2026 Mercedes-AMG E53

Sports Sedan · 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6 PHEV · AWD

85/100

AutoVault's overall score, weighted for what a sports sedan is actually for — performance, technology, comfort, reliability, safety and value.

Specifications

Engine	3.0L Twin-Turbo I6 PHEV
Horsepower	603 hp
Torque	553 lb-ft
0–60 mph	3.5 sec
Top speed	174 mph
Drivetrain	AWD
Seats	5
Combined MPG	13 mpg (11 city / 17 hwy)
Range	243 miles
MSRP	$90,900
Body style	Sports Sedan

The verdict

What's good

Smooth inline-six with plug-in boost
Drive short commutes on electric
Composed, refined high-speed cruiser
Spacious, luxurious cabin

What's not

Very thirsty once battery drains
Heavy from the added hybrid gear
Short electric-only range
Complex tech takes time to master

The engine

M256

Turbo Inline-6 Plug-In Hybrid

An AMG-fortified version of the M256 straight-six fused with a rear-axle electric motor, delivering ferocious launch-control acceleration plus genuine all-electric commuting ability.

Based on Mercedes' M256 inline-six, heavily reworked by Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach into a plug-in hybrid for the new E 53, blending AMG performance with everyday efficiency.

It is the most powerful six-cylinder powertrain Mercedes-AMG offers, reaching just over 600 hp with launch control engaged.
The roughly 28.6-kWh battery enables more than 40 miles of electric-only driving and EV operation up to highway speeds.
The battery supports DC fast charging, unusual for a performance plug-in hybrid sedan.

See the rest in AutoVault

The six sub-scores behind the 85 — performance, tech, comfort, reliability, safety and value
Market value today and year-by-year value history
All 3 trims with pricing
Studio photography — exterior, rear and interior
Side-by-side comparison with up to four cars

Open in AutoVault