2025 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG E-Class

We already love the 2025 E-Class lineup for its refinement, technology, and quality. Now, this new higher-performance variant, the 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid, raises the thrill quotient by several degrees. It accomplishes this feat with an electric motor, plus a smooth and muscular gasoline engine.

As most of us know, AMG is the go-faster division of Mercedes-Benz. But it’s not just about big engines and sporty suspensions. Even this esoteric corner of the company is embracing electricity, appreciating its ability to enhance dynamics on the one hand and save fuel on the other. That’s the approach with the E 53 Hybrid, which is actually a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that allows the car to run for an impressive 42 miles using just the battery’s energy.

The 2025 AMG E 53 Hybrid is a new variant of the broader E-Class range. This generation of E-Class made its debut for the 2024 model year, and the regular 2025 E-Class has its own review.

We would go for the Exclusive trim to get the Burmester surround-sound system, plus heat/noise-insulating glass and a few other features.

The closest rival is the similarly new BMW M5, starting appreciably higher than this Mercedes-AMG model but with even more power. Before buying a new AMG 53 Hybrid midsize luxury sport sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying.

With its optional Race Start feature, the 2025 E 53 Hybrid develops a thumping 604 hp, enabling a rapid zero-to-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. Without Race Start, the E 53 Hybrid still enjoys 577 hp, which could never be described as “tepid” this side of Cape Canaveral.

However, the pricier new BMW M5 is also a plug-in hybrid, generating a stunning 717 hp and reaching 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. We don’t believe those few tenths are worth quibbling over in real-world driving, but we thought it worth mentioning.

AMG Ride Control is an adaptive suspension with settings going from forgiving to firm, and it’s standard in the E 53 Hybrid. So is rear-wheel steering. We’ve loved this feature in other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including the regular E-Class, and have been impressed by how it makes cornering so easy and effective while also making the car especially maneuverable in tight spots. The standard all-wheel drive (AWD) system is fully variable, meaning it can direct some or all of its power between the front and rear axles, depending on the needs of the moment.

Fuel Economy

In combined city/highway driving, the 2025 AMG E 53 Hybrid is impressive, achieving the equivalent of 59 mpg (MPGe). It’s also rated to travel for 42 miles on battery power alone, which comfortably beats the BMW M5’s 25-mile EV range.

Like other AMG vehicles, the new E 53 Hybrid comes with some of the finest materials available, as well as supportive sport front seats. It feels extra special with ambient LED lighting and carbon-fiber trim accents. Like other E-Class models, the AMG E 53 Hybrid has enough rear legroom to accommodate 6-footers, outward vision is excellent, and the 19.1 cubic-foot trunk area is one of the best in this midsize luxury sedan class.

The new E 53 Hybrid has large front air intakes, in addition to the usual AMG grille with vertical slats with a large 3-pointed star badge set into it. The regular E-Class already has an aerodynamically efficient shape, which benefits this E 53 Hybrid.

Buyers have a choice of 12 exterior paint finishes, 20-inch and 21-inch alloy wheels, plus a few packages that essentially add more black.

Augmented Reality
By superimposing things like direction arrows and house numbers on the navigation display, drivers can be doubly sure of their next move. This is a cool feature and standard in the AMG E 53 Hybrid.

360-degree camera system
Another standard item that we’ve found most welcome when reversing out of a space into a busy parking lot.

Burmester audio
A sonorous surround-sound system becomes standard in the 2025 AMG E-Class at the Exclusive trim level. This is one of our favorites.

Superscreen
For the ultimate in tech richness, this optional Superscreen spans virtually the width of the cabin, adding a 12.3-inch display for the front passenger and a video camera.

Head-up display
We kind of expect this, especially in the top Pinnacle trim of the new Mercedes-AMG E-Class. And it’s indeed part of that model’s standard inventory. Nevertheless, a head-up display is a welcome feature, allowing drivers to see vital information on the windshield instead of looking away toward the central screen.

AMG Dynamic Plus package
This option takes the E 53’s performance to an even higher level, adding an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, 15.4-inch front brake discs made of a hard-wearing composite material, 6-piston front brake calipers, a higher top speed, and dynamic engine mounts for greater handling precision. This bundle also includes the Race Start feature, plus an AMG steering wheel covered in fine Nappa leather and simulated suede.

On the combustion side, the 2025 AMG E 53 Hybrid employs a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine (inline configuration). With the electric motor, the total output is a considerable 577 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Or use the optional Race Start feature for 604 hp. This goes to an AMG-tuned all-wheel-drive system.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty offered by Mercedes-Benz lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This applies to the drivetrain as well. Most European luxury car companies have these same terms. Plug-in hybrid batteries are covered for six years or 62,000 miles in some states and 10 years or 150,000 miles in others. Mercedes-Benz doesn’t offer any free scheduled maintenance.

Safety Ratings

This latest generation of E-Class has yet to be crash-tested by any agencies in the United States. However, it earned a maximum overall score of five stars from a European program: Euro NCAP.