2025 Mercedes-AMG E 53 4Matic+ | UK Evaluation

Who’d be a legacy automobile maker in 2025? Pulled this fashion and that by the vagaries of buyer demand, laws, and custom, unable (or unwilling) to commit in some way for concern of lacking out. Lately it could seem to be a complete line-up and century-old heritage may be as a lot a burden as a profit; with much less to lose, the smaller, youthful producers can take extra dangers. And catch up.

They in all probability aren’t coming for the super-saloon sector simply but, however the common uncertainty appears mirrored within the make-up of each the present G90 BMW M5 and this Mercedes-AMG E53. There are too many sensational engines in equally badged predecessors to go all-electric; too many EVs elsewhere within the line-up to retain a giant V8 all by itself and never look out of step. Hybridisation should work as a center floor, nevertheless it provides weight; weight that then wants further know-how to offer a convincing driving expertise. Which makes it heavier nonetheless. And as vehicles get bigger and costlier, in order that they have to be extra lavishly appointed inside, including additional to the complexity. In cramming in so many options, in attempting to be all issues to all folks, there’s absolutely a hazard that these newest electrified super-saloons may miss the mark. 

For now, the 53 would be the most potent E-Class, boasting a Race Begin overboost of 612hp with the suitable choices ticked. How lengthy that call lasts is anybody’s guess. Already, the output makes it appear like a bonus over the M5, then (which isn’t an entire lot more cash), though the Benz can counter with the best way it appears to be like; the place the BMW is a tad overwrought in each physique types, the E53 conveys AMG perspective very well certainly. Those that know what they’re will clock the broader tracks and new exhausts, whereas those that don’t received’t have the AMG-ness thrust into their eyeballs. Our check property set the tone nearly completely. 

Maybe because of a current run of Mercedes check vehicles, the ‘53 inside felt fairly good. There’s in all probability nonetheless an excessive amount of to configure than is basically vital, however the UX is straightforward sufficient to navigate, and the atmosphere feels appropriately wealthy for a £100k Mercedes. Whereas additionally showing usefully extra fashionable than the outdated E-Class, it retains loads of room for a household. The most important disappointment, reality be informed, is that the boot flooring isn’t flat, with a hump to accommodate a rear axle tasked with an terrible lot. The canine received’t be greatest happy. 

The E53 fits electrical driving; there’s none of that awkward crabbing that used to characterise the AMG expertise when manoeuvring. Refinement ranges actually reap the benefits of the silence, and regen means much less reliance on a picket brake pedal that by no means fairly feels proper. Regardless of simply the 161hp, brisk sufficient progress feels to be made, and below regular use, the straight-six kicks in imperceptibly; truthfully, it’s important to be watching the tacho to note one other energy supply has joined the get together. It’s spectacular, as is the best way the Mercedes harvests vitality on the transfer, including to the battery’s beneficiant vary – a full cost was displaying 55 miles, and that wasn’t unrealistic – with out impeding progress. 

Since you actually will make some progress, that’s for certain. There’s subsequent to no lag within the 3.0-litre, the nine-speed shifts its quick ratios swiftly, and all-wheel drive means nothing goes to waste nonetheless heavy your proper foot is. However, it is a Mercedes-AMG powertrain quick on pleasure, and that’s a disappointment. The augmented engine sound is bizarre, virtually diesel-like in its timbre, and the bombast of a V8 is noticeable by its absence. Each the outdated 4.0-litre and new M5 really feel extra thrilling to carry onto and cost down the highway in. This straight-six is a extremely good engine, a spotlight of vehicles like the CLE, however a flagship E-Class deserves extra. Mercedes-AMG is so near an excellent hybrid that it could’t be far-off: a automobile with this kind of EV vary and manners, with the tactility of the 45s and the charisma of a V8, could be excellent. And properly inside its abilities. 

