By Otsile Kadiege

The boffins at Aufrecht, Melcher, and Großaspach or AMG have lifted the veils off the new Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ Sedan and Estate. The newcomer boasts typical modern AMG exterior and interior design and styling, a raft of new technologies, and a hybridised inline-six powerplant – much to the approval of car enthusiasts.

Petrol engine meets electric motor

Straight off the bat, underneath the bonnet of the new E53 is a 3.0-litre straight-six engine delivering 330kW (an increase of 10kW compared to its predecessor) thanks to numerous software and hardware measures like a new twin-scroll exhaust gas turbocharger with higher boost pressure, newly programmed software, an additional front cooler, and a wheel arch cooler.

Thanks to Mercedes-AMG’s permanently excited E-synchronous machine (a 120kW and 480Nm electric motor), the new E53 develops a staggering 430kW (or 450kW when using the Race Start feature) and 750Nm. It also has a 28.6kWh battery pack located underneath the luggage compartment floor. Charging from 10 to 80% takes around 20 minutes when using a 60kW DC fast charger. Mercedes-AMG claims this will avail 100km of electric only range.

The new all-wheel drive AMG has a zero to 100km/h claimed sprint time of 3.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h which can be increased to 280km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.

As standard, the E53 is equipped with active rear-axle steering. Depending on the speed, the rear wheels steer either in the opposite direction of the front wheels (up to 100 km/h) or in the same direction (over 100 km/h). The system therefore enables both agile and stable driving behaviour. The toe angle change is 0.7 degrees (parallel steering) to 2.5 degrees (opposite steering).

Beefy looks

Outside, the new E53 sports Mercedes-AMG’s modern design and styling cues. Up front, the newcomer sports the brand’s Panamericana grille which is illuminated as standard, wider wheel arches, larger air inlets on the lower front bumper and AMG emblem on the bonnet.

The side view is characterised by AMG-specific side skirt panels, contrasting mirror caps, cosmetic front fender wings and model-specific badging. As standard, the E53 Hybrid is shod with 19-inch light-alloy wheels. Wheels with 20 inches and forged wheels with a diameter of 21 inches are also available as an option. The rear gets a rear boot lip and a contrasting lower bumper with an integrated diffuser and quad tail pipes.

Sporty luxury

Stepping inside, the E53 Hybrid oozes modernity and luxury with a dash of sportiness. As standard, there is an E 53 HYBRID specific, illuminated trim in grey open-pore ash wood with an AMG logo. The MBUX Superscreen with passenger monitor is available as an option. The MBUX multimedia system offers AMG-specific displays and features as well as the additional, exclusive menu content AMG Performance and AMG Track Pace (optional). Added to this are the hybrid-specific displays and functions. This includes the charging menu and displays in the instrument cluster and on the multimedia screen. These provide information about, among other things, the charge status and temperature of the high-voltage battery as well as the electric range.

Electrically adjustable AMG sports seats are on board as standard. The upholstery is covered in Artico man made leather/MICROCUT microfibre with red contrasting top-stitching and features a unique AMG seat graphic. The electrically adjustable AMG performance seats can be ordered as an option. The basic equipment includes the AMG performance steering wheel in Nappa leather with AMG steering wheel buttons.

Availability

Mercedes-Benz South Africa is yet to announce the local ETA and pricing of the new E53 Hybrid 4Matic+.