From the “I didn’t see this one coming” files, Mercedes announced yesterday that after a brief absence, the E-class AMG wagon is coming back to our shores. Currently, the E-class wagon is only available as E 450 4MATIC All-Terrain, which is kind of an E-class Outback. I guess MB has noticed all the action that Audi was getting with the RS6 Avant and the attention that BMW was getting from the upcoming M5 Touring, and wanted back what was their.
Powah!
But this is not the E63 that we have come to love from past years. This is an E[space]53, and 53 is ten less than 63. This means that the V8 was replaced with an in-line six and a “permanently excited synchronous electric motor”, whatever that is. Yeah, it’s a hybrid with a plug, and a one that’s in a state of permanent excitement. The combined power output is 577-horsepower, or 604-horsepower with an optional (all caps) RACE START, which is part of the optional (all caps) AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package. Don’t ever change, Benz.
The peak power of the previous E63 was 603-horsepower, so the E 53 HYBRID is more powerful by one (1) horsepower. Progress, baby. For comparison, the 2025 BMW M5 Touring has 717-horsepower and the Audi RS6 Avant has up to 621-horsepower. Both use a turbocharged V8s, and the BMW M5 has hybrid technology (I am weeping for my old S38-powered M5).
Extras…
Those wanting more fury with their fast, the previously mentioned optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package adds RACE START, an increased top speed to 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, to reduce the fast but maintain the fury.
Being a Mercedes, there are more design choices and options than I have the will or time to describe. Sadly, the rear-facing third-row seat did not make a comeback. Once available, the “build your own” section of the MB website will be a fun place to kill an hour before going back to your reality of maybe being able to afford one of these in twenty years, with 15 years of deferred maintenance.
Specs:
| Engine | AMG-Enhanced 3.0L Inline-6 Turbo with P2 Plug-In Hybrid System |
| Transmission | AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9G |
| Drive config. | AMG Performance 4MATIC+ Fully Variable All-Wheel Drive |
| Combined system output | 577 hp / 604 hp with optional RACE START |
| Combined system torque | 553 lb-ft |
| Output, combustion engine | 443 hp |
| Torque, combustion engine | 413 lb-ft |
| Output, electric motor | 161 hp |
| Torque, electric motor | 354 lb-ft |
| Charging capacity | DC: 60 kW / AC: 9.6 kW |
| Battery capacity | 21.2 kWh (usable) / 28.6 kWh (total) |
| Electric range (EPA) | TBA |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph (est.) | 4.0 sec / 3.8 sec with optional RACE START |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 155 mph / 174 mph with AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package |