There are in all probability as many bullet factors within the ‘professionals’ as there are within the ‘cons’ relating to the E-Class’s journey and dealing with. For essentially the most half, it feels actually well-damped given its dimension and remit (and its 21s). There’s some actual pleasure within the tautness of the AMG Trip Management on an honest A-road, and the four-wheel steer is extra confidence-inspiring at velocity. There’s all the time good torque to attract on, too, and the stability between Benz luxurious and AMG intent feels properly struck. Some concern from the worldwide drive that it would show too agency didn’t materialise within the UK, although once more that might be familiarity with fashionable Mercedes of late. No matter, it’s simple to think about blasting away on a household vacation and having fun with each mile. {That a} slumbering toddler may stay asleep with the ‘53 in Sport+ in all probability says one thing of the AMG’s isolation and composure. 

However it flounders a tad past that. Possibly it’s daft to count on a giant saloon to actually lap up robust driving, however extra junior AMGs experience it – and, with out wishing to sound like a damaged document, the outdated ‘63 did additionally. The texture of the brake pedal by no means actually improves, that originally spectacular physique management begins to ebb away with some extra dedication, and the 4Matic system doesn’t reroute energy to the place it is wanted as confidently as an M5 would. The BMW does a extra convincing impression of a giant saloon that desires to be hustled, regardless of all the time truly feeling just like the bigger automobile (you’ll not be shocked to study the 5 Collection is formally longer, wider, taller, and heavier).

Does that matter? Do folks contemplating six-figure E-Courses actually take them out for a drive on a Sunday morning? It’s laborious to think about. Most likely for them, the 35mpg and 600hp with out even interested by driving economically will likely be extra necessary, together with the final smoothness of a straight-six and the imperious cruising manners. A practical AMG won’t essentially be a legendary one, although it’s simple to see why a big, quick Mercedes property with 9 per cent Profit in Sort would possibly attraction. 

All of which makes the E53 fairly a tough automobile to summarise. The outdated mannequin with which this model shares a reputation was positive, and it needs to be famous that this automobile introduces some tangible AMG rigour (in addition to efficiency) to proceedings. So it’s a helpful enchancment over that automobile, in some methods. And you can argue that it performs a extra convincing hybrid hand than the M5, with the extra vary and sooner charging (as much as 60kW DC) that makes it higher suited to on a regular basis EV motoring. In addition to wanting extra good-looking and costing much less cash, each to purchase and prone to run.

And but there’s one thing lacking. All the very best AMGs of current instances have compelled you with one thing, be it powertrain, driving expertise, or design. The E53 doesn’t fairly handle that, being aggressive throughout the board with out ever actually being really charming. It’s a strong top-of-the-range Mercedes E-Class hybrid, although not an incredible Mercedes-AMG. The curse of the again catalogue strikes once more. Solely time will inform if the extra cylinders may be discovered to repair it. 

Engine: 2,999cc, turbo straight-six, 21.2kWh usable battery, electrical motor
Transmission: 9-speed computerized, all-wheel drive
Energy (hp): 585 (system output; 612hp with Race Begin. Engine 449hp, motor 161hp)
Torque (lb ft): 553 (system output; engine 413lb ft, motor 354lb ft)
0-62mph: 4.0 seconds (3.8 with Race Begin. 4.1 or 3.9 for property)
High velocity: 155mph (restricted, with 168mph elective)
Weight: 2,435kg
MPG: 282.5mpg (WLTP mixed)
CO2: 23g/km
Worth: £99,220 (worth as customary; worth as examined £109,910 comprising Driving Help Bundle Plus for £1,695, MBUX Superscreen Bundle for £1,495, Professional Efficiency Bundle (AMG Dynamic Plus Bundle (with AMG high-performance compound brakes and rear limited-slip differential, RACE drive programme and AMG dynamic engine mounts), AMG Driver’s Bundle (high velocity improve to 168 mph), Night time Bundle II (darkened radiator grille and badging in darkish chrome), Efficiency Seat Bundle, AMG Efficiency steering wheel, crimson brake callipers) for £7,500)