- The 2026 Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid wagon packs a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, a single electric motor, and a 21-kWh battery.
- The engine and e-motor combine for 577 horsepower, which gets boosted to 604 hp in the optional Race Start mode.
- The wagon can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and can be fitted with an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential.
While we still eagerly await the arrival of the next-generation Mercedes-AMG E63—hopefully with a V-8 heart, fingers crossed—the German automaker unleashed the slightly tamer E53 last year. The AMG E53 is no slouch, though, with its plug-in hybrid setup employing a turbocharged inline-six for a peak of 604 horsepower. Originally launched in sedan form, that potent powertrain has now migrated into the practical wagon body style, with the company unveiling the 2026 Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid wagon ahead of its arrival in dealerships later this year.Under the hood lies the same setup as the sedan, with an AMG-fettled turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six paired with a single permanently excited synchronous electric motor. In most scenarios, the hybrid system spits out 553 pound-feet of torque and 577 horsepower, but in the optional Race Start mode, the output rises to a heady 604 ponies. The brawn is sent to all four wheels, with Mercedes claiming that the wagon can scoot from zero to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. The E53 comes standard with rear-wheel steering and adaptive dampers. The electric motor, which produces 161 horsepower on its own, is integrated into the housing of the nine-speed gearbox. A 400-volt, 21-kWh battery lives below the trunk floor at the rear of the wagon, which should reduce cargo capacity compared to the standard E-class wagon. While Mercedes didn’t provide a claimed electric range, the sedan model provides 42 miles of range.The Race Start system that increases output by 27 horsepower comes as part of the AMG Dynamic Plus package, which also boosts the top speed to 174 mph from 155 mph. The package also equips active engine mounts, an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, and AMG composite brakes with red calipers and 15.4-inch front discs. Inside, the package adds an AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in nappa leather and microfiber.The E53 wagon will come with 12 paint hues as well as an optional exterior carbon-fiber package. The standard 20-inch five-spoke wheels can be substituted for 10-spoke 20-inch units or 21-inch wheels. The cabin can be had in a variety of microfiber and leather upholsteries, and a 17-speaker Burmester surround sound system is standard. The Superscreen, which adds a 12.3-inch display for the front passenger, is optional. The 2026 model year also includes a limited “Edition 1” model, which pairs Manufaktur Alpine Grey paint with AMG graphics, those 21-inch wheels, and unique interior trim. Mercedes didn’t provide pricing for the new E53 wagon, but the sedan model starts at $89,150. The normal E450 wagon costs $5,250 more than the E450 sedan, so the E53 wagon will probably start in the mid-$90,000 range.More from MercedesCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.
Source: caranddriver.com
