A Canadian YouTube channel compared two previous generations of the Mercedes-AMG E-Class with V8 engines (W212 and W213) against the new W214 generation featuring a PHEV drivetrain based on a 6-cylinder engine, as well as the controversial AMG C 63 with a PHEV system using only a 4-cylinder engine, and the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe with a PHEV setup based on a V8 engine. So, which one is faster?
In recent years, Mercedes has ramped up the electrification of its AMG lineup. For instance, the E-Class no longer has an AMG E 63 version; instead, there’s only the AMG E 53 Hybrid, which, interestingly, has the same power output of 612 PS as the previous AMG E 63 W213.
We tested Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid few months ago. Despite the “Hybrid” name, the E 53 is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). It combines a 3.0-liter inline-six turbo engine with a single twin-scroll turbocharger producing 449 PS and 560 Nm, with an electric motor delivering 120 kW (163 PS) and 480 Nm, placed between the engine and the 9-speed automatic transmission. The total output is 585 PS — or 612 PS with the AMG Dynamic Plus package, which includes Race Start and raises torque to 750 Nm. A large 28.6 kWh battery mounted above the rear axle powers the electric motor.
The new Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid weighs no less than 2,381 kg — over 400 kg more than the former AMG E 63 W213 with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, which weighed 1,955 kg.
The W213 promised 0–100 kph acceleration in 3.4 seconds, while the W212, which had the same 4.0-liter V8 but with 585 PS, took 3.6 seconds. Unsurprisingly, the new model needs 3.9 seconds to reach 100 kph due to its excessive and unevenly distributed weight.
In the first drag race over a ¼ mile from a standstill, the current AMG E 53 Hybrid clearly won, demonstrating the advantages of launch control and the electric motor’s instant boost. The W213 came second, and the W212 finished last. In the second test — a ½ mile from a standing start — the W213 had a better launch and even managed to extend its lead, with the W212 again in last place.
The third test yielded the same result: W213 once again beat the W214, and W212 came last. The W212 was held back by a slower transmission, but it’s surprising that the W213 beat the newer model twice, even though both have the same official power and the PHEV’s electric boost should, in theory, provide an edge.
Then came the rolling start tests. In the ¼-mile rolling start, the new PHEV model started off stronger but was overtaken by the W213.
The Canadians conducted another round of tests, bringing in two more Mercedes-AMG PHEV models: the controversial Mercedes-AMG C 63 with a PHEV system based on a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an electrically driven turbo, and the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe with a PHEV system using a V8.
Both were significantly faster than the old Mercedes-AMG E 63 W212. Then, they raced the current AMG E 53 Hybrid — and surprisingly, it lost. While the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe’s win was expected, the fact that the 4-cylinder AMG C 63 beat the 6-cylinder AMG E 53 came as a shock. However, on paper, the AMG C 63 is more powerful — its P3 Hybrid system delivers up to 680 PS, compared to 612 PS in the AMG E 53.
Finally, the showdown. The AMG E 63 W213 launched first and managed to stay ahead for a while before being overtaken by the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe — but not by the current AMG C 63.
You can watch the full video with all the tests below.