Fast Euro long-roof fans assemble! Mercedes-AMG is keeping with its tradition of offering a high-performance variant of the E-Class wagon here in the States. Say hello to the 604-horsepower 2026 E 53 Hybrid Wagon.
Based off of the latest and greatest W214 E-Class, which, in wagon form, is internally dubbed the “S214,” the new E 53 Hybrid Estate continues the Three-Point Star’s tradition of importing and selling its beloved E-Class AMG wagon here in America. And it’s a convention that’s been around since Benz started selling them, beginning with the W211-based E 63 AMG wagon in the early 2010s. It’s been followed up by the S212 E 63 S Wagon, the S213 E 63 S Wagon, and now, the S214 E 53 Hybrid.
It’s Not Quite A BMW M5 Touring Fighter, But 604 AMG-Tuned Horses Ain’t Too Shabby
Magazine racers will be quick to note the E 53 Hybrid wagon will probably be left in the dust of the latest G99 BMW M5 Touring, with its total output of 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque from its twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8-based plug-in hybrid system. But if anyone’s familiar with Mercedes-AMG’s lineup, the “53” models are the entry point to the mid-range E-Class AMG models, leaving room for the full-fledged E 63 variant, which has yet to be confirmed.
Nonetheless, 577 horses (604 with its RACE START boost function engaged) and 553 pound-feet, resulting in a 0-60 time of just 4.0 seconds (3.8 with launch control) and a top speed of 174 MPH ain’t shabby figures by any means. It all happens thanks to Benz’s latest 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged “M256” inline-six, which clearly goes through AMG’s finishing school to punch out an additional 229 horses and 184 torques over the standard M256 in the non-AMG E 450.
For comparative sake, the G99 M5 Touring gets from 0-60 MPH in less than a second quicker than the E 53, according to BMW M’s official figures. And like the G99 M5 Touring, the E 53 Wagon does sport a gas-electric plug-in hybrid system, which exists not just to boost the E 53’s overall performance and fuel economy, but to also provide a short period of all-electric driving at speeds of up to 87 MPH. Mercedes-AMG did not disclose the all-electric distance range.
While the AMG-tuned M256 punches out 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet, an electric motor integrated into the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 9G automatic adds up to 161 extra horses to the total system output, depending on demand. It’s juiced by a 400-volt, 28.6-kilowatt-hour battery, placed intelligently at the back of the E 53 Hybrid Estate’s chassis for improved weight balance.
But straight-line performance isn’t the only highlight of the E 53 Hybrid’s equation. Being a full-fledged AMG car, the E 53 benefits from AMG Ride Control with active and adjustable damping, standard four-wheel steering, and AMG Performance-tuned 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive.
Similar to the CLE 53 and other AMG models, the E 53 Hybrid Wagon comes with AMG-bespoke MBTex/microfiber and AMG Nappa leather interior upholstery options, an optional AMG Performance Seat package upgrade and AMG Performance steering wheel, and a new MBUX Superscreen Package that adds another 12.3-inch high-definition display for the front passenger seat.
But audiophiles need not worry, as Benz’s kick-ass 17-speaker Burmester 4D 750-watt Surround Sound System comes standard.
A Limited-Production “Edition 1” Model Kicks Off The E 53 Hybrid Wagon’s Launch
As with previous AMG cars, Mercedes will offer a limited-production “Edition 1” version of the E 53 Hybrid for those who want to dolly up a bit of extra dough for a more unique model. It comes with a long list of bespoke standard upgrades, complements of Benz’s latest in-house MANUFAKTUR customization division.
Such modifications include a special Alpine Grey paint with AMG vinyl graphics, 21-inch AMG Forged Cross-Spoke Wheels, and other exterior and interior accents, all of which are only available on the Edition 1.
Mercedes-AMG hasn’t released official pricing just yet. But given that a standard E 53 Hybrid sedan starts at $88,000, and the previous S213 E 63 S 4MATIC+ started at just over $100,000, you can bet you’ll need some serious coin to land an E 53 Hybrid Wagon in your driveway. But rest assured, you’ll be one of the coolest parents dropping their kids off at soccer practice, if not one of the first ones there.
TopSpeed’s Take
It’s a high-performance Mercedes-AMG E-Class Wagon, being sold here in the States, when all thought wagons are dead here, because this country’s too damn obsessed with SUVs. Wagons, particularly fast European wagons, were thought to be forbidden fruit. But Mercedes-AMG proves that’s clearly not the case. ‘Nough said.
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