Mercedes-AMG’s C63 recently ditched its twin-turbo V8 for a PHEV inline-4 that develops a stack more power but fails to deliver the same kind of character, according to those who have driven it. But while the C63’s hot E-Class brothers are also being hit with the downsizing stick for their next incarnation, AMG is trying a different approach that might preserve some personality in the fast mid-size sedans and wagons.
Autocar claims that the next generation E63, as well as the E53 seen here, will dodge the four-cylinder bullet and adopt a six-cylinder drivetrain used around the M256 engine in the current E53 instead. There’ll be plug-in functionality and an all-wheel drive system in each case. However, as with the C63 (which offers just 8 miles /13 km of range), the E63’s hybrid system will prioritize power over the ability to travel huge distances on electric power.
While the publication reports that AMG is targeting more than 700 hp (710 PS) and 884 lb-ft for the 63, it says the milder E53 will have a far more conservative, but still very competent, 510 hp (517 PS). It’ll use the same basic 3.0-liter engine, albeit with a different hybrid setup more like the one fitted to the big S580e. So while the E63 will have an electric motor acting directly on the rear axle, the 53’s motor will be mounted inside the transmission, according to the same report, which makes us wonder if the E63 will have both forms of electric motors.
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A mere 510 hp for the E53 might not sound that earth-shattering next to the E63’s estimated 700-plus ponies, but it would still represent a useful improvement over the 429 hp (435 PS) generated by the outgoing mild-hybrid E53, and could be enough to drop the zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time from 4.5 seconds to around 4 seconds flat.
And speaking of flat, the practical wagon body and fold-down rear seats will make it the ideal vehicle to get a load of flat-pack back from Ikea in a hurry, though sadly not in the U.S. where it’s unlikely to be offered. Naturally, a sedan will also be available, meaning American buyers will at least get a chance to sample the new E53 in something close to this form.
This prototype is keeping its styling secrets close to its chest but we know the finished car will feature AMG’s trademark Panamericana grille, a heavily sculpted front bumper, and we can already see the four round tailpipes that will help differentiate it from the E63 that is likely to get squared tips. The weird mushrooms suckered to the roof are part of AMG’s testing kit and definitely won’t make it to the production car, though a roof-mounted Lidar sensor for an advanced Level 3 autonomous driving system will.
Inside, we can expect sports seats, a rotary controller on the steering wheel to toggle through the driving modes and a huge digital dashboard that takes inspiration from the EQS electric sedan’s optional Hyperscreen setup.
