Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53

If you were in the market for a fast luxury four-door sedan that also happens to be refined and efficient when you want it to be, then it might seem like all the stars are aligning just for you, as Mercedes has launched its AMG E 53 plug-in hybrid sedan in India. This new AMG version of the E-Class model is not as brutal as the E 63 we used to get, with hybrid and downsizing in the mix now, but it still promises to be a great car with duality of purpose. 

It is not without its rivals, though, like the BMW M5, which still has a V8 engine despite going hybrid. So should you go for the AMG E 53? Let's find out. 

Just like all the AMG-spec models, the elegance of the standard model, in this case, the E-Class, is infused with a host of sporty elements that give the AMG models a certain flavour that stands out. The major difference that you’ll notice over the standard car is that this AMG looks a lot more proportionate, as it doesn’t get the long-wheelbase.

The shape of the nose is the same, and the LED headlights too are similar, but everything from the shape and styling of the grille to the bigger air intakes on the angular bumpers looks purposeful. The wider fenders give the car a better stance, while the small stars in the grille of the standard car make way for the signature Panamericana grille with slats running across it. The Mercedes and AMG badges rest in the centre and on the left-hand edge of the grille, respectively. 

If the shape of the bumper isn’t sporty enough, it gets contrasting surrounds which further amplify that aggression.The styling isn't overtly aggressive in profile. It has smooth flowing surfaces, uninterrupted by flush-mounted door handles that pop in and out.

It sits on 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, and the way they fill the wheel arches really works for the stance of the vehicle. The contrast for the brake callipers does hint at the performance credentials of the vehicle.

Design details like the boot lip spoiler and the diffuser with the circular quad exhaust do the heavy lifting for the car’s sporty demeanour, because it otherwise doesn’t look like something that has as much performance underneath.

The LED taillights with their star-shaped detailing never fail to grab attention. 

Inside the AMG E 53 PHEV, the interior layout is the same as the standard E-Class, meaning it feels like you’re sitting in a futuristic lounge surrounded by screens (if you option the third passenger display), but with its AMG-specific elements, the cabin also has a hint of the car’s capabilities. 

The dashboard is almost entirely made up of screens, outlined above by AC vents and down below by sleek strips of ambient lighting, which follow into the central console. The signature AMG steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather with its touch-sensitive buttons hides another digital screen behind it. The AMG sports seats have powered adjustment and feature red contrasting inserts and a microfiber upholstery.

While you would usually buy an E-Class for its comfort and feel-good conveniences, this one you buy to enjoy driving it. Yet, there aren’t really any compromises when it comes to equipment that spoils you. Most of the controls are embedded in the 14.4-inch central display, while you can option the ‘MBUX superscreen’ for the passenger in international markets. 

Features like powered front seats with memory settings (including the ORVMs), Burmester 4D surround sound, electric sun blinds, 4-zone climate control, wireless phone charging front and rear, multiple Type-C charging ports, and a 360-degree camera offer convenience.

The safety package of the AMG E 53 will include multiple airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, an electronic stability program, parking sensors all around the car, a tyre pressure monitoring system and Level-2 ADAS features like blind spot monitor and active brake assist.

On the standard E-Class, Mercedes India offers multiple engine options to choose from, including a diesel and a 6-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology. And while this AMG version also uses a six-cylinder turbocharged engine, it has been tuned by AMG for better performance, which is further aided by the plug-in hybrid system. 

The system makes a combined output of 585 PS, which jumps up to 612PS in race mode. Torque stands at 750 Nm, with which the performance sedan sprints to 100 kmph from a standstill in just 3.8 seconds (in race mode). Top speed is electronically limited to 280 kmph. 

Power is sent to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic. As for the hybrid specifications, the system gets a 28.6 kWh battery (only 21.2 kWh is available for use), which can be used to drive in pure electric mode for over 100 km. In electric mode, the top speed stands at 140 kmph. An 11 kW onboard AC charger is available.

Beyond the powertrain, to make the car handle well, there has been loads of work done to the suspension with tuning of the adjustable dampers for the specific requirement of the car, which can be altered with respect to the driving mode for a stiffer or more cushioned ride. The brakes are bigger, it gets an active rear-axle steering wheel that aids handling at higher speeds and manoeuvrability at slow speeds, dynamic engine mounts and a host of other technical changes that will help it live up to the dynamics expected from an AMG.

On paper, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid seems to be a proper sports sedan with plenty of performance and go-fast technical complications that should make it feel at home even on a racetrack. The hybrid powertrain doesn’t just give it significant performance gains in a straight line but also adds refinement and efficiency on the daily mundane commute to the office. That duality, combined with the E-Class’ inherent sophistication, luxury and comfort, should make way for a car that’ll keep you happy irrespective of whether you’re behind the wheel or lounging in the second row.