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Mercedes-Benz’s Latest Sedan Proves AMG’s Future Is Plug-In Hybrids

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Mercedes backed off going all-electric. But that doesn’t mean the brand won’t use batteries.

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Mercedes-Benz recently backed off its plans to go all-electric by 2030. But that doesn’t mean batteries aren’ going to play a central role in Mercedes’s future — especially over at the brand’s high-performance arm, AMG.

Mercedes-AMG just unveiled the 2025 E 53 Hybrid, which packs a substantial 28.6-kWh plug-in hybrid battery pack. And it’s the latest indicator that the pinnacle of AMG performance will be electrified — if not entirely electric for now.

The Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid delivers serious performance

The AMG E 53 Hybrid packs a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six gas engine enhanced to 443 horsepower from the outgoing model’s 429 hp. An electric motor adds 161 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The combined output of 577 hp (604 hp in “race start” mode, a.k.a. launch control) and 553 lb-ft of torque can propel the vehicle from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and to a top speed of 174 mph when equipped with the AMG Driver’s package.

Unlike other PHEVs, the E 53 Hybrid’s battery will not be tuned to deliver maximum range. Mercedes says 7.2 kWh of the 28.6-kWh pack will always be reserved to enhance engine performance. 

And it likely signals the AMG E 63 will need to go hybrid to keep up

The AMG E 53 Hybrid’s max 604 hp is one horsepower above the outgoing AMG E 63 model with its thunderous twin-turbo V8. Performance figures aren’t equal, however; the AMG E 63 packs 74 more lb-ft of torque and a quicker 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds (3.0 seconds in Car and Driver testing).

However, the closeness strongly suggests the AMG E 63 will have to go PHEV to produce a corresponding gain. 

No blue hybrid badging here. AMG’s new hybrids use an angry red as a statement of intent.Mercedes-AMG

The E 63 going hybrid fits with the broader trend at Mercedes-AMG

We’ve already seen AMG going PHEV with its other top-flight vehicles. The C 63 S E Performance packs a maniacal 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque with a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four PHEV setup. The S 63 E Performance brings an even wilder 4.0-liter turbo V8 PHEV system to the party with an even wilder 791 hp and 1,055 lb-ft of torque. 

And it fits with what rival four-door performance manufacturers like BMW and Porsche are doing 

And Mercedes isn’t the only German manufacturer supplementing its powerful four-door with batteries. The next-generation BMW M5 should use a 700-plus hp V8 plug-in hybrid setup like the BMW XM crossover. Porsche’s new Panamera will also employ a twin-turbo V8 PHEV arrangement, putting out 670 hp and 685 lb-ft of torque. Bottom line: expect the future of German heavy metal to have spots for both gas nozzles and electric plugs.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4Matic+

The Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid is the entry-level AMG version of the brand’s midsize sedan. It slots below the top-tier 63 model.

Specs

Powertrain

3.0-liter inline-six PHEV

Horsepower

604

Torque

553 lb-ft

EPA Fuel Economy

TBA

Seats

5

Pros

Race start mode delivers more than 600 horsepower

Accelerates to 60 mph in less than four seconds

Cons

Don’t know how much EV range it has yet

May get even pricier than outgoing E 53