Test review DrivOlution Mercedes-AMG E53 HYBRID 4MATIC+

The rise of hybrids is increasingly making itself felt, even in the sports car segment. Where electrification was initially seen as a necessary evil to reduce CO₂ emissions, today it also turns out to be a means to squeeze even more power and torque out of the engine. The new BMW M5 opts for a plug-in hybrid powertrain, and Mercedes-AMG follows with the E53. The promise? The best of both worlds: brutal performance and a greener footprint. The reality? Opinions are divided on that. The advantage is that you can drive electric perfectly well in urban environments, as long as you maintain a healthy charging culture.

The new Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ combines the refinement of the six-in-line petrol engine with the power and efficiency of a plug-in hybrid drive. Under the bonnet is the familiar 3.0-litre turbo engine (M256M), good for 449 hp, paired with an integrated 163 hp electric motor. Together, they deliver up to 585 hp and 750 Nm, with a temporary peak of up to 612 hp in overboost mode. Drive is via a 9-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT automatic transmission and is distributed to all wheels thanks to the fully variable 4MATIC+ system.

The 28.6 kWh battery (gross) offers an electric range of up to around 90-100 km (WLTP) and allows completely emission-free driving up to 140 km/h. Despite the electric refinement, the E53 remains unmistakably AMG: 0-100 km/h goes in about 3.8 seconds, and the optional AMG Driver's Package lifts the top speed from 250 km/h to 280 km/h.

This powerplant rests on the MRA II platform (Modular Rear Architecture), which was specially developed for rear-wheel-drive models with advanced electrification options. AMG adds its own components, such as reinforced drive components, a sporty air suspension and standard rear-wheel steering for extra agility.

Key points at a glance:

• Engine (ICE): 3.0L six-in-line turbo (449 hp) + electric motor (163 hp)
• System power: up to 585 hp / 750 Nm (overboost 612 hp)
• Battery: 28.6 kWh gross, ±90-100 km electric range
• Drive: 9-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT + 4MATIC+
• Platform: MRA II, AMG tuning with air suspension and rear axle steering

The Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ offers a wide range of driving modes via the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT system, which includes both conventional AMG settings and hybrid-specific modes.

One of the most striking details in the Mercedes-AMG E53 is the AMG Performance steering wheel, equipped with additional buttons that allow you to directly influence the driving experience. These round controls with small display buttons are fully adjustable to your liking: you can decide which functions they operate.

A simple press scrolls through the available options, while the integrated display always shows which function is active. Depending on the equipment, you can, for example, choose ESP® settings, the stiffness of the AMG Ride Control suspension, manual shifting, or adjusting the AMG Real Performance Sound. Things like camera views and the driving programmes within AMG DYNAMICS can also be accessed via the steering wheel.

The functions you mentioned above are linked to the two round AMG steering wheel buttons (left and right at the bottom of the steering wheel).

? Right button

• This is the round rotary switch with integrated display. Here you can select the driving programmes of AMG DYNAMIC SELECT (e.g. Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual). The small display in the switch always shows which programme you are driving in.

? Left button

• This is a round button with two small display keys (top and bottom). You can configure these yourself: each key can call up a different function.

• Typical adjustable functions include:

  • ESP® adaptation

  • AMG Ride Control (ophanging)

  • Manual switching

  • AMG Real Performance Sound

  • Camera views (360°)

  • Specific AMG DYNAMICS functions

You can also set AMG DYNAMIC SELECT in the MBUX multimedia system.

Hybrid-specific driving modes

• Electric - all-electric driving with the electric motor (up to approx. 120 kW / 163 hp), with a range of up to more than 100 km; in case of strong acceleration or low battery voltage, the combustion engine automatically switches on

• Battery Hold - preserves battery charge and use of the electric motor is minimised and optimised; ideal for preserving electric range later (e.g. for city driving)

Brake energy regeneration

Besides the various driving modes, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ has four adjustable regeneration modes. These let you decide how much energy is recovered as soon as you release the accelerator. The modes are easily selected via the paddles behind the steering wheel, so you can quickly switch between maximum braking or smooth coasting while driving.

