Boasting “typical” AMG driving pleasure, “excellent” responsiveness and “great” driving dynamics, Mercedes-AMG has unleased the E53 Hybrid, with the Affalterbach-based brand’s performance saloon sporting a plug-in-hybrid powertrain. Yes, you read that right. Hybrid power has come to the AMG-badged E-Class.
But just how much power and torque does the petrol-electric unit produce? Well, let’s first take a look at just what it comprises.
The E53 is endowed with a (330 kW) 3.0-litre inline-six, coupled with a permanently excited E-synchronous electric motor, the latter of which produces 120 kW and 480 Nm. So, on to peak outputs — 430 kW and 750 Nm, which is sent to the fore and aft axle via the company’s nine-speed AMG Speedshift transmission.
However, in ‘Race Start’, the former is lifted to 450 kW, allowing for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 3.8 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited 280 km/h.
However, as this is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), there’s a battery at play, too, of course. The 400 V battery has a capacity of 28.6 kWh (gross; 21.2 kWh net). On battery power alone, the E53 Hybrid can travel at up to 140 km/h. The electric-only range? Well, when the battery pack is fully charged, “over” 100 km, the firm says.
Said, the German marque, “The E-Class has been one of our most popular models for decades and we want to build on this with the new E53 Hybrid. The vehicle offers typical AMG driving pleasure with excellent responsiveness, great driving dynamics and a sporty design.
“As a plug-in hybrid, the E53 Hybrid combines mighty performance with efficiency. Thanks to the high electric range, many everyday journeys can be completed purely electrically.
“At the same time, the vehicle comes with extensive standard equipment, including fully variable all-wheel drive and active rear-axle steering. In this way, we offer our customers a vehicle that is perfect for their high demands.”
