Mercedes-Benz India has announced that it will launch the new Mercedes-AMG E 53 PHEV in the Indian market on July 23, 2026. The E 53 nameplate is back in India, returning as a plug-in hybrid sedan after its previous stint in the market as a Cabriolet. Pre-bookings are expected to start soon, and deliveries will start soon after the launch. In India, the new Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid has no direct rival. In terms of pricing and positioning, the BMW M3 Competition and Audi RS5 Sportback are the closest alternatives.
Talking about the powertrain first, the new Mercedes-AMG E 53 is powered by a 3.0-liter, straight-six turbo-petrol engine that puts out 449hp. The engine is paired with an electric motor mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox, producing 163hp, bringing the combined output to 585hp and 750Nm in standard form.The company will also offer the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package, which raises output to 612hp with Race Start mode. The Mercedes-AMG E 53 accelerates from 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 280kph. It uses a 21.2kWh usable battery pack that offers a claimed electric-only range of over 100km. The plug-in hybrid can operate in EV mode at speeds of up to 140 km/h. Charging is supported by an 11kW AC charger, while international markets also get the option of a 60kW DC fast charger, which can charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 20 minutes. The new Mercedes-AMG E 53 PHEV is based on the latest E-Class. The AMG version features several AMG-exclusive design elements, including a flared AMG grille, larger front air intakes, flared front wheel arches, AMG side skirts, a ducktail spoiler, a rear diffuser and quad circular exhaust outlets. The optional AMG Dynamic Plus package adds red brake calipers and a microfiber-wrapped AMG performance steering wheel.
Moving inside, the E 53 gets AMG sports seats with exclusive upholstery and red contrast stitching, an AMG steering wheel and model-specific MBUX display. The dashboard has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.4-inch central touchscreen. In international markets, the optional MBUX Superscreen adds a separate display for the front passenger.