Spy photographers have snapped the 2024 Mercedes-AMG E53, and the presence of a charge port indicates it’ll be a plug-in hybrid.
At this stage, Mercedes-Benz is expected to reveal the next-generation E-Class range this year as a 2024 model.
While Australia is likely to get the next-generation E53 in sedan guise, the wagon looks less likely. The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class range is sedan-only Down Under, and the outgoing E-Class lost its wagon options in 2021.
This appears to be an E53 based on its quad exhaust outlets, bigger brakes, sportier wheels and lower suspension compared to previously spied E-Class prototypes.
Peer closer and Mercedes-AMG’s trademark Panamericana grille appears to be present, while the headlights are larger and more angular than the current E-Class though styling overall is quite evolutionary.
There also look to be larger front air intakes.
The E-Class has a strong resemblance to the C-Class and S-Class and, while it was rumoured the interior would resemble that of the C-Class and S-Class with their portrait-oriented touchscreens, photos featuring a landscape-oriented system were leaked.
A charging port appears on the left rear fender, indicating plug-in hybrid power.
Though previous reports suggested the next E63 would use a four-cylinder PHEV powertrain like the C63 S E Performance, Autocar has reported it will receive a heavily reworked and longitudinally mounted version of the Mercedes-Benz’s 3.0-litre ‘M256’ turbocharged inline-six petrol engine instead, with a rear-axle mounted electric motor.
The E53 will reportedly receive a less powerful version of this set-up, with Autocar suggesting it’ll use “essentially” the same powertrain as the S580e, which isn’t offered in Australia.
It produces total system outputs of 380kW and 750Nm, which is 60kW and 230Nm more than the outgoing E53.
Mercedes-AMG is reportedly targeting outputs of 522kW of power and 1020Nm of torque for the E63, up 72kW and 170Nm on the outgoing twin-turbo V8 model.
Mercedes-Benz sold 347 E-Class sedans in Australia last year, against 201 coupe and convertible models.
In 2021 Mercedes-Benz sold 1247 vehicles from the E-Class line-up while last year figures drop to only 548 deliveries.