• D-:strong recovery: marked deceleration on throttle release, ideal in city traffic or on winding routes; often possible to drive almost with one pedal.
• D: normal recovery: balanced between energy generation and comfort, pleasant for daily use.
• D+: no  recovery: the car rolls almost freely ("sails"), ideal for long motorway trips.
• DAUTO : intelligent mode that automatically adjusts braking energy strength according to traffic situation, route and selected driving mode. 

ECO Assistant - tailor-made efficiency

The ECO assistant of the Mercedes-AMG E53 continuously analyses the planned route. This allows the system to optimally match the driving style to the route, which not only saves fuel but also recovers energy. Does the assistant recognise a vehicle ahead? Then it calculates the ideal speed based on distance, speed and slope to take maximum advantage of fuel efficiency and energy recovery. Top! 

After 748 kilometres on board the Mercedes-AMG E53, spread over 13 recorded journeys, we arrive at an average petrol consumption of 2.8 l/100 km and an average electric consumption of 16.0 kWh/100 km.  All this at an average outdoor temperature of 22°C. The gecombined consumption (petrol + electric, equivalent): 4.6 l/100 km.

Looking at the figures by component

• Number of trips by road type

  • Non-urban: 4 trips (31%)

  • Motorway: 8 trips (61%)

  • Stad: 1 trip (8%)

  • Mix: 0 trips

• Number of trips per driving mode

  • EL (electric): 8 trips (61%)

  • Comfort: 2 trips (15%)

  • S: 1 trip (8%)

  • S+: 1 trip (8%)

  • Mix: 1 trip (8%)

• Average consumption by road type 

•  Average consumption by driving mode

Reset on-board computer (after first drive test week)

After an on-board computer reset, the Mercedes-AMG E53 recorded a total 714 kilometres. The average driving speed was 50 km/h, indicating a mix of city and suburban driving. The average petrol consumption came out at 3.5 l/100 km, while the average electric consumption 13.3 kWh/100 km was 13.3 kWh. Remarkably, as many 64% of the kilometres driven were fully electric indicating that the plug-in hybrid powertrain was used to its full potential in this test.

Comparison with calculated petrol consumption after refuelling

Based on refuelling, we arrive at a calculated fuel consumption of 3.7 l.

• Fueled volume: 25.37 l:

• Distance travelled: 684 km (excluding the last ride Merelbeke- Evere)

So we are clearly close to the stated petrol consumption.

Compared to the average over the full test distance of 748 kilometres, we see clear shifts in consumption values. The petrol consumption during the reset 25% higher (3.5 versus 2.8 l/100 km), while the electric consumption nearly 17% lower came out (13.3 versus 16.0 kWh/100 km). Thus, the E53 proves how strongly a plug-in hybrid can be controlled by driving style and route choice: more city driving means more often electric, but at the same time drives up petrol consumption as soon as the battery is less able to step in. 

Let's take a quick look at how our Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+ performed on our 101km test course. Top note is that we drove the course pretty much all-electric. The small petrol share is due to the use of the paddles on the steering wheel. In comfort driving mode, the petrol engine is switched on when operating the paddles on the handlebars. Only 100m driven on petrol. We arrive at an average petrol consumption of 0.9 l/100 km and an electric consumption of 20.3 kWh/100 km. If we translate the electric consumption into equivalent petrol consumption, we arrive at 2.3 l/100 km. The entire drive was done in EL (= electric) driving mode.

Below is an overview of the results by road type

Here is the analysis of your test course based on the given values:

1. Basic data

• Total distance: 101 km
• Average electric consumption: 20.02 kWh/100 km
• Average petrol consumption: 0.37 l/100 km
• Total electrical consumption over the route: 20.22 kWh
• Total petrol consumption over the route: 0.37 litres

2. Observaties per wegtype

• Non-urban: 19.7 kWh/100 km - petrol consumption is 0.0 l/100 km - relatively efficient, lower than average.
• Highway: 19.6 kWh/100 km -fuel consumption of 0.9 l/100 km  - efficient, but with a small petrol contribution (0.9 l/100 km).
• City: 21.5 kWh/100 km - petrol consumption 0.0 l/100 km - highest consumption, logical due to a lot of acceleration and braking.

