According to unofficial sources, AMG is working on a new powerful E-Class cast in the same mold as the recently introduced C 63. The sedan will allegedly ditch both the V8 and the innovative 2.0-liter four-pot turbo options in favor of a hybrid system that will make it around 100 hp (75 kW) stronger.
Specifically, the sources claim that the model will ship with an existing 3.0-liter inline-six mill, which will allegedly undergo a major redesign. An electric motor rated higher than 200 PS (197 hp / 147 kW) will assist it along with dual-range reduction gear. The company is purportedly targeting an output of 700 PS (690 hp / 515 kW) or higher.
Like the C-Class mentioned above, the E-Class is in dire need of electrification to preserve its upmarket status while remaining nature-friendly. That said, we are told that the battery will be small – just 6.1 kilowatt-hours – so driving in all-electric mode might not be an option.
A similar engine may make it under the hood of the E 53 later on, likely dialed down slightly in terms of power. The current E 53 spec has 435 PS (429 hp / 320 kW), and the insiders say the new version could get 510 PS (503 hp / 375 kW).
The new E-Class has been repeatedly spotted testing on the streets lately (see the gallery below), so it will probably be introduced later this year.