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 has made its way back to India, returning as a plug-in hybrid sedan after its previous stint in the market as a Cabriolet. Pre-bookings are expected to begin soon, and the deliveries will begin right after launch. In India, the new Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid doesn’t have a direct rival. In terms of pricing and positioning, the BMW M3 Competition and Audi RS5 Sportback are its closest alternatives.

Talking about the powertrain first, the new Mercedes-AMG E 53 will be powered by a 3.0-litre, straight-six turbo-petrol engine which puts out 449hp. The engine comes paired with an electric motor integrated into the 9-speed automatic gearbox, which produces 163hp, taking combined output to 585hp and 750Nm in standard form.The company will also offer the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package, which raises the 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 via 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 per cent in around 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, which include an illuminated 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 callipers and a microfibre-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 displays. The dashboard houses 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.