The new Mercedes-AMG E53 plug-in hybrid will soon hit the market in South Africa, boasting a peak output as high as 430 kW. Here’s what this PHEV sedan will cost you…
South Africa’s new-energy vehicle (NEV) segment continues to grow, with the latest arrival taking the form of the new Mercedes-AMG E53 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Yes, Mercedes-Benz SA has quietly loaded the latest version of the Affalterbach-fettled E-Class (W214) sedan onto its local configurator. The price? Well, the new Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ – which was revealed back in March 2024 – starts at R 2 514 176 , including the cost of a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
So, what does all that cash buy you? Well, the PHEV powertrain comprises a 330 kW turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-6 petrol engine and a 120 kW electric motor. Together, these components offer maximum system outputs of 430 kW and 750 Nm . That’s considerably more than the previous-gen (W213) E53’s peak figures of 320 kW and 520 Nm.
Interestingly, the maximum power can be temporarily raised to 450 kW by using the “Race Start” function (effectively launch control), though unlocking that feature requires the purchasing of the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package for an additional R60 000.
According to the German automaker, the new E53 PHEV can see off the obligatory 0‑100 kph sprint in just 3.8 seconds , while this electrified sedan’s top speed is electronically limited to 250 kph (or 280 kph, if you select the optional AMG Driver’s Package for an extra R36 174). Top speed in pure-electric mode is listed as 140 kph.
The electric motor is integrated into the 9-speed automatic transmission and draws its urge from a 28.6 kWh (gross capacity) battery pack installed under the luggage-compartment floor. Mercedes-Benz says the available energy content comes in at 21.22 kWh, since “part of the energy is always reserved for boosting and thus high-performance driving”. Still, the company claims an electric range of 100 km.
In South Africa, various options are available, including a panoramic sliding sunroof (R21 826), the “High-End” AMG Performance Seat Package (R102 609), the MBUX Superscreen (R55 652), a 3D Driver’s Display (R19 652), a full-colour head-up display (R20 783), a Burmester 3D surround-sound system (R23 913) and various alloy-wheel designs (up to R56 522 for the priciest 21-inch items).
How much does the Mercedes-AMG E53 cost in SA?
Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ – R2 514 176
The price above includes Mercedes-Benz SA’s standard 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
*An earlier version of this story said the E53 was priced from R2 092 711 (excluding a maintenance plan), as indicated on Mercedes-Benz SA’s configurator. However, we’ve since been informed the company erroneously excluded VAT from that figure.
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