The 2026 Mercedes-AMG E53 Wagon will be available for sale in the US, offering a lower price point compared to the BMW M5 and Audi RS6.

      Mercedes

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      High-performance wagons are making a return. Mercedes is determined not to let Audi and BMW have all the excitement in the U.S. market, so it’s introducing its own luxury performance wagon across the Atlantic—meet the 2026 Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid Wagon. Notably, it’s the 53 model and not the 63, indicating that Mercedes is offering a version that its competitors aren’t—providing a half-caff option while BMW and Audi only have full-throttle versions with the M5 Touring and RS6 Avant.

      The AMG E53 Wagon features a six-cylinder engine but compensates for the two missing cylinders with an electric motor. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, paired with the electric motor, produces a combined output of 604 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. However, this peak horsepower is only available when using the Race Start launch control; otherwise, it generates 577 hp. Essentially, it mirrors the E53 sedan but with an extended roof and additional cargo space.

      With Race Start activated, the E53 Wagon can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds (four seconds flat without it). Interestingly, the Race Start feature is part of the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package, which also includes upgrades like carbon ceramic brakes, active engine mounts, an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, and a leather/microfiber performance steering wheel. The package raises the top speed to 174 mph compared to the standard 155 mph.

      The 161-hp electric motor is integrated directly with the nine-speed automatic transmission and can drive the vehicle on its own. A 21.2-kWh battery is located in the trunk floor, but Mercedes has not yet disclosed the electric range.

      Mercedes did not reveal the curb weight of the plug-in E53 Hybrid Wagon, a topic that has raised concerns regarding the hybrid BMW M5, which notoriously weighs 5,530 pounds in Touring configuration—comparable to some full-size pickup trucks. While we don’t expect the E53 to reach such heavy weights, it still won't be light. The E53 sedan already weighs 4,244 pounds, and the Wagon may weigh a bit more.

      That said, the weight shouldn't be a major concern since the mid-range E53 aims to blend relaxation and luxury with the ability to provide thrills when desired. On paper, it seems well-suited to strike that balance. The AMG E53 comes equipped with several impressive standard features such as 20-inch wheels (21-inch options available), a 17-speaker, 750-watt Burmester surround sound system, adaptive dampers, and rear-wheel steering.

      Early adopters can opt for the "Edition 1" version, which showcases a distinctive Manufaktur Alpine Grey color, features exclusive AMG exterior and interior graphics, and includes black 21-inch wheels as standard.

      I’m pleased that Mercedes is introducing the E53 Wagon in the U.S., expanding the availability of fast wagons for more consumers. Mercedes deserves recognition for not requiring customers to upgrade to the E63 for a speedy luxury wagon, while both BMW and Audi necessitate a jump to their highest performance (and pricing) models for a fast wagon. Pricing for the E53 Wagon is yet to be announced, but the E53 sedan starts around $90,000, whereas the M5 and RS6 wagons exceed $120,000.

      Currently, there are no M540i Touring or S6 Avant models available in the U.S.

      Hopefully, the launch of the E53 Wagon in America will encourage its German competitors to follow suit. More high-performance wagons can only be a good thing.

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