Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID 4MATIC Saloon (2024 - )

Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz? My friends all drive Porsches; I must make amends. What am I blathering on about? Come on, it's obvious - this review is about a Merc - well, yes - but it's specifically about the Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID 4MATIC saloon, writes Tim Barnes-Clay.

Praying for divine intervention to sort you out with a Mercedes is a tad over the top, but many of us will wish we had the cash to splash on one - especially the E 53 HYBRID. Those of you who can buy one will still be interested in our take on this car - while the rest of you who are dreaming might be curious - just in case you get a raise at work.

Anyway, the E-Class has been one of Mercedes-Benz's most popular models for decades, and the E 53 HYBRID continues this tradition. The tested saloon offers the classic AMG driving experience, featuring exceptional responsiveness, outstanding driving dynamics, and an athletic design. As a plug-in hybrid, this car combines impressive performance with efficiency. Thanks to its electric range, short journeys can be completed using electric power alone.

But let's not give everything away in the intro - keep reading as we explore this fantastic German beast further.
 

The E 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+ has several distinctive design elements. It features an AMG-specific luminous radiator grille with vertical louvres, which is standard equipment. The front wings are eleven millimetres wider on each side compared with the ‘normal’ E-Class to accommodate a greater track width on the front axle. The aggressive front apron has external air inlets, each having two vertical fins - and a central A-wing shape.

The sides of the vehicle expose flowing, shaped surfaces extending up to the recessed door handles. AMG-traditional side skirt panels optically connect the two wheel arches. The flat, horizontal LED taillights with vivid graphics in the stylised Mercedes star monicker are incorporated into the solid rear design. This strengthens the car's visible construction and highlights its overall width.

The cherry on top is an AMG spoiler lip for the boot lid, and the AMG rear apron has a diffuser and two tailpipe trims on either side. What’s more, badges on the front wings and rear indicate the car's electrification. Also, the E 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+ comes with 19-inch light-alloy wheels as standard, optionally with larger 20-inch wheels and forged 21-inch wheels.

Inside, it features an E 53 HYBRID-exclusive light trim in grey open-pore ash wood with an AMG emblem as standard. Electrically adjustable AMG sports seats are factory-fitted, too. 

An integrated passenger monitor within an optional MBUX Superscreen is also available. The MBUX multimedia system comes with AMG-specific displays, features, and proprietary menu content. In addition, hybrid-specific screens provide information such as charge state, high-voltage battery temperature, and electric range on the instrument panel and multimedia display.
 

The Affalterbach-made machine's all-wheel-drive system ensures enhanced traction and driving safety. Furthermore, the engineers at AMG have calibrated the AMG RIDE CONTROL steel spring suspension with adaptive damping to provide the best possible combination of efficient noise insulation during electric driving and sporty agility. As mentioned, the front axle features a wider track for greater stability, and the rear has stiffer mounts for better tracking and camber stability.

The sporty spring-damper set-up with adaptive damping responds to the road surface. There are three available modes: "Comfort," "Sport," and "Sport+." Newly updated software also optimises the tuning of the chassis, ESP, and steering system to provide a balanced, secure, and dynamic driving experience.

Furthermore, the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes are unique to the plug-in hybrid's drive technology, which adapts essential parameters such as drive response, steering, chassis damping, and acoustics. In addition to the standard modes - "Comfort," "Sport," "Sport+," "Smoothness," and "Individual," the new Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+ offers two hybrid settings: "Electric" and "Battery Hold."

I took the Mercedes for a spirited drive around the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, which was phenomenal. The minute I was on the Hill Route, the car came alive. It easily ripped through the undulating terrain, tackling the steep inclines - from 6.5% to a massive 26% - as if they were gentle slopes. Acceleration was firm but effortless, and hill-taking was thrilling.

Sure, the hybridised car is heavy – but the brakes are very responsive. Whether I was going into a tight turn or had to slow rapidly, the Merc took it all in its stride with grace. Equally impressive is the steering. It is involving and accurate, and you can confidently tackle the corners. I felt absolutely in control during every bend. The coordination between you and the car is palpable.

It takes just 3.8 seconds to reach 62mph, and the top speed is 155mph - or 168 mph if you go for the optional Pro Performance Package. Well, what do you expect? The Teutonic vehicle houses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder lump - and an electric motor, after all.
 

This beefy yet strangely elegant saloon comfortably seats up to five people. The beautiful Benz offers a roomy interior, a classy design, and high-end plush materials that elevate the luxury experience.

However, integrating the hybrid gubbins comes at the cost of boot space, which is limited to 370 litres. For comparison, the standard E-Class saloon boasts 540 litres - and that's why you see chauffeurs - especially around airports - using them. They are great for swallowing flight cases and the like.

With the Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID 4MATIC saloon, you'll get cases in - but it'll be a squeeze, as 370 litres is the cargo capacity more typically found in smaller SUVs or hatchbacks.
 

The electrified Benz is engineered for optimal efficiency. When the electric motor is triggered, it drives silently in the "Electric" driving setting. The "Ready" icon on the instrument cluster shows that the E 53 is set for a seamless drive. A 120 kW (163 hp) electric motor boasts an impressive range of 58 miles for non-combustion engine motoring. It is ideal when tootling through town or in slow-moving commuter traffic.

Should the battery charge become low or require additional poke by surpassing the pressure point of the haptic accelerator pedal, the car's tech smoothly engages petrol propulsion to provide the necessary drive power.

In the "Battery Hold" driving mode, the engine and electric motor work in tandem to keep the battery charge level stable. Regenerative braking also helps recover energy, boosting efficiency. 

The Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ claims a remarkable WLTP fuel economy rating of 282.5 mpg. However, you'll get lower fuel efficiency in the real world. Furthermore, the Merc has CO2 emissions of 22 g/km.

For many years, the E-Class has been among Mercedes' most favoured models, and the introduction of the new E 53 HYBRID continues to boost its legacy.

Would I buy one? Well, like everything in life, it all comes down to the individual. I would never spend £100,000 on a car, even if I had the cash. Paying monthly by financing the Merc or leasing is another option, but that would be like having a second mortgage. So, this is a car for the well-off - or a company vehicle some clever so and so might be able to get if they are chief of some highfalutin firm.

Then again, you may have had a windfall or inherited - and you've figured life's too short not to go for something like the E 53. If that's you, then this car won't disappoint. You will be ticking several boxes in one go - namely power, luxury and efficiency - with lots of space for passengers (although not necessarily much luggage) as the icing on the cake.

It is a lovely car - a joy to drive - but be prepared for a bit of envy from those who know they'll never get behind the wheel of a motor like this.