E/W214: MotorTrend Review of the W214 E53
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W214 E450
MotorTrend Review of the W214 E53
They seem to really like the car. They also seem to think that MB may come out with an E63 someday. Until then, the W214 E53 is not far off from the W213 E63. If you are on the fence on getting the E53, this article may help you decide one way or another.
https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...st-test-review
https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...st-test-review
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They seem to really like the car. They also seem to think that MB may come out with an E63 someday. Until then, the W214 E53 is not far off from the W213 E63. If you are on the fence on getting the E53, this article may help you decide one way or another.
https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...st-test-review
https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...st-test-review
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From: Fleriduh
W212 E63S Wagon - GSL580 - E63 - E350 - C300
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From: Harrison, ME
2025 S580
There are a few reviews on YouTube (an enjoyable one is by "Throttle House") and all are quite positive. I'm not sure the complication--and added weight--of a hybrid is really worth it. The inline 6 in the E450 has plenty of power as well as economy. Quoted 0 - 60 mph is 4.5 seconds which betters the muscle cars of the '60's. How often do you need more?
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From: New York, NY
2026 E53 wagon
I am coming off of an X5 plug in hybrid and would never go back. You get best of all worlds. Running around town? It’s an electric car. Long distance cruiser? No problem. Want to play with all the horsepower at once? Can combine both for ultimate performance.
it’s actually quite perfect.
it’s actually quite perfect.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Chicago
2025 AMG E 53; 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
I am coming off of an X5 plug in hybrid and would never go back. You get best of all worlds. Running around town? It’s an electric car. Long distance cruiser? No problem. Want to play with all the horsepower at once? Can combine both for ultimate performance.
it’s actually quite perfect.
it’s actually quite perfect.
As if MBs claim of 3.8 to 60 was fast - MTs 3.3 is incredible. C&D is typically quick- it will be interesting to see their result. Within 3 tenths of the M5 (C&D @ 3.0 for the M5) illustrates just how well MB did.
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From: New York, NY
2026 E53 wagon
Absolutely - the PHEV is just that and MBs execution in the E 53 is brilliant. I have all 3 - All electric is daily. The E 53 replaced several ICE cars as it ticks a ton of boxes as you describe above. Still have several ICE only, and the old way is just that - old. Never realized how miserable it is to get gas.
As if MBs claim of 3.8 to 60 was fast - MTs 3.3 is incredible. C&D is typically quick- it will be interesting to see their result. Within 3 tenths of the M5 (C&D @ 3.0 for the M5) illustrates just how well MB did.
As if MBs claim of 3.8 to 60 was fast - MTs 3.3 is incredible. C&D is typically quick- it will be interesting to see their result. Within 3 tenths of the M5 (C&D @ 3.0 for the M5) illustrates just how well MB did.
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I am coming off of an X5 plug in hybrid and would never go back. You get best of all worlds. Running around town? It’s an electric car. Long distance cruiser? No problem. Want to play with all the horsepower at once? Can combine both for ultimate performance.
it’s actually quite perfect.
it’s actually quite perfect.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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There are a few reviews on YouTube (an enjoyable one is by "Throttle House") and all are quite positive. I'm not sure the complication--and added weight--of a hybrid is really worth it. The inline 6 in the E450 has plenty of power as well as economy. Quoted 0 - 60 mph is 4.5 seconds which betters the muscle cars of the '60's. How often do you need more?
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From: Eastern Shore Maryland
25 E53 AMG, 18 911 gts, 18 xc90, 21 wrangler rubicon
I've had my E53 hybrid for a few weeks... living in Maryland. Great experience so far. Have alpine grey/neva grey, carbon fiber exterior, pinnacle, dynamic plus, driver assistance, multicontour seats, 20 in wheels with all-seasons, microfiber headliner, sun protection, soft close doors, etc (fully loaded minus 21 inch wheel and superscreen). I'm shaping up for 700 miles on 1 tank of gas (still don't know tank size). I plug it in once per week. Drove 60 miles back and forth to work yesterday in comfort (got 61 mpge, used 50% battery for 35 miles of electric = 70 miles actual electric range). Great dichotomy of luxury/comfort and speed/sport. Cabin is quiet on 20 in wheels and lowered pressures with all-seasons. No harshness to the suspension. Very happy with the split personality of this car. Luxury of an s-class (massage is fantastic and have routine set to start leaving work), economical to drive (especially if you plug in occasionally), and faster than you'll ever need a daily to be. 90% s-class, 95% e63, 80% of the cost of either similarly equiped. Honestly, it's a 90% s63 at half the cost....with better economy. 100% recommend
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Joined: May 2018
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
I am coming off of an X5 plug in hybrid and would never go back. You get best of all worlds. Running around town? It’s an electric car. Long distance cruiser? No problem. Want to play with all the horsepower at once? Can combine both for ultimate performance.
it’s actually quite perfect.
it’s actually quite perfect.
To my mind, a PHEV is an answer to a question no one has asked. Either go pure ICE, EV or hybrid. The PHEV is to my mind the worst of both worlds.
I know others will disagree, but this is my take.
MBWorld God!
