The new Mercedes-AMG E-Class isn’t just a marginal upgrade over its predecessor. The German marque’s performance sub-brand unveiled the 2025 AMG E53 on Monday morning. The latest version of the four-door is a plug-in hybrid with even more power than last-generation’s E63.

AMG’s latest is based on the new hybrid E-Class that launched last year. Like the current-gen S-Class, it has a more defined three-box body than its electric counterpart, the jellybean-like EQE. The new AMG E53 is a more muscular version of the standard E-Class with a revised front end, more aggressive aero kit, and a set of 20-inch alloy wheels (which can be upgraded to 21-inch forged rims). The interior is basically the same aside from AMG branding and the option of a dashboard-spanning MBUX Superscreen with a 14.3-inch passenger display. The model will be available as a sedan and sports wagon in Europe, though there’s no word if the latter will get a US release. We are getting the long-roofed version of the standard E-Class, so maybe there’s a chance.

The big story here, though, is the electrified powertrain. The plug-in hybrid setup pairs a twin-turbocharged straight-six with a potent electrical motor. The mill produces 443 hp (14 hp more than its predecessor) and the electric motor an additional 161 hp for a total output of 577 horses and 553 ft lbs of torque. There’s also a launch control function, or “Activating Race Start” as AMG is calling it, that temporarily boosts output to 603 hp.

With so much more power than past versions, it’s little surprise that the AMG E53 can put up some very impressive numbers. Mercedes says the sedan will be able to sprint from zero to 63 mph in just 3.8 seconds (the wagon can do the same in 3.9 seconds). It has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, but that number is boosted to 174 mph (171 mph for the wagon) if you opt for AMG’s optional Driver’s Package.

The AMG E53’s motor gets its juice from a 21.22-kWh battery pack located beneath the trunk. Drivers will be able to get up to 62 miles of range in “Electric” mode, though that estimate was reached using Europe’s more generous WLTP testing criteria. Speed tops out at 87 mph in this mode. When the battery is running low, Mercedes says you’ll be able to go from 10- to 80-per cent capacity in just 20 minutes using a DC fast charger. There is also a “Battery Hold” mode to maintain the charge level for later use.

Deliveries of the new AMG E53 sedan are expected to begin in the third quarter of this year. Mercedes has yet to announce how much the model will cost, but it’ll likely cost north of the past version’s US$83,450 (HK$652,860) starting price. Expect that information to be available closer to release.