Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid Review:

As an alternative of the 612 PS V8 4.0 liter bi-turbo from the previous Mercedes-AMG E 63, Mercedes is now providing the identical energy within the new Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid however from a PHEV system consisting of a 3-liter inline 6 cylinder engine with 449 PS and a 163 PS electrical motor. The distinction is {that a} a number of hundred-kilograms battery weighs on the rear axle.

Photograph: Adrian Barbu

Within the fall of 2020, Mercedes boss Ola Kallenius positioned a guess on AMG electrification. However the first guess was misplaced as a result of the PHEV system with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electrified rear axle within the AMG C 63 and AMG GLC 63 was rejected by the purchasers.

The electrification technique has additionally been utilized to the new-generation AMG E-Class W214, however the foundation is now an inline six-cylinder engine. Coincidentally or not, the brand new mannequin’s energy output is strictly 612 PS, the identical as that of the previous-generation AMG E 63.

Solely now issues are a lot completely different. As an alternative of the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that delivered 612 PS and 850 Nm, there’s now a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder with 449 PS and 560 Nm and a 163 PS and 480 Nm everlasting magnet synchronous electrical motor between the combustion engine and the 9-speed computerized transmission. The result’s 612 PS (with Race Begin, a part of the AMG Dynamic Plus package deal; 585 PS commonplace) and 750 Nm, so the identical energy however 100 Nm much less in general torque.

Mercedes has mounted a big battery with a gross capability of 28.6 kWh above the rear axle. In comparison with the previous technology, the gasoline tank is smaller and the rear axle is extra compact to make room for the high-capacity battery. This implies there’s not an impractical sill within the trunk that stops optimum trunk loading.

The trunk floor is flat however increased than within the typical rear-wheel drive mannequin so the amount is smaller at 370 liters in comparison with 540 liters within the E 220 d. Of the 28.6 kWh gross solely 21.2 kWh is usable, or about 75 p.c, as a result of Mercedes wished to maintain sufficient reserve vitality for conditions when an influence enhance is required.

Prime efficiency however dynamics affected by the place of the battery within the trunk

Press the beginning button and also you don’t hear something as a result of the Mercedes-AMG E 53 at all times begins in Electrical mode, even when the battery web vitality is zero as a result of there may be at all times a reserve vitality. Because the electrical motor has a excessive torque of 480 Nm obtainable instantly on begin, it pushes the AMG E 53 effortlessly till the twin-scroll turbine kicks in, pushed by the exhaust gases. So there’s completely no turbo-lag in any respect, which within the case of the AMG E 53 blows at as much as 1.5 bar in comparison with 1.1 bar within the 435 PS former AMG E 53. The electrical motor not solely backs up the combustion engine till the turbo kicks in but in addition contributes to propulsion when the combustion engine revs up in Sport or Sport+ mode. The ability develops easily and linearly with none interruption.

The take a look at automobile was outfitted with the AMG Dynamic Plus package deal that comes with the Race Begin perform, which optimizes sprinting, will increase prime velocity from 250 to 280 kph and contains a composite brake discs. Have interaction in Sport or Sport+ applications, press the brake pedal, after which press the accelerator. Take your foot off the brakes and the two,381-kg mechanical monster sprints to 100 kph in simply 3.9 seconds.

Sure, you learn that proper. That’s 2381 kg plus a payload of 539 kg for a complete weight of two,920 kg. And the AMG E 53 may tow a 2.1-ton caravan. The large weight is defined by the additional 400 kg or so because of the hybrid system – the electrical motor, energy electronics, and battery.

To enhance dynamics, Mercedes has made a number of adjustments to the suspension. A strut brace between the entrance suspension strut strut mounts stiffens the entrance construction and allows elevated lateral dynamics. On the rear axle, extra struts from the aspect members to the rear guarantee better stability and driving precision. On the similar time, the stiffer elastokinematics of the rubber mounts, which join the impartial management arms with the axle help, guarantee better monitoring and camber stability. The adaptive suspension with a sporty spring-damper setup and adaptive two-valve adjustable shock absorbers is barely stiffer than on the E-Class.

There’s additionally integral steering tailored for the AMG model and an electronically locking differential on the rear axle. The entrance wheels rotate in the wrong way to the rear wheels by 2.5 levels as much as 100 kph in comparison with 60 kph on the conventional E-Class, and in the identical route by 0.7 levels at speeds above 100 kph.

The 4Matic variable torque distribution system directs a lot of the torque to the rear axle contributing to a dynamic journey. The grip is immense, acceleration is lightning quick, and prime velocity is elevated from 250 to 280 kph with the AMG Dynamic Plus package deal.

The incisive steering with a comparatively excessive drive within the steering wheel provides to the driving pleasure, however not all the pieces is as you’d want. In sporty cornering, the rear finish pushes onerous outwards because of the rear-mounted battery which has shifted the load distribution principally rearward (47/53% entrance/rear). That’s why the AMG E 53 doesn’t supply the identical road-holding concord as a traditional E-Class, and the speeds achieved in slalom and double lane change occasions aren’t any sooner than a traditional E-Class.

And there’s extra. Due to the rear axle reinforcements imposed by the additional weight on the rear, the suspension is stiffer than the conventional E-Class in Consolation mode, affecting journey consolation. And it will get even stiffer in Sport and Sport+ mode.

Regardless of its huge weight, the AMG E 53’s brakes chew firmly and the brake pedal really feel is linear and really nice to make use of.

Spectacular electrical vary and really quick DC charging

The massive battery ensures a powerful electrical vary. Mercedes guarantees 101 km, and we managed 91 km in financial system driving in Consolation mode with an vitality consumption of 26.9 kWh/100 km. The AMG E 53 can journey at as much as 140 kph powered by the electrical motor alone. On the accelerator pedal, there’s a well-defined strain level that clearly designates when the combustion engine kicks in.

Optionally, the battery might be charged at DC stations with as much as 60 kW from 10 to 80% in simply 20 minutes. Mercedes is among the many few manufacturers to supply DC quick charging for PHEV fashions. With the battery discharged, the AMG E 53 averaged 9.1 l/100 km, which is sweet for this energy class.

Prime Gear

The take a look at mannequin had the particular launch Version 1 trim (27,370 euro) that comes with 21-inch alloy wheels, AMG Carbon Exterior package deal (carbon exterior mirror housings and carbon lip spoiler on the trunk lid), and AMG Efficiency Seats. Wearing Nappa leather-based and emblazoned with Version 1 on the entrance seat headrests, they’re supportive however far too agency for a luxurious sports activities limo.

Additionally of word are the very good graphics and backbone of the on-board digital devices, which have devoted layouts for AMG-specific menus: Supersport for the instrument cluster and Race for the head-up show.

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