When Mercedes-AMG unveiled the C63 plug-in hybrid, it was met with an awkward silence, followed by the distant sound of disapproval from fans and critics alike (we actually liked it!). A four-cylinder hybrid replacing the iconic V8? That was a hard pill to swallow, and it didn’t go down well. But Mercedes isn’t the sort of brand to sulk in a corner. Instead, it regrouped and returned with another performance hybrid, this time, the 2025 Mercedes-AMG E53. And, this time, they’ve landed it.
Let’s be clear: the E53 is not the full-fat E63, but it represents a new kind of AMG, one that trades volume and visceral theatrics for breadth, brains, and balance. Priced around NZ$200,000 (plus ‘packages’), it’s positioned as a premium performance sedan that doesn’t shout about it. It’s an AMG for those who prefer understatement, but still want their car to be devastatingly fast.
The E53 uses a hybridised inline-six setup rather than a brutish V8 or controversial four-pot. The result? A sophisticated, versatile saloon that can do school runs in silence, eat up motorway miles in comfort, and still launch you to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds.
From the outside, the new E53 toes the line between aggressive and elegant. At the front is AMG’s signature vertical-bar grille with a massive Mercedes star, flanked by slim headlights with dual elements (a nod to its E-Class status, C-Class gets one, S-Class gets three). There’s a fake intake for symmetry, but at least the real one is functional. A subtle bulge on the bonnet, second AMG badge, and well-sculpted flanks add to the visual muscle without being OTT.
The 20-inch alloys are sharp looking and I assume are aerodynamically enhanced, and the pop-out door handles are very 2025 Mercedes but feel a bit fiddly, especially for those with arthritis or little fingers.
Around the back, there’s a tidy rear diffuser, quad exhaust tips (visually real, mechanically not quite), and a boot lip spoiler. However, that boot is a major letdown: at just 370L, it’s smaller than some hatchbacks, blame the hybrid gubbins in the floor. At least the estate version gives you 460L.
Under the bonnet sits a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six paired with a 120kW electric motor and a 21kWh battery pack. Total system output? A mighty 450kW and 750Nm and just 0.3 seconds slower to 100km/h than the old V8-powered E63. All that power goes through a 9-speed automatic gearbox and 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive, rocketing the E53 from 0–100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.
And it feels every bit as fast. Launching from a stop is a ferocious experience, with the electric motor filling in torque gaps between gear changes. The surge is smooth but immediate, almost as if the car has a personal butler ensuring torque is always on hand.
Unlike the C63, which sounded like it had something to prove but not the vocal cords to back it up, the E53’s soundtrack is more restrained. It’s a muted growl rather than a roar, more synthetic than sonorous. Not bad, just not emotional. AMG fans who worship pops and bangs might be underwhelmed.
The 21kWh battery offers up to 62km of electric-only driving, realistically closer to 40–50km in mixed conditions. That’s enough for zero-emissions commuting and running errands. On a home wallbox (7–11kW), it’ll fully charge in around 3 hours, or just 20 minutes using a public 60kW DC charger.
Fuel economy is also better than expected, officially around 7.8L/100km with emissions of 23g CO₂/km, making this the most responsible AMG yet.
Step inside, and it’s clear Mercedes wanted to make a statement. The E53 feels like the bridge of the Starship Enterprise—with three big screens across the dash. The optional Superscreen (a scaled-down version of the EQS’s Hyperscreen) includes an instrument display, central touchscreen, and a passenger screen. For an extra bit of dosh, you can even take selfies inside the car (yes, really).
The infotainment is packed with features, including wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, video streaming, ambient lighting, and an adaptive AI assistant that can learn routines like opening the sunroof if the cabin gets hot, or playing your favourite radio station at 8am.
Speaking of radio, the FM reception could use work, and the stereo doesn’t quite match the punch of competitors in this price bracket. But you do get Thermotronic climate control, which can direct airflow to specific body zones via touch controls, overly fussy, perhaps, but undeniably clever.
Materials are mostly high quality, soft leathers, suede on the steering wheel, real metal switchgear, but some plastics feel cheap for a $200k sedan. Still, the heated, ventilated, and massaging seats offer sublime comfort, and dual-pane acoustic glass keeps the cabin whisper-quiet.
AMG’s have always been about emotional driving experiences, but the E53 shifts that focus to versatility. It’s still sharp and dynamic, but now with a side of polish and poise.
The steering has real weight and feel, especially in Sport or Sport+ mode. The suspension, while firm, doesn’t punish—adaptive dampers soak up poor roads well, and the car feels flat in corners despite its weight. You can feel the 2.3-tonne heft if you’re really pushing, but it carries it well.
On the highway, it’s a superb cruiser, silent, stable, and effortless. Around town, it glides on battery power, serene and sensible. And if you do want to let loose? Turn off the stability control and it’ll still slide like an AMG – or so I’m told.
The 2025 Mercedes-AMG E53 is, in many ways, the Goldilocks of the AMG lineup. Not too loud, not too soft. Just right. It ditches the macho madness of the old V8s for something more nuanced, a muscle car with manners.
Is it as thrilling as an old E63 on a backroad? No. Does it matter? Maybe not. Because the E53 is arguably more relevant now than the old bruisers ever were. It’s a performance hybrid that feels honest, refined, and composed.
For those disappointed by the C63 hybrid, this is your redemption story. For those afraid AMG had lost its way, this is a car that proves you can go green without going dull. It’s not just better than the C63, it’s better suited to the times. Fast, comfortable, efficient, clever, and still carrying the AMG spirit – just in a sharper suit.