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I've had my E53 hybrid for a few weeks... living in Maryland. Great experience so far. Have alpine grey/neva grey, carbon fiber exterior, pinnacle, dynamic plus, driver assistance, multicontour seats, 20 in wheels with all-seasons, microfiber headliner, sun protection, soft close doors, etc (fully loaded minus 21 inch wheel and superscreen). I'm shaping up for 700 miles on 1 tank of gas (still don't know tank size). I plug it in once per week. Drove 60 miles back and forth to work yesterday in comfort (got 61 mpge, used 50% battery for 35 miles of electric = 70 miles actual electric range). Great dichotomy of luxury/comfort and speed/sport. Cabin is quiet on 20 in wheels and lowered pressures with all-seasons. No harshness to the suspension. Very happy with the split personality of this car. Luxury of an s-class (massage is fantastic and have routine set to start leaving work), economical to drive (especially if you plug in occasionally), and faster than you'll ever need a daily to be. 90% s-class, 95% e63, 80% of the cost of either similarly equiped. Honestly, it's a 90% s63 at half the cost....with better economy. 100% recommend
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Joined: May 2025
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From: Eastern Shore Maryland
25 E53 AMG, 18 911 gts, 18 xc90, 21 wrangler rubicon
Contra point: On a long trip, once the battery is used up after 30/40 miles, the rest of your trip perhaps 250/300 miles you are dragging around an extra 800 pounds of dead weight. That dead weight kills your mpg, makes handling worse and eats up tires.
To my mind, a PHEV is an answer to a question no one has asked. Either go pure ICE, EV or hybrid. The PHEV is to my mind the worst of both worlds.
I know others will disagree, but this is my take.
To my mind, a PHEV is an answer to a question no one has asked. Either go pure ICE, EV or hybrid. The PHEV is to my mind the worst of both worlds.
I know others will disagree, but this is my take.
Member
Joined: Nov 2024
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From: California
E53 (2025), C300 4MATIC (2014)
That spec seems familiar, do they use the same car as this video? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4-y9FRm1o8
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I've had my E53 hybrid for a few weeks... living in Maryland. Great experience so far. Have alpine grey/neva grey, carbon fiber exterior, pinnacle, dynamic plus, driver assistance, multicontour seats, 20 in wheels with all-seasons, microfiber headliner, sun protection, soft close doors, etc (fully loaded minus 21 inch wheel and superscreen). I'm shaping up for 700 miles on 1 tank of gas (still don't know tank size). I plug it in once per week. Drove 60 miles back and forth to work yesterday in comfort (got 61 mpge, used 50% battery for 35 miles of electric = 70 miles actual electric range). Great dichotomy of luxury/comfort and speed/sport. Cabin is quiet on 20 in wheels and lowered pressures with all-seasons. No harshness to the suspension. Very happy with the split personality of this car. Luxury of an s-class (massage is fantastic and have routine set to start leaving work), economical to drive (especially if you plug in occasionally), and faster than you'll ever need a daily to be. 90% s-class, 95% e63, 80% of the cost of either similarly equiped. Honestly, it's a 90% s63 at half the cost....with better economy. 100% recommend
I do like that the E53 can cruise quietly on electric through town, but always has plenty of power in reserve. 70 miles of electric range is well above the EPA estimate, so that is very good. Are you using high levels of regeneration?
Do you like the composite brakes with the Dynamic Plus package?
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Nappanee Indiana
2026 E450
That spec seems familiar, do they use the same car as this video? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4-y9FRm1o8
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 321
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From: Nappanee Indiana
2026 E450
Are you sure, didn't they specifically said why would anyone get it over the E 450, if I recalled correctly, they kept mentioning the stiff ride and tire pressures, or did I mix it up with another reviewer. The reviews on the W214 E 53 is mostly positive though so that is good.
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
I suspect that for most people buying a Mercedes the Federal Tax Credit is only available if they lease: they are over the income threshold if they buy. the residual on the E450 is higher than on the E53 and the money factor on the E450 is lower than on the E53, so the delta between the two cars, almost $18,000 remains even when you lease.
As I posted the E53 is an answer looking for a question - or a solution looking for a problem. Frankly, I just do not get it - the E53.
Last edited by JTK44; May 31, 2025 at 12:08 PM.
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X214
Contra point: On a long trip, once the battery is used up after 30/40 miles, the rest of your trip perhaps 250/300 miles you are dragging around an extra 800 pounds of dead weight. That dead weight kills your mpg, makes handling worse and eats up tires.
To my mind, a PHEV is an answer to a question no one has asked. Either go pure ICE, EV or hybrid. The PHEV is to my mind the worst of both worlds.
I know others will disagree, but this is my take.
To my mind, a PHEV is an answer to a question no one has asked. Either go pure ICE, EV or hybrid. The PHEV is to my mind the worst of both worlds.
I know others will disagree, but this is my take.
I would have been really impressed if they created the new E53 without all of the plug-in crap, and the nearly 1000lbs of added weight. The car would have been lighter, nimbler and a whole lot more pleasurable to drive around in.
Less is more, and similarly, more is less, in my eyes.
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
I agree. I personally would have been happier, if they even eliminated the “mild hybrid battery” of the E450 and simplified things down to the ICE portion alone. I keep things for the long haul, and don’t want any added complexity and weight, if I can help it.
I would have been really impressed if they created the new E53 without all of the plug-in crap, and the nearly 1000lbs of added weight. The car would have been lighter, nimbler and a whole lot more pleasurable to drive around in.
Less is more, and similarly, more is less, in my eyes.
I would have been really impressed if they created the new E53 without all of the plug-in crap, and the nearly 1000lbs of added weight. The car would have been lighter, nimbler and a whole lot more pleasurable to drive around in.
Less is more, and similarly, more is less, in my eyes.
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Think you will enjoy the colour choice you made as well. They both have their pros.
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