It seems like it would be a simple thing for MB to offer the Mild Hybrid AMG 53 drive train in the E sedans along with the PHEV E53 for those (like me) who would like an enhanced AMG but don’t want the plug in, huge battery issues.
What am I missing here? Does anyone else think this would be a popular option?

I like the idea but MB disagrees, why else did they put the PHEV in the upcoming model year or two model years from now GLE 53? It was the simpler MHEV before. https://media.mbusa.com/releases/rel...-everyday-life

Nope. It would not have the same HP nor performance of the PHEV. Also, mild hybrid in the US doesn't make much sense where emission requirements are far more lax than EU. Audi does not even put in the mild hybrid into their vehicles that are mild hybrid in Europe for cost cutting which does make them more annoying to drive in stop/go traffic in the US without the mild hybrid.

A PHEV with ~60 mile range makes a ton of sense. It covers almost all of your daily driving with power on tap if you want it and zero worry about charging for a long weekend drive.

Drop the E 450 4Matic, then put the sedan you're suggesting in the lineup as the E43 in the same price range as the CLE 53. I still would have gone E53, but i'd have given the E43 a long hard look.

^ Better yet call it the E500. The S500 had the previous E53 drivetrain so it would make sense from a numbering perspective.

E450 + JB4 - enjoy