MERCEDES-AMG E53 HYBRID

Hot E-Class saloon ditches beloved V8 for a six-cylinder PHEV system

- JAMES DISDALE

These are challenging times for Mercedes-AMG. Its four-cylinder plug-in hybrid C63 has flopped commercially, prompting a frantic back-pedal announcement that V8 power will return in the CLE 63 coupé (and might even make an appearance in the revised C-Class saloon and estates, due in 2026).

So where does that leave the new E53? For now, it's a replacement for the V8-powered E63 and it follows the same electrification template as the C63. That might sound concerning to Mercedes showroom staff, but in this AMG-flavoured E-Class the petrol part of the powertrain is a 3.0-litre straight six - not a four-banger - which in combination with a 161bhp electric motor produces a thumping 577bhp.

My test car also had the £7500 Pro Performance Package, which adds a Race Start mode that delivers a brief boost in outright energy to 603bhp - the same as in the old E63 S. Promising stuff.

There's no denying that the E53 looks the part, especially if you like your speedy saloons (there's also an estate) with a bit of Q appeal. It's not exactly a sleeper, but apart from its bespoke 20in alloy wheels, reprofiled bumpers, small bootlid spoiler, subtly wider front track and 'Panamericana' front grille, it could be mistaken for the AMG Line diesel driven by your head of finance.