There is a new long-roof performance car coming to America, and it is not a crossover or an SUV. For those who thought the era of high-performance luxury wagons was over, AMG is making the case that there is still room for one done right. This is the 2026 Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID Wagon, set to arrive at U.S. dealerships later this year.
We first reported on the (W214) E 53 AMG Wagon, back in April this year, but Mercedes has finally announced U.S. pricing for the performance wagon variant, a starting MSRP of $93,350, which is about $15k more than the E-450 4Matic All-Terrain wagon and $5k more than the E 53 AMG sedan. For that sub-100k price tag, what you’re getting is truly a unique blend of big power, efficiency, practicality, and top-rated dynamics that most SUVs simply can’t match, a format that few brands are even attempting in the American market in 2025.
Under the skin is where this car earns its AMG badge. Now unlike the outgoing E 53, this new model is a plug-in hybrid and at its core sits a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, now tuned to 443 horsepower up from 429 horsepower in the previous generation. Paired with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor, the system generates 577 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.
Engage RACE START, and output climbs to 604 horsepower, dropping the 0-60 mph run to as quick as 3.8 seconds. For perspective, those numbers put it in the ball park of most high performance sports cars and on par with the last-gen V8-powered E 63 S Wagon.
Clearly, then, Mercedes hasn’t held back on the hardware. Standard across the range are active rear-axle steering and adaptive damping, both designed to make a 4,800-pound wagon feel far more nimble than its size suggests. Braking comes courtesy of AMG composite discs, and the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package swaps in larger units, red callipers, active engine mounts, and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
Top speed in typical German fashion is capped at that gentleman’s agreement figure of 155 mph. But opt for that Performance Package and the limiter can be lifted, for a 171 mph top speed. Interestingly, considering this is a hybrid, the E 53 can reach speeds of up to 87 mph on electric power alone.
Speaking of the hybrid, the system employs a 28.6 kWh (21.2 kWh usable) battery, giving this wagon up to 41 miles of all-electric range. DC fast charging at 60 kW and AC charging at 9.6 kW make topping off straightforward, whether at home or on the road. What that means is daily commutes can be handled without ever having to wake the inline-six, but you still have AMG firepower on tap when you want it.
Visually, the E 53 looks every bit a modern AMG. Classic E-Class proportions are enhanced by wider arches, an illuminated grille, and quad exhaust tips that strike a balance between refinement and aggression. Inside, the E 53 Wagon delivers the level of luxury you would expect at this price point. Heated power front seats, a Nappa leather AMG steering wheel with integrated controls, and the 17-speaker Burmester 4D system come standard.
The Edition 1 model for 2026 raises exclusivity further with MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey paint, AMG graphics, 21-inch forged wheels, and unique interior details. Also, this E Wagon’s biggest appeal is the trunk volume, coming in at 16.2 cubic feet of space ( about three cubic-feet more than the sedan), with all seats in place, comparable to most large SUVs. The hybrid’s battery pack eats into an otherwise capacious trunk, that would other wide offer 21 cubic-feet.
This launch wont replace the fire-breathing V8-powered E 63 Wagon as the competition Stateside, is still alive with Audi’s revamped RS6 Avant and the (G60) BMW M5 Touring. Also, Porsche has already stepped away from gas wagons, leaving AMG free to carry the torch for performance estates in America. Now, whether you want the balance of electrification and performance now, or wait it out for the inevitable V8 powerhouse, the folks over at Affalterbach are ensuring that wagons remain firmly on the map for enthusiasts who want more than another SUV.
Images: Mercedes-AMG