Next-gen Mercedes-AMG E 63 revealed

The third-generation Mercedes-AMG E 63 is the fastest accelerating model ever produced by Mercedes’s burgeoning performance car division, with an official 0-100kph time of 3.4sec in range-topping S 4Matic+ guise. The new E 63 also holds the distinction of being the most powerful series production four-door model from AMG to date.

Fitted with AMG’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, the new E 63 will continue to be sold in two distinct versions. In standard E 63 4Matic+, it has 571hp and 748Nm of torque. The most popular model, however, is expected to be the range- topping E 63 S 4Matic+, which has added turbocharger boost pressure and other power enhancing tweaks, allowing it to produce a stout 611hp and 849Nm.

The E 63's new engine, which sits on dynamic mounts in the E63 S 4Matic+, replaces the older twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 used in the outgoing second-generation car, providing the standard model with an added 14hp and 39Nm, and the S with an extra 26hp and 50Nm over its predecessor.

For the first time, AMG has fitted its 4.0-litre V8 with a pair of new twin-scroll turbocharger for use in the E 63, which as per claims will improve induction-boosting properties and further enhance throttle response.

The engine also has AMG Cylinder Management for added fuel savings on part throttle loads. In city driving, four cylinders are deactivated between 1000 and 3250rpm when the engine is switched to comfort mode.

As in other recent AMG models, the driver can choose between four driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual, via a Dynamic Select button on the centre console. In Comfort mode, a coast function decouples the engine from the gearbox on extended periods of trailing throttle at speeds between 60kph and 160kph for better fuel efficiency. A fifth driving mode, Race, is also included on the E 63 S 4Matic+.

The gearbox in the new E 63 is a nine-speed Speedshift MCT (Multi Clutch Technology) automatic with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. Further driveline developments include a mechanical differential lock for the E 63 4Matic+ and faster-acting electronic differential lock on the E 63 S 4Matic+.

Both models will be available only with AMG's Performance 4Matic+ four-wheel-drive system, which offers fully variable distribution of drive between the front and rear wheels for the first time.

The E 63 4Matic+'s 0-100kph time is 3.5sec, and the E 63 S 4Matic+'s is 3.4. The top speed of both models is limited to 250kph, although buyers can specify an optional AMG Driver’s Package, which extends its maximum potential to a limited 300kph.

Despite the use of four-wheel drive, AMG says it has ensured the car retains its reputation for promoting oversteer when the conditions allow through the inclusion of what it calls Drift mode. Activated by the shift paddles, it prompts the four-wheel-drive system to deliver drive exclusively to the rear wheels, remaining engaged until the driver deactivates it.

The car's suspension is a specially tuned version of the sixth- generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class’s Air Body Control system, linked to unique tracks, widths and wheel carriers. This gives the E 63 greater camber control than its predecessor.

The brakes are 360mm discs with six pot calipers upfront and 360mm discs with single pot calipers at the rear on the E 63 4Matic+, while the E 63 S 4Matic+ has larger 390mm discs upfront. Optional ceramic carbon discs measure 402mm upfront and 360mm at the rear.

AMG has provided the new E 63 with a comprehensive styling package that not only makes it look sportier, but also sets it further apart from regular E-Class models than previous generations of the AMG car.

At the car's front, there's a model-specific front grille, bumper, bonnet and fenders. The wheel arches extend 17mm beyond those of the standard E-Class to house the E 63's wider front track and 20-inch wheels.

The changes upfront are combined with black exterior mirror housings, widen sills, boot deck mounted spoiler, new rear bumper and four traditional trapezoidal-shaped tail pipes.

The new AMG E 63 will make its public debut at AutoMobility LA (the Los Angeles auto show) in mid-November, and go on sale internationally early next year.

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