4. Interpretation

• Overall electric consumption is fairly constant across the segments, with only ±1.9 kWh/100 km difference.
• The small petrol intake on the motorway indicates support at higher speeds.
• City consumption is about 7.6% higher than suburban consumption.

The entire 101-kilometre test track was completed almost entirely electrically. Only 100 metres - accounting for 0.10% of the distance - was driven with petrol, and that solely due to a wrong choice of regeneration mode. Petrol consumption thus came to less than 1 millilitre, practically negligible.

This means that the stated WLTP driving range is achievable, at least if you adjust your driving style. So: theoretical range ≈ 106 km pure electric under similar conditions.

*We strive to drive as efficiently as possible by making maximum use of cruise control (constant speed) and by anticipating traffic situations as much as possible. The speed on motorways is 110 km/h. Energy consumers (such as air conditioning) are switched off when weather conditions permit. In addition, we choose the most efficient driving mode (Eco), if available.

9G-TRONIC Plus automatic transmission

The 9G-TRONIC Plus automatic gearbox works superbly. Thanks to the shift levers on the steering wheel, you can also intervene whenever you want. If you drive in electric mode, those same levers serve to control braking energy recuperation - a smart, intuitive solution. Super practical!

Steerable rear wheels

Making the driving experience of the AMG E 53 even more refined is the innovative system of major rear wheels. This system ensures that at low speeds, the rear wheels counter-steer relative to the front wheels, significantly enhancing agility and manoeuvring in tight spaces. At higher speeds, the rear wheels actually steer in the same direction, increasing stability and confidence on the road. This clever interplay between front and rear wheels creates a surprisingly playful, yet at the same time solid driving experience that perfectly matches the dynamic character of this AMG.

What immediately stands out in the Mercedes-AMG E53 is the intense cockpit feeling that is unfortunately becoming increasingly rare.

Interior - luxury in AMG style

The interior of the Mercedes-AMG E 53 exudes sportiness and luxury in every fibre. As soon as you get in, you are embraced by high-quality materials such as supple nappa leather and contrasting alcantara, which, together with subtle carbon and aluminium accents, form a modern and powerful whole. The AMG sports seats are not only pleasing to the eye, but also offer excellent lateral support, ensuring both comfort and grip even during dynamic driving.

AMG multifunction steering wheel

In front of the steering wheel sits an AMG multifunction wheel, with a sporty leather and alcantara finish, equipped with touch-sensitive controls and robust gearshift paddles, which give the driver the control to switch effortlessly between driving modes. The all-digital instrument panel is not only sleekly designed but also displays special AMG performance data, keeping the driver focused on every nuance of the driving experience at all times.

MBUX-infotainment 

In the centre of the dashboard is the MBUX infotainment system with a large, bright touchscreen, which is intuitively operated and offers plenty of connectivity options, from voice control to smartphone integration. The ambient lighting sets the tone with a range of colours, allowing you to set the ambience in the cabin entirely to your taste.

AMG sports seats

These are very comfortable and offer plenty of lateral support, with integrated headrests and often an embossed AMG logo.

