Brief Moment of Maximum Power: Accessible Through Launch Control
The upcoming addition of a charging port to the AMG lineup will be seen in the latest Mercedes E-Class, specifically in the “53” variant. This option will be offered for both the sedan and wagon models. Contrary to the usual trend of electrification leading to a smaller combustion engine, this is not the case with this particular model. The AMG Lite version will still feature an inline-six engine, but with a twist – the 3.0-liter gasoline mill will actually produce more power than its predecessor.
The previous model of the AMG E53 boasted 429 horsepower, but its successor has undergone modifications to the turbocharged six-cylinder engine, increasing output to a hefty 443 horsepower. Additionally, there is now an electric motor accompanying the combustion engine, generating 161 horsepower and contributing to an overall system output of 577 horsepower. By activating the advertised “Race Start” feature, essentially launch control, the combined output is temporarily boosted even further to an impressive 603 horsepower. The torque has also received a significant upgrade, with a substantial increase from 384 lb-ft (520 Nm) in the previous model to 553 lb-ft (750 Nm).
The sedan boasts sufficient energized power to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.8 seconds, while the marginally heavier wagon takes a fraction longer at 0.1 seconds. The electronic limit for both is 155 mph (250 km/h), but opting for the AMG Driver’s Package offers more leeway with a top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h) for the sedan and 171 mph (275 km/h) for the estate version. In purely electric mode, the latest E53 models have a maximum speed of 87 mph (140 km/h).
The combination of a sedan and SUV has now joined the ranks of the latest GLE 53 by incorporating a plug-in hybrid system. Situated beneath the back compartment floor is a battery pack with an operational capability of 21.22 kWh. According to Mercedes, this amount is adequate for traveling over 62 miles (100 kilometers) in the WLTP test without consuming any fuel. To conserve room, the battery pack supplies power to an electric motor integrated into the nine-speed automatic gearbox.
When comparing the “53” to a non-AMG E-Class, it is evident that the former boasts a more rigid body, larger brakes, and rear-wheel steering as standard. Additionally, the “53” features a fully variable AWD system paired with an adaptive suspension equipped with variable damping. The sporty nature of the “53” is reflected in its slightly edgier design, highlighted by wider front fenders, an illuminated grid-style grille, and quad exhaust round tips. Interestingly, the front axle of the “53” is marginally wider than that of a regular E-Class.
Mercedes has no intentions of producing any two-door variants in the near future, as the AMG E53 Coupe and AMG E53 Convertible will not be returning for the next generation. However, the luxury German marque is revamping its lineup by introducing the brand-new CLE53 models. These vehicles also boast an inline-six engine, but they are not equipped with plug-in hybrid technology.
The arrival of a new E63 is highly anticipated, and it has been confirmed that this model will also feature a charging port. Regrettably, the robust V8 engine will be replaced by an inline-six in order to accommodate the electric component. This trend of electrification can also be seen in the C63, which now boasts a four-cylinder engine, and the S63, which still retains its V8 power but has been enhanced with electrification technology. It seems that the days of AMG performance vehicles solely relying on internal combustion engines are coming to an end.
As anticipated, only the sedan version of Mercedes-AMG will be available in the United States. It is set to arrive at dealerships later this year and the official pricing will be disclosed closer to its launch. The previous model, the AMG E53, had a starting price of $81,300 MSRP.
Source: Mercedes-AMG
