Sound on! I have taken a new spy video of the next generation Mercedes-AMG E53e Hybrid during his first laps on the Nürburgring. The new performance version of the E-Class has started testing at the Nürburgring as a E53e Hybrid, the most powerful version of that generation.
Mercedes-AMG E 53 PHEV Performance Sedan And Wagon Prototype Spied Testing At The Nürburgring
Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off its redesigned 2024 E-Class in April, but still out testing are the fiery versions from AMG.
The latest spy shots and video show a prototype for the new E 53 from AMG. Both a sedan and wagon are planned, though only the former is expected in the U.S. Prototypes for a new E 63 should also be out and about.
The new E-Class starts sales late this year. The AMG versions should follow in early 2024.
The performance wheel and tire combo, as well as the large brakes and four round exhaust tips give this away as the E 53. The E 63 should also have four exhaust tips, albeit with a square shape.
What still isn’t clear is the powertrain lineup AMG plans for its versions of the E-Class. Rumors point to both the E 53 and E 63 running 4-cylinder engines in combination with powerful plug-in hybrid systems, similar to what’s found in AMG’s C 63 S E Performance.
Despite the lower cylinder count, performance should be up thanks to that electrification component. The current E 53 features a 3.0-liter turbo-6 and mild-hybrid setup good for 429 hp. The E 53 may generate something closer to 500 hp.
As for the new E 63, it’s been reported it will receive a 4-cylinder and mild-hybrid setup working in combination with a rear-mounted electric motor. The same setup features in the C 63 S E Performance, where it delivers a combined 671 hp. The current E 63 is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 delivering a maximum 603 hp.
The platform of the new E-Class is the updated version of Mercedes’ MRA rear-wheel-drive architecture featured in the latest S-Class and C-Class. The updated platform benefits from weight savings, primarily through increased use of aluminum over steel, though the addition of any plug-in hybrid technology will likely offset at any weight savings.
