In the time it takes to read its full title, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ Night Edition Premium Plus can accelerate from a standstill to 62mph. This formidable machine represents a perfect fusion of performance car exhilaration and modern hybrid technology, oozing charm and quality from every pore.
Performance and Powertrain: A Green Beast
Let's address the obvious comparison first: the E 53 is a different proposition from the ferocious E 63 that preceded it. While it shares many qualities, its priorities have shifted towards a 'green planet' focus. This is achieved through sophisticated plug-in hybrid technology, resulting in a low carbon emissions figure of just 22g/km and an attractive Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rating of 9% for business users.
Don't mistake its eco-credentials for a lack of firepower. This beautifully styled four-door saloon is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine working in tandem with a 21.2kWh battery and electric motor. The combined system delivers a staggering 585hp and 750Nm of torque.
The result is blistering acceleration, with the saloon rocketing from 0-62mph in a mere 3.8 seconds and onto a top speed of 155mph, or 168mph with the optional Pro Performance Pack. Power is channeled through a nine-speed automatic gearbox with paddles for manual control, offering both refinement and driver engagement.
Luxury, Interior and Practicality
Our test model, laden with virtually every available option, carried a price tag in excess of £100,000. The standard E 53 saloon PHEV starts from £65,720, with the range-topping Night Edition Premium Plus beginning at £98,015.
For that significant outlay, you acquire a full-sized family saloon dripping with luxury. The interior is ultra-sumptuous, featuring powered seats upholstered in fine Nappa Leather that can be heated or ventilated. Carbon fibre trimmings and soft-touch surfaces abound.
Stretching just shy of five metres in length, the cabin offers ample room for five adults, enhanced by a panoramic roof and active ambient lighting. The boot provides 370 litres of capacity, complete with hooks and a separate storage compartment, and the vehicle can tow a trailer weighing up to 2.1 tonnes.
Technology and Infotainment
Stepping inside the E 53 is akin to entering a science fiction movie set. The dashboard is dominated by a vast infotainment system featuring three screens stretching across its entire width. This includes an optional passenger screen, a driver display, and a central touchscreen that acts as the nerve centre for the vehicle's myriad features, complemented by a head-up display.
Despite the initial visual complexity, the system is intuitive to use. It provides seamless access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation, Bluetooth, and a pitch-perfect 17-speaker Burmester sound system. A voice-activated personal assistant, activated by the phrase "Hey Mercedes," can handle tasks from setting navigation to telling jokes, though it can be overly sensitive and activate unintentionally.
Running Costs and Real-World Efficiency
The key to managing the running costs of any plug-in hybrid lies in regular charging. The Mercedes-AMG E 53 offers an impressive 58 miles of electric-only driving range. During testing, covering almost 150 miles of motorway driving, excellent efficiency figures were achieved by fully charging the battery at home and maximising EV usage.
The official fuel efficiency figure of 282.5mpg is nearly impossible to achieve in real-world conditions without diligent charging. Using public rapid chargers can be expensive, so charging at home or work is most cost-effective. The 21.2kWh battery can be charged from 10-80% in just 20 minutes using a 60kW fast charger, or from 0-100% in 2 hours and 15 minutes via an 11kW wallbox.
Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) costs £110 for the first year, rising to the standard rate of £195 thereafter. As the car costs over £40,000, owners will also face an Expensive Car Supplement of £425 annually from years two to six. The hybrid battery is covered by a warranty for eight years or 62,000 miles.
The Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid faces stiff competition from rivals like the Porsche Panamera and BMW M5. However, its unique selling proposition is its advanced plug-in hybrid system. If used cleverly, with regular charging, this high-performance saloon offers the potential to drive for hundreds of miles on a single tank of fuel, blending adrenaline-fuelled performance with surprising day-to-day efficiency.
