Car Review: Please ignore this AMG station wagon so I can buy one later – WTOP News

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Car Review: Please ignore this AMG station wagon so I can buy one later – WTOP News

No, it doesn’t have a V-8. I maintain that it is still awesome.

This Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid Wagon offers sports car acceleration and handling along with plenty of cargo space and even bad-weather traction.

Yes, it’s a station wagon — a hot rod grocery-getter.

To back up, many were disappointed by the phaseout of the V8-powered E 63 wagon. I hope this six-cylinder/electric E 53 proves unpopular, so I can pick one up for a song in a few years. (Right now, the price here is a fairly unsingable $117,630 with options, though it starts at $94,600 after shipping.)

Basically, I threw it into Sport+ mode and let it rip. And rip it did, with the exhaust gaining a snarl that included extra attitude during the transmission’s upshifts and downshifts.

Power is rated at 577 horsepower combined, while the Race Start function temporarily boosts output to 604 horsepower. That cuts the 0-60 time down from 4 seconds to 3.8. Also, the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package dials up the top speed to 174 mph. That package includes an AMG High Performance Composite Brake System with red AMG brake calipers. All on a station wagon!

As I was grinning (while driving in a completely responsible manner), I was also enjoying a sound system that vibrated my seat by design and a chair that gave me a massage. I then hauled two tires to a gas station.

What I wrote about the AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet I drove applies here:

“The interior is both dazzling and slightly frustrating. The awesome navigation system in this one showed a video feed of the road in front of me with street names and directional arrows overlaid on them, making it nearly impossible to get lost (never mind that I still did, as a testament to my stubbornness). At the same time, the center screen does nearly everything. It makes for an ultrasleek presentation, but it also means you have to do some swiping and toggling to get many things done, like controlling your music.”

Your companion can get in on the act, though. Mercedes said, “The optional MBUX Superscreen Package elevates the in-car entertainment experience with a 12.3-inch display for the front passenger.”

Fancy tech aside, the real pleasure here is the power and handling in an unexpected package. So, selfishly, I will say: I hope this hybrid, six-cylinder wagon does not live up to its predecessor in the minds of enthusiasts. Because I’d like one.

1/10

WTOP/John Aaron

Many were disappointed by the phaseout of the V8-powered E 63 wagon.