Mercedes-Benz unveils 2025 AMG E 53 hybrid luxury sedan

It’s difficult to imagine Mercedes-Benz needing another vehicle in its vast lineup. With subsidiaries AMG and Maybach included, the enduring German manufacturer offers about three dozen sedans, sport utility vehicles and trucks. Still, the carmaker found another niche need — one filled by the 2025 AMG E 53.

The plug-in hybrid touring sedan is a nine-speed automatic that combines a turbocharged inline-six engine with an electric motor.

Considering its AMG status, performance looks dominate: racing-style brakes, a sport-tuned adaptive suspension and rear-wheel steering improve the car’s cornering, and wider front fenders and a front fascia with larger air inlets enhance the overall visual appeal. 

A handsome appearance is backed up with driving and recharging prowess. A 21.2-kWh battery pack provides the electrification, and an 11-kW onboard AC charger handles Level 2 charging; the 60-kW DC fast-charger will replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes, according to Mercedes.

Standard models include the AMG 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, an illuminated radiator grille and the latest generation of the MBUX infotainment system with augmented reality navigation.

Performance aside, the high-end hybrid exudes luxury. The vibe begins with supremely comfortable, well-bolstered seating that’s both heated and cooled. An unusual coloring match also works, as yellow console stitching is matched with yellow seatbelts, and both complement the primary gray seating and panels. Further additions to the luxury: ambient lighting, a floating armrest and open-pore wood trim. Ambient lighting shades are a superfluous but fun luxury characteristic.

Front and back seating room is spacious, with the ride particularly smooth for rear seat occupants. Whether in city driving or at freeway speeds, the road feel is confident, though with the caveat that the summer performance tires give a slightly rough experience; every divot is felt.

The E 53 offers Sport+, Sport, Electric, Hybrid and Comfort drive modes, all adjusting the car’s performance from the most aggressive Sport+ to the more relaxed Comfort mode. 

A 14.4-inch center multimedia display, surround-view camera, wireless smartphone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a panoramic sunroof are also standard.

One minor annoyance: The phone charger is tucked deep into the console, and the visual icon is small, so it’s difficult to determine if a device is charging. 

Throughout its lineup, safety is a Mercedes-Benz strength. The AMG E 53 has seven airbags among a list of 15 safety items, from a tire pressure monitoring system to heated windshield wipers, an antitheft alarm system to an electronic stability program. 

As a long-standing manufacturer of luxury vehicles with stellar reputations, Mercedes-Benz, particularly with its AMG and Maybach relationships, doesn’t offer bargains. Rather, it’s a carmaker that exemplifies getting what’s paid for. For brand loyalists, it’s money well spent, no questions asked. 

The new vehicle combines a powerhouse, open-road luxury sedan with an electric sports car’s leanings. It’s a car for those who splurge because they can. 

Facts & figures

Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph, 3.8 seconds  

Airbags: 7

Gas mileage: 21 MPG city, 26 MPG highway, 59 MPGe combined

Horsepower: 577 (combined)

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $88,000

Manufacturer’s website: mbusa.com

Price as reviewed: $128,164

Warranty:  Bumper-to-Bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 4 years/50,000 miles; Corrosion, 4 years/50,000 miles; Battery, 6 years/62,000 miles

Test drive

Mercedes-Benz of Bonita Springs,  14610 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; mbbonitasprings.com

Mercedes-Benz of Naples, 501 Airport Road S., Naples; 

mercedesbenznaples.com

Mercedes-Benz of Fort Myers, 15461 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers; mercedesoffortmyers.com