► Mercedes-AMG E53 saloon revealed
► 6cyl engine and e-motor make 577bhp, or 604bhp with ‘Race Start’ mode
► Can also do 62 miles of electric-only range
Mercedes-AMG’s efforts to electrify its range of super-powered models continues with the new E53 saloon and estate.
Naturally, the E53 is visually distinct enough from a regular E-Class with fat round tailpipes, bespoke bodykit and wheel designs. E53 models benefit from rear-wheel steering and can be had with the E-Class’ Superscreen technology.
The new AMG model uses a combination of a 443bhp 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six, which has been derived from the very good previous model. A 160bhp e-motor is coupled into the powertrain, with a total system output of 577bhp being sent to all four wheels. But, buried deep within the car’s brain is a Race Start mode that boosts total power to 604bhp from a standstill, meaning a 0-62mph sprint in as little as 3.8 seconds is possible.
Add on the AMG Dynamic Plus package and you benefit from a maximum top speed of 174mph in the saloon (up from a limited 155mph). That pack also throws in an AMG Performance steering wheel, composite brakes with red calipers, revised algorithms for the rear differential and dynamic engine mounts. You also need this pack in order to get that Race Start function.
When you’re not driving like your hair’s on fire, AMG also claims that the E53 is capable of around 62 miles of e-range from its rather-large-for-a-PHEV 28.6kWh battery pack. The battery can also be DC charged, with a 10-80 per cent charge being done in 20 minutes.