We got out a first official look at the regular Mercedes-branded versions of the 2024 E-Class last month, but the hot AMG variants are still under wraps, and that includes the camouflage wraps these prototypes are wearing.
Our spy photographers snapped both sedan and wagon versions of the AMG E-Class putting in some development laps at Germany’s Nurburgring ahead of their launch later this year. The four round, rather than square, tailpipes suggest these are second-stringer AMG E53 models and not E63 flagships, and the presence of a filler flap on either side and a yellow sticker on the windshield tells us these particular prototypes are plug-in hybrid variants.
That tallies with previous reports stating that all AMG derivatives of the new E-Class would use PHEV six-cylinder powertrains, the E53 getting a ‘P2’ hybrid drivetrain that is basically the 510 hp (517 PS) combo that currently powers the bigger S580e, and the E63 swapping its 4.0-liter V8 for a 3.0-liter six with a ‘P3’ hybrid pack that gives delivers more than 700 hp (710 PS).
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But in recent EPA documents that outlined Mercedes’ still-secret 2024 product lineup for the North American market, the E53 was listed as featuring the same 429 hp (435 PS) non-hybrid 3.0-liter turbo six that’s fitted to the existing E53. Either the EPA document was referring to the remaining examples of the current E53 that might be sold in the U.S. for 2024, North America is getting an entirely different E53 to Europe, or Mercedes is planning on making more AMG variants than we originally thought. Another theory says that the E53 will adopt a detuned version of the 671 hp (680 PS) four-cylinder hybrid engine found in the new C63 S E Performance.
We have heard one rumor that Mercedes will drop the ‘E63’ model altogether, but we’re disinclined to believe it because the badge has built up too much marketing kudos over the last 15 years or so. And if the C63 can downsize from a V8 to an inline four and still get away with wearing the same badge (justifying it with a crazy 168 hp / 170 PS jump over the older V8), why shouldn’t the E-Class?
Whatever powertrain AMG does deliver in the E53 it’s guaranteed to be massively more potent than the strongest motor in the non-AMG 2024 E-class lineup, which is the 375 hp (381 PS) 3.0-liter six in the E450.
