Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off its redesigned 2024 E-Class in April, but still out testing are the firery versions from AMG.
The latest spy shots and video show a prototype for the new E 53 from AMG. Both a sedan and wagon are planned, though only the former is expected in the U.S. Prototypes for a new E 63 should also be out and about.
The new E-Class starts sales late this year. The AMG versions should follow in early 2024.
We know this prototype is for the E 53 because of the performance wheel and tire combo, as well as the large brakes, and four round exhaust tips. The E 63 should also have four exhaust tips, albeit with a square shape.
What still isn’t clear is the powertrain lineup AMG plans for its versions of the E-Class. Rumors point to both the E 53 and E 63 running 4-cylinder engines in combination with powerful plug-in hybrid systems, similar to what’s found in AMG’s C 63 S E Performance.
Despite the lower cylinder count, performance should be up thanks to that electrification component. The current E 53 features a 3.0-liter turbo-6 and mild-hybrid setup good for 429 hp. Hopefully we get something closer to 500 hp in the new E 53.
As for the new E 63, it’s been reported it will receive a 4-cylinder and mild-hybrid setup working in combination with a rear-mounted electric motor. The same setup features in the C 63 S E Performance, where it delivers a combined 671 hp. The current E 63 is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 delivering a maximum 603 hp.
The platform of the new E-Class is the updated version of Mercedes’ MRA rear-wheel-drive architecture that features in the latest S-Class and C-Class. The updated platform benefits from weight savings, primarily through increased use of aluminum over steel, though the addition of any plug-in hybrid technology will likely offset at any weight savings.