Hybrid cars seem to offer at least one solution to the ongoing electric drive versus internal combustion debate. We may not yet have discovered the final answer to this decade’s automotive quest but for now hybrid does seem to offer something of a compromise.
Take this new business class Mercedes-AMG E-Class model, for example: It offers a combination of 3.0 litre six-cylinder petrol power supported by an added electric motor that in total offers 576bhp (430 kW / 584PS) output and that’s plenty for effortless long distance driving. So, this hybrid system combines high performance, driving dynamics and energy efficiency to the point of delivering up to 62 miles (100km)100 of purely electric driving. This is great for when the open road turns to city streets.
The Looks
Offered in saloon (sedan) or estate (station wagon) variants. The new Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ (to give the model its the full title) can be recognised by many special design elements. The AMG radiator trim with vertical slats is illuminated as a standard fitment. Wider front bumpers (fenders) make room for the larger track width on the front axle. The powerfully shaped outer air inlets, each with two vertical fins, and the central A-wing characterise the independent AMG front apron. The large central lower inlet directs the air to the additional AMG front cooler. There is also an external opening for the wheel arch cooler.
The side view is characterised by flowing surfaces right down to the recessed door handles. AMG-specific side skirt panels visually connect the two wheel arches. The light alloy wheels, which are almost flush with the body, emphasise all that power. The flat, horizontally connected LED tail-lights with clear and striking graphics in the stylised Mercedes star signature are precisely embedded in the powerful rear end. The arrangement gives the vehicle solid structure and underlines the overall width. The final touch is the AMG spoiler lip on the boot (trunk) lid (on the saloon) and the AMG rear apron with diffuser and two round double tailpipe trims on the left and right. Hybrid badges denote it’s electric provenance and there’s a choice of up to 21 inch wheels.
The Interior
It’s a Mercedes-Benz car embellished further by the brand’s performance arm, AMG. The cockpit design impresses with a harmonious and premium overall impression. As standard, there is a model‑specific, trim in grey open-pore ash wood with an AMG logo.
The MBUX (multimedia) ‘Superscreen’ can also be supplied with an additional passenger monitor, available as an option. The MBUX multimedia system offers AMG-specific displays and features as well as the additional, exclusive menu content, AMG Performance and AMG ‘TRACK PACE’, also optional. Added to this are the hybrid-specific displays and functions. This includes the charging menu and displays in the instrument cluster and on the multimedia screen. These provide information about, among other things, the charge status and temperature of the high-voltage battery as well as the electric range.
Electrically adjustable AMG sports seats are on board as standard. The upholstery is covered in ‘ARTICO’ man‑made leather/microfibre with red contrasting top stitching and features a unique AMG seat graphic. Electrically adjustable AMG performance seats (see pic) can be ordered as an option. The basic equipment includes the AMG performance steering wheel in Nappa leather with AMG steering wheel buttons. Otherwise, it’s business as usual from this prestige German car maker.
The Drive
This is the car you need when long distance mileage is involved, delivering effortless power via an efficient drive-train. This doesn’t signal though that the pleasures of driving are overlooked; this car can handle itself too.
The standard all-wheel drive provides optimal traction. It ensures high driving stability and safety on dry roads as well as on wet or snowy surfaces. An electromechanically controlled clutch distributes the driving force variably to the front and rear axles in each driving programme. This ensures maximum traction, driving dynamics and safety at all times and in all driving conditions. Newly developed and tuned AMG ‘ride control’ suspension with adaptive damping adjustment keeps everything under control thanks to steel spring suspension with adaptive adjustable damping specifically for the requirements of the Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+ with new hardware and software.
The vehicle offers a balanced combination of adequate acoustic insulation for purely electric driving in combination with a very sporty character typical of the AMG label. The independent front axle has a larger track width than the standard E-Class Mercedes-Benz model.
On the rear axle, the stiffer rubber mounts, which connect the independent control arms with the axle support, ensure greater tracking and camber stability. The steel suspension has a sporty spring-damper setup and adaptive two-valve adjustable damping which as indicated combines high driving dynamics with very good ride comfort. The damping on each wheel adapts to the current driving situation and road conditions. This happens quickly and precisely via separate valves for the tension and compression directions in the dampers. The damper characteristic curve can be pre-selected in three levels: “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+”, thus enabling a clearly noticeable differentiation between high long-distance comfort and sporty driving dynamics. Rear axle steering as standard completes the package.
By default, this hybrid model starts silently in the electric driving programme when the electric motor is switched on. The “Ready” icon in the instrument cluster signals that the vehicle is ready to drive. Purely electric driving takes place with the 163 bhp(120kW) electric motor with good range as described above. If the charge level of the battery is too low or the driver requests more power in the meantime and overcomes the pressure point of the haptic accelerator pedal, the intelligent operating strategy switches automatically: the combustion engine starts and takes over the drive power as required.
However, in the advanced ‘Battery Hold’ driving programme, the combustion engine and electric motor run in a co-ordinated manner depending on the situation. The operating strategy keeps the battery charge level almost constant. The use of the electric motor is limited and optimised for low energy consumption. Recuperation balances the energy balance again. By simply changing the driving programme, drivers can decide when they want to fully use the battery charge again, for example for inner-city traffic. In short, this is the car for all situations and there’s plenty of space for people and luggage, demonstrating the practical side of things.
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