Mercedes-AMG has launched the E 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+ Saloon in South Africa, with a truly practical 93-101 km of pure electric driving capability.
The heart of the E 53 HYBRID system lies in its combination of a 3,0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo engine producing 330 kW and a 120 kW electric motor integrated into the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission. Together, they generate a maximum system output of 430 kW and 750 Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 4,0 seconds.
The electric motor’s 480 Nm of torque is available from the first revolution of the engine, ensuring immediate response when pulling away. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, whilst purely electric driving is possible up to 140 km/h.
Substantial battery
Mercedes-AMG has equipped the E 53 with a 28,6 kWh (gross) high-voltage battery positioned under the boot floor. The usable capacity of 21,22 kWh enables the claimed electric range of 93-101 kilometres, making it genuinely useful for daily commuting without petrol consumption.
The onboard 11 kW AC charger handles overnight charging, whilst an optional 60 kW DC fast charger can replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes. Recuperation power reaches up to 120 kW, with the system automatically selecting the optimal level in D Auto mode.
Enhanced chassis and body structure
To accommodate the hybrid system’s performance potential, Mercedes-AMG has extensively strengthened the body shell with numerous stiffening measures. A strut brace between the front suspension strut mounts increases lateral dynamics, whilst additional thrust fields and struts improve steering precision and reduce front-end torsion.
The AMG RIDE CONTROL steel spring suspension features adaptive adjustable damping specifically tuned for the hybrid powertrain. The system combines acoustic insulation for electric driving with AMG’s characteristic sporty handling through separate valves controlling tension and compression damping.
Fully variable all-wheel drive
Standard AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive uses an electromechanically controlled clutch to distribute torque variably between front and rear axles according to driving conditions. This ensures optimal traction across all surfaces and weather conditions.
Active rear-axle steering enhances both agility and stability depending on speed. Below 100 km/h, the rear wheels steer opposite to the front wheels for improved manoeuvrability, whilst above 100 km/h they steer in the same direction for enhanced stability. The toe angle adjustment ranges from 0,7 degrees for parallel steering to 2,5 degrees for opposite steering.
Hybrid-specific driving modes
The AMG DYNAMIC SELECT system includes two hybrid-specific programmes alongside the traditional Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual modes. Electric mode prioritises pure electric driving using the 120 kW motor for the full claimed range, whilst Battery Hold maintains the charge level through coordinated operation of both power sources.
When starting, the E 53 defaults to silent Electric mode, indicated by a Ready icon in the instrument cluster. Should more power be required or the battery charge drop too low, the combustion engine seamlessly takes over.
AMG hybrid styling
The E 53 HYBRID features AMG-specific design elements including an illuminated radiator grille with vertical slats and wider front wings to accommodate the increased track width. Powerfully shaped outer air inlets with dual vertical fins and a central A-wing characterise the front apron, whilst hybrid-specific badges on the front wings and rear identify the electrified drivetrain.
Standard 19-inch alloy wheels can be upgraded to 20-inch or forged 21-inch options. The interior features E 53 HYBRID-specific illuminated trim in grey open-pore ash wood with AMG branding, whilst electrically adjustable AMG sports seats come standard with ARTICO man-made leather and MICROCUT microfibre upholstery.
Equipment and options
The optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package adds several performance-focused features including a larger composite brake system with 390x36mm front discs and six-piston callipers, an electronically controlled rear differential, and dynamic engine mounts that adjust their stiffness according to driving requirements.
The package also includes the RACE START function, which combines the full power of both the electric motor and combustion engine for optimal acceleration, boosting system output to 450 kW for maximum sprint performance.
Pricing and availability
The Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+ Saloon carries a recommended retail price of R2,5m including a five-year/100 000km PremiumDrive Comfort Care Service and Maintenance Plan.
The Mercedes-AMG E 53 is positioned as a more practical alternative to the higher-performance C63 S, which retails for R2,4m but offers an electric range of barely over 10 km!
The E 53 HYBRID combines genuine electric capability with performance, offering customers a plug-in hybrid that can handle daily driving purely on electric power whilst delivering the dynamic experience customers expect from the AMG brand.