Despite its sporty character, the E 53 is surprisingly spacious and comfortable, making it effortlessly usable for long trips without sacrificing luxury. The subtle AMG details, such as the embossed logo on the seats and the carbon inlay around the centre console, complete the interior and underline the perfect interplay between performance and refinement. Here is an overview of the interior of the Mercedes-AMG E 53:

• Sporty and luxurious: The interior combines high-quality materials such as nappa leather, alcantara and carbon or aluminium accents for a premium and dynamic look.
• AMG sports seats: These are very comfortable and offer plenty of lateral support, with integrated headrests and often an embossed AMG logo.
• Multifunction steering wheel: Sportily finished in leather and alcantara, with touch-sensitive controls and AMG-specific gearshift paddles.
• Digital cockpit: A fully digital instrument panel with AMG features, such as a special performance display, which can adapt to driving modes.
• MBUX infotainment system: Large central screen with touch controls, voice control and extensive connectivity options.
• Ambient lighting: Ambient lighting with multiple colours to enhance the sporty atmosphere.
• Carbon and aluminium details: Many AMG-specific finishes around the dashboard, centre console and doors.
• Space and comfort: Despite the sporty finish, the interior remains spacious and comfortable, suitable for long journeys.

Driving assistance systems of the AMG E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+

The AMG E 53 Hybrid is not only powerful, but also highly advanced in terms of driving safety and assistance. Both standard and optional, it offers numerous smart assistance features that make you experience every drive both relaxed and safe:

• DISTRONIC Plus (Adaptive Cruise Control) - automatically calculates the distance to the vehicle in front of you and seamlessly adjusts your speed accordingly, including stop-&-go functionality
• Active track and steering assistant - not only maintains your lane, but also actively corrects steering direction in case of distress to maintain your course
• Active Blind Spot and Evasive Assist - warns of traffic in the blind spot and helps avoid obstacles safely
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus & digital Light system - automatically adjusts your lighting based on oncoming traffic and road conditions
  • Parking aid with 360° camera (PARKTRONIC) - Makes parking easier and safer thanks to visual and auditory support
  • PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side + PRE-SAFE® Sound - when a collision is imminent, smart safety counts: occupants are protected by inflatable side cushions and a sound wave in the speakers trains the hearing reflex
  • Attention Assist - detects fatigue and provides timely warnings to stay active during long drives
  • Traffic sign recognition & speed limit assistant - recognises traffic signs and optionally adjusts your speed automatically to keep you within limits
  • Comprehensive Driving Assistance Package Plus (optional) - combines the above functions (such as DISTRONIC, track holder, blind spot assistant as well as PRE-SAFE® PLUS) to provide seamless, powerful support in any traffic situation

These driving assistance systems make the AMG E 53 not only a sporty powerhouse, but also a particularly capable companion on every drive. 

⚡Charging options

Those who want to make the most of electric driving with a Plug-in would do well to charge regularly. With the AMG E53 much depends on your preference: do you go for the brutal sound of the combustion engine or for the quiet of pure electric driving? Of course, a smart combination of both is also possible, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds.

Unique for a plug-in hybrid in this segment, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ supports not only AC, but also DC fast charging as well. You rarely see this in PHEVs and it greatly enhances the usability of the electric driving mode. DC charging allows you to top up the large 28.6 kWh battery in a short time, making quick recharging on the go perfectly possible. This makes it much easier to cover a larger part of your journeys fully electric, even during long trips or busy days. Top!

During our test, we charged the Mercedes-AMG E53 a total of four times: three via AC and one via DC. For each AC session, the battery was fully charged to 100%, while for the DC charge we opted to charge to 80% and this for the sake of charging time.

The maximum driving range achieved was 87-88 km, slightly below the WLTP average of 94 km, which can be explained by the relatively high highway mileage during our test.

We were unfortunately unable to try out the Mercedes-me app app. Below is a brief overview of what the app has to offer:

•  Remote charging status: check how far your battery is charged.
• Find charging stations: filter by connector type, speed and location.
• Start/stop charging: start and end charging sessions from the app.
• Plug & Charge: automatic charging without a pass or additional app.
• Green power: charge eco-friendly with renewable energy.
• Integration with MBUX: navigation takes into account battery and charging points, including live traffic information.

In short: the app makes electric driving easier and smarter. 

The graph below provides an overview of consumption data per trip, both petrol and electric, supplemented by the trip length, the driving mode chosen and the type of road driven on. As in previous analyses, this is a snapshot of the car's performance.