Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ 2025 Review

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ is priced from $199,900 plus on-road costs (ORCs) and sits at the top of the new E-Class lineup. As Mercedes-Benz moves to electrify its range there’s no more V8-powered AMG E 63, but rest assured the new range-topping E 53 is not left wanting for output.

Powering the E 53 is a cutting-edge plug-in hybrid system that pairs a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine with a 120kW electric motor. The combined output is an impressive 450kW and 750Nm when Race Start mode is engaged, allowing this sleek sedan to sprint to 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 250km/h.

The new E 53 is 130kW and 230Nm more powerful than the last generation E 53 and matches the now-defunct E 63 V8 for power, while only being 100Nm shy of the V8’s maximum torque. Pretty impressive for a hybrid setup.

The plug-in hybrid system is supported by a 28.6kWh battery pack. It enables up to a claimed 100km of electric-only driving, while it can also manage pure-electric speeds of up to 140km/h. Drivers can choose between multiple modes, including Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Smoothness, Electric, Battery Hold, and Individual. There are four levels of regenerative braking, including a one-pedal driving mode, with all these options accessible via controls on the steering wheel.

The E 53 Hybrid features a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system with an electronic locking rear differential, AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension, and rear-axle steering for improved agility and high-speed stability. The standard braking package includes enlarged steel discs with red calipers, while a high-performance carbon-ceramic brake upgrade is available for those wanting even more stopping power. Standard wheels are 20-inch AMG 10-twin-spoke light alloys, with 21-inch options available in the AMG Night Package or standalone.

The E 53 dons a slatted grille, wider fenders and tracks, AMG front and rear bumpers, unique side skirts, a diffuser and a rear boot lip spoiler. The car also debuts a digital headlight system with 1.1 million micro-mirrors per headlight. This allows for precise control of the light beam and can project symbols, lane markings, and other information onto the road ahead.

Dimensionally, it’s 28mm wider thanks to flared guards, plus 6mm longer and 21mm taller, while it rides on a wheelbase that’s been stretched by 22mm compared to its predecessor.

Inside, the cabin is both high-tech and indulgent, just like the rest of the E-Class range. AMG sports seats come trimmed in black Nappa leather with power adjustment, memory, heating and ventilation as standard. Buyers can opt for the AMG Performance Seat Package at $5000, which brings more sculpted, contoured seats for extra support.

The centrepiece of the cabin is the MBUX Superscreen, which combines a 14.4-inch central infotainment display with a 12.3-inch passenger screen. The passenger display supports independent audio and video streaming without distracting the driver, so your front passenger can pop on headphones and stream their favourite Netflix show as you enjoy the road ahead.

Sound is delivered through the Burmester 4D surround sound system, with 17 speakers, seat-mounted ‘exciters’ (more on these later), and ambient lighting that synchronises with music. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as wireless charging are standard, and owners can use an iPhone as a digital key for keyless entry and starting.

Creature comforts include four-zone climate control, an acoustic comfort package for improved cabin quietness, and a comprehensive parking package with a 360-degree camera. The Driving Assistance Package Plus adds a suite of semi-autonomous driving aids, including adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping.

The Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ is covered by the brand’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty.

There’s no mistaking the AMG DNA in the E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+. It’s sharp, connected, and feels perfectly tuned for spirited driving. The steering is precise and inspires confidence, with exceptional grip through corners thanks to its rear-biased all-wheel-drive system.

One of the real highlights of this vehicle is its hybrid system, an aspect many people wouldn’t necessarily associate with a performance car. The electric drive feels quick and fluid and manages the powertrain intelligently, giving you a refined, efficient drive around town and explosive performance when you want it.

The fact you can drive in EV mode at speeds of up to 140km/h is impressive. Even more impressive is the smooth transition from the electric motor to the engine when you go from suburban driving to freeway driving.

