Mercedes-Benz USA expands lineup with new plug-in 2026 Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID Wagon
09 April 2025
Mercedes-Benz USA announced the new 2026 Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID Wagon. Arriving at US dealerships later in 2025, the new AMG model combines performance and all-electric efficiency with the versatility of a wagon. An AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine and permanently excited synchronous electric motor powers the AMG E 53 HYBRID Wagon, generating a 577-hp combined system output as standard, and 604 hp with optional RACE START.
AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive transfers to power to the wheels and enables swift acceleration from 0-60 mph in as quick as 3.8 seconds. Standard active rear-axle steering and AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive adjustable damping also support the dynamic driving experience with agile handling.
2026 Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID Wagon Edition 1 (European model shown)
Customers can further heighten the performance of the AMG wagon with the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package, which adds RACE START, an increased top speed of 174 mph, active engine mounts, an electronically controlled AMG limited-slip rear differential and an AMG Performance Steering Wheel finished in Nappa leather/microfiber. The package also includes an AMG High Performance Composite Brake System with red AMG brake calipers and 15.4-inch front brake discs.
The P2 hybrid system in the AMG E 53 HYBRID Wagon features a 161-hp electric motor integrated into the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and a 400-volt, 28.6-kWh battery at the rear of the vehicle below the trunk floor. The battery is designed with a 21.2-kWh usable capacity for everyday driving, while the remaining energy is reserved for electric boost during dynamic acceleration.
The in-line 6 cylinder bi-turbocharged engine delivers 420 hp but in a PHEV with large battery size of 28.6 kWh battery, it also has a lot of electric power as well. Battery pack of this size can be made to provide 250-300 hp with ease, so the engine can be downsized but cutting it in half, into a 3-cylinder 1.5 liter turbocharged to deliver 210 hp. Combine this 210 hp 3-cylinder engine with a bigger e-motor capable of 300 hp and get rid of the ridiculous 9-speed transmission unit will save a lot of weight and internal space, such that the combined 510 hp power of this engine down-sized version will be able to deliver just as fast acceleration as the 577-hp combined power, yet a lot lighter, more nimble, more fun to drive and easier on the suspension and tires with lower weight.
Posted by: Roger Pham | 13 April 2025 at 01:57 PM