Starts at $88,000
Rank
What's New for 2025?
The AMG E53 debuts with a jaw-dropping 577-horsepower turbocharged inline-6 PHEV powertrain that's capable of 40-plus miles of electric driving.
2025 E-Class Selector
2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53
FAST FACTS
"We're high on the plug-in-hybrid AMG E53, which is something we can't say for most AMG PHEVs these days. The E53 is one of those cars that seems to have an answer for every question. You get more than 40 miles of all-electric range via the serviceable 161-horsepower electric motor, but you can also floor it anytime and summon the full combined gas-electric output of 577 hp. The gas engine is Benz's latest turbo inline-6, which is one of the world's best. Styling? Sporty yet restrained, just the way Mercedes enthusiasts like it. And the E-Class is already a standout midsize sedan for its combination of just-right dimensions, advanced cabin tech and sophisticated driving dynamics. Sign us up for this plug-in AMG, even if we'd prefer to see a V8 under the hood."—Ranked #3 out of 5 Midsize High-Performance Sedans
"The AMG E53 is in the odd position of being both a high-performance sport sedan and a plug-in hybrid, which means it's technically right at home in this segment. Delivering 42 miles of electric range along with an eye-popping 577 horsepower in hybrid mode, this Benz is a most intriguing collision of worlds. We're already big fans of the current E-Class, but this might just be the best version yet."—Ranked #1 out of 3 Midsize Luxury PHEV Sedans
MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. There's only one standalone version of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53, and here it is, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.
The AMG E53 is in the odd position of being the only plug-in-hybrid E-Class, despite its narrow performance focus and insane 577-horsepower output. Look past the flash, however, and you'll find a highly impressive PHEV, from the 40-plus miles of electric range to the robust electric motor, which pumps out 161 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque by itself. Many PHEVs lack acceleration in electric mode, but the AMG E53 won't be one of them. This is a very cool car.
Publisher and Donkey-in-Chief
Josh has been reviewing cars professionally since joining Edmunds.com fresh out of grad school in 2008, personally driving most new cars on the market every year since. He also served as the project manager for Edmunds' expert vehicle rankings from their inception in 2018, building the product out from the back end to the front end. Josh is a card-carrying member of the Motor Press Guild and a lifelong car nut who has tested, compared and critiqued a ridiculous number of cars in his career.
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