Mercedes engineers are on a quest to redefine expectations, squeezing more power from smaller and smaller engines — case in point: the 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid. The high-performance version of the new E-Class will get as much as 604 horsepower from just six cylinders.
Mercedes redesigned its signature sedan for the 2024 model year. A year later, engineers from the company’s in-house tuner shop worked their magic on it.
Mercedes hasn’t even hinted at the price yet. We expect a price starting at $90,000 or above.
Turbocharging, Electric Motors, Wizardry
The AMG E 53 will be available only as a plug-in hybrid model. Mercedes hasn’t said how far it will travel on electricity alone but says it can charge from 10% to 80% of its battery capacity in just 20 minutes at a suitable fast charger.
AMG says the model is good for 577 horsepower in ordinary driving. A race start mode boosts that to 604 for a few seconds – enough to get the big sedan from a standstill to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.
Those sound like supercharged V8 numbers, but AMG engineers have spent the last few years perfecting the art of getting preposterous power levels from fewer cylinders. Under the hood, you’ll find a turbocharged 3.0-liter straight 6-cylinder engine. On its own, the mill would make 443 horsepower. An electric motor boosts it the rest of the way.
It’s actually not AMG’s most impressive work. Last year, it got 671 horsepower from four cylinders with a similar set of tricks.
“The top speed is electronically limited to 174 mph, and pure electric driving is possible up to 87 mph,” the company says. Power goes to all four wheels.
Handling Magic, Too
Mercedes says that to tighten up performance in the corners, “the body shell has been revised for greater rigidity.” The AMG Ride Control adjustable suspension adjusts the damping at each wheel independently “to the current driving situation and road conditions.”
Rear-wheel steering should enhance that control. “Depending on the speed of the vehicle, the rear wheels steer either in the opposite direction of the front wheels at a maximum of 2.5 degrees (up to 60 mph) or in the same direction at a maximum of 0.7 degrees (over 60 mph).”
An optional AMG Dynamic Plus package adds an electronically controlled locking rear differential, dynamic engine mounts, and larger brakes to tighten handling further.
AMG Signatures Inside and Out
Exterior changes include the signature AMG grille enthusiasts know to look for, a spoiler on the trunk lid, and four large exhaust outlets. Additional scoops and vents add an aggressive look, but only about half are functional.
Inside, AMG buyers get sport seats in the front row, an exclusive illuminated trim in grey open-pore ash wood available only on this model, and a Nappa-leather-wrapped steering wheel. Mercedes cabin-spanning Superscreen is available as an option.
Buyers who really want something unique might want to jump in early. An exclusive Edition 1 model comes in Moonlight White Magno paint with black-painted brake calipers and unique badges. It ships with a car cover complete with Edition 1 logo.