Both systems work together seamlessly, and when the 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six comes alive (especially in Sport+), it does so with a deep, throaty soundtrack outside that is also piped into the cabin. It’s also properly quick. Put your foot down in Sport+ and the E 53 absolutely hauls – a potent reminder that this is still a serious performance car at heart, despite its hybrid tech.

It’s that balance between brains and brawn that makes the E 53 Hybrid so compelling as a modern performance car.

Inside, the tech offering is strong. The large central screen is crisp and functional, though it helps to have a handle on the interface before diving in. Rear-seat comfort is another plus. There’s ample head and legroom and amenities to match, including rear climate controls, USB-C ports and, with the optional ENERGIZING Package Plus which includes heated rear outboard seats as well as heated armrests for the driver and front passenger.

And despite the performance credentials, the fuel economy figure was relatively respectable. While we didn’t hit the claimed 1.7L/100km figure, we did extract 7.9L/100km on average. Not bad at all for a car that can hustle like this one.

This new E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ takes over as the flagship, stepping in where the charismatic V8 once roared. While it’s technically just as quick, it lacks the visceral drama and raw personality that came with eight cylinders.

The inline-six, though throaty and eager when pushed, shows a noticeable hesitation before it hits its stride heading up the speedo. It doesn’t quite have the immediate punch you might expect in stop-start traffic or low-speed acceleration when you’re not using the electric motors.

The large sedan is clearly tuned for driver engagement and, while that’s a plus on a twisty backroad, it comes at the expense of comfort. In Sport+ mode especially, the ride is noticeably firm as you’d expect for a car like this, which means some of our local roads can really hit you with a bit of a thud.

The seats follow the same philosophy, being sculpted for spirited driving. But on long journeys I found that it was not cushioned enough in the base, making for an almost bench-like feel. The bolstering doesn’t quite match other AMG seating.

The Burmester 4D surround sound system includes ‘seat exciters’ that pulse your seat in sync with the music. While this tech aims for a more immersive listening experience, I found it a little too off-putting and distracting. The sensation of your seat vibrating with the bass might be more for your passengers, rather than the driver, as you’d want to be more focused on the road ahead.

There’s no shortage of technology in the E 53 but there is a learning curve. The new-generation AMG steering wheel is packed with touch-sensitive buttons, which can feel fiddly and overwhelming. Once you’ve spent a bit of time with it, it all begins to click. If you’re familiar with Mercedes-Benz models of recent years, you’ll feel right at home.

While the hybrid system adds performance and efficiency, it also robs you of some practicality. The E 53 Hybrid’s boot is notably smaller than the E 300’s 540-litre offering by 170L. The 370L boot space in the E 53 Hybrid is still fine for groceries or a couple of overnight bags but packing for a longer trip – especially with bulky luggage – might be a tight squeeze.

This performance sedan blends cutting-edge hybrid tech with genuine AMG character. The E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ is the most advanced E-Class ever. And while the power delivery may be different and the engine note not as pronounced as a full-time V8, most die-hard AMG traditionalists will still be satisfied with this sedan’s acceleration and dynamic capabilities.

Its ability to cruise silently on electric power one moment and then unleash a blistering 450kW the next is arguably more impressive than what came before. This is a car that’s all about evolution rather than nostalgia, and as a step-gap between going fully electric, for which many still have reservations, a plug-in hybrid like this is a great taster.

But for those willing to embrace the hybrid era, the E 53 proves that performance and electrification don’t have to be at odds.

2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ at a glance:
Price: $190,900 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo petrol-electric
Output: 330kW/560Nm (electric motor: 120kW/480Nm)
Combined output: 450kW/750Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed dual-clutch automatic
Battery: 28.6kWh lithium-ion
Range: 100km (NEDC)
Energy consumption: 26.7 to 24.1 kWh/100km (NEDC)
Fuel: 1.7L/100km (NEDC)
CO2: 38g/km
Safety rating: Not tested

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