug-in hybrid system works well most times. But its regenerative braking feels odd underfoot. It doesn’t allow true one-pedal driving like some newer electric cars.

Rear seat space falls short compared to the BMW M5 or Audi RS7. Friends might complain on longer rides. Many features match those in the regular Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Sometimes it’s hard to see where the extra money goes. You mainly get power and style upgrades.

2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid Final Thoughts

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 sedan blends serious power with plug-in hybrid benefits I can feel every day. Fast acceleration combines with a comfortable ride. Advanced tech like the hyperscreen puts it ahead in its class. The AMG styling looks sharp yet stays refined.

With real electric range and DC fast charging, this car offers something special. Sharp handling from rear-wheel steering makes it fun to drive. The AMG E 53 shakes up what I expect from sports sedans in today’s car market.

I think the AMG E 53 makes a bold statement that works. Anyone wanting both speed and modern fuel savings gets both in one impressive package.

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