Stunning E53 AMG Hybrid Wagon Debut: Mercedes Revamps a Grand Tradition

Mercedes-AMG rejoins the performance wagon party

Before the introduction of BMW’s M5 Touring into the U.S. market last summer, performance-oriented wagons were a lonely segment solely occupied by Audi’s RS6 Avant. Not too far in the past, the performance wizards at Mercedes-AMG competed directly against the four rings. It previously offered the hottest iteration of the E-Class, the E63 S, as a wagon up until the 2023 model year, but by then, it was a special-order model that was rarely requested.

These days, AMG is adapting to offer groundbreaking performance in an auto market defined by efficiency and electrification. However, its latest offering for 2026 states that it can still offer something to compete with the big dogs of performance in a unique, niche segment.

Mercedes-AMG’s new hybrid is one quick wagon.

The Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid Wagon is new for 2026, and as the long name suggests, it is a five-door wagon version of the Affalterbach-engineered performance sedan. Like its sedan counterpart, the AMG E 53 Hybrid Wagon is powered by AMG’s six-pot-based plug-in hybrid powertrain, which combines a 3-liter turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor connected to a battery. Mercedes calls the electric side of the hybrid powertrain the ‘P2’ hybrid powertrain, which is powered by a 161 horsepower electric motor that is integrated into the AMG’s Speedshift 9-speed automatic box, as well as a 400-volt, 28.6-kWh battery that rests below the trunk floor. According to the automaker, the system also enables all-electric driving at speeds up to 87 miles per hour.

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But for the performance-minded, the E 53 Hybrid Wagon’s powertrain produces 577 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, and its optional Race Start system can boost it to an AMG E63 S-beating 604 horsepower. All the ponies hit the pavement using AMG’s performance 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, which helps the wagon dash from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4 seconds, or 3.8 seconds when equipped with Race Start. All that power is kept on the ground with standard active rear-axle steering, AMG’s Ride Control suspension, and adaptive and adjustable dampers.

In true Mercedes fashion, it is also offering E 53 Hybrid Wagon buyers a selection of packages to personalize their fast wagons to their liking. Customers who want more oomph may want to tack on the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package, which adds a cornucopia of additional go-fast features for drivers who want the most out of their fast wagons. It includes a cool, Nappa leather and microfiber AMG Performance steering wheel, an electronically-controlled AMG limited-slip rear differential, a beefier AMG High Performance Composite Brake System featuring bigger 15.4-inch brake rotors and red AMG calipers, active engine mounts, the Race Start launch control system, as well as an increased top speed of 174 miles per hour.

AMG also offers three additional packages to spice up the exterior, including the AMG Night Package, the AMG Night Package Plus, and the AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package, which add a variety of blacked-out chrome and carbon accents to various exterior bits. Additionally, E 53 Hybrid Wagon buyers will be able to choose between 12 different paint colors on their five-door sleds, including four shades from its ultra-exclusive MANUFAKTUR line, as well as a variety of different 20 and 21-inch wheels.

Much of the interior is carried over from the E 53 AMG sedan, which includes AMG-exclusive touches like a Nappa leather-wrapped AMG Performance steering wheel, AMG sport seats, and Mercedes’ new digital-focused infotainment system. Like the sedan, the wagon also comes with a iPad-like 14.4-inch touchscreen standard and can be optioned with the MBUX Superscreen Package, which adds a 12.3-inch display in front of the front passenger that can be used for apps like Netflix and TikTok.

Mercedes says that the wagon also includes a 17-speaker, 750-watt Burmester 4D Surround Sound System and can also be optioned with a broad range of interior materials and finishes, as well as optional packages to further personalize and enhance their experience inside their posh and powerful hybrid performance wagons. In addition, Mercedes will offer a limited-edition variant of the AMG E 53 HYBRID Wagon called the Edition 1 for 2026, which includes additional touches like a MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey paint job with AMG-branded side stripes, additional exterior accents, 21-inch AMG cross-spoke wheels and an extensive selection of extra standard equipment.

Final thoughts

Just when you thought the performance wagon game couldn’t get spicier, Mercedes-AMG drops the E 53 Hybrid Wagon. This proves Affalterbach hasn’t forgotten about those of us who need serious speed and space for the dog. Yes, the howling V8 is gone, replaced by a complex hybrid inline-six. But before you panic, this setup musters up to 604 horsepower, plenty of grunt to put the established players on notice.

Mercedes-AMG has not released any details about pricing, but it said that the E 53 Wagon will arrive at U.S. dealers “later in 2025.”