2021 Mercedes-AMG E63 facelift revealed

·        Updated E63 gets fresh styling and more comfort features

·        4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 sees no change in power output.

·        India launch will most-likely take place after introduction of facelifted E-class sedan. 

Mercedes-AMG has updated its hot E63 range, with a raft of changes designed to offer enhanced comfort for drivers without compromising on performance.

The newest version of the performance-oriented E-class gains design revisions are in line with the recent facelift that was unveiled internationally but is yet to come to India. The updated E63 gets aggressive new styling features aimed at forging a stronger link with Mercedes-AMG’s global sportscar range. The refreshed styling also includes a larger grille and aerodynamic tweaks to improve both, grip and airflow to the engine.

The new E63 retains the previous version’s 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, which produces 603hp and 850Nm of torque in the top-line S version. Power continues to be sent to all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic gearbox.

Although the output is unchanged, Mercedes-AMG says considerable tuning has been carried out to widen the E63’s performance window. Work has also been done to refine the dampers and chassis, while the dynamic engine mounts on the E63 S have been tweaked so they adapt more quickly to driving conditions.

Further development has been carried out on the AMG Dynamic Select software, which adjusts the drive programmes, all-wheel-drive systems, and ESP stability control. The AMG Dynamics Plus package, which includes a Race drive mode and Drift function, is standard on the E63 S and is offered as an option for the base model for the first time. The E63 sedan has a 0-100kph time of 3.5sec, with the S version achieving that in 3.4sec.

In an effort to differentiate it more from the recently updated E-class range, the new E63 features an AMG-specific radiator grille with 12 vertical slats and an enlarged Mercedes star logo.

According to the manufacturer, the new E63 has flatter LED headlights and bigger ‘power domes’ sculpted into the bonnet. Its wheel arches have been enlarged by 22mm to accommodate a wider track on the front axle, in order to improve performance and aerodynamics.

At the rear, there are flatter brake lights and a reshaped apron, which has also been aerodynamically optimised. That feature is finished in high-gloss black with a silver trim strip – although the latter element is available in gloss black or carbon fibre, as part of various exterior packages. There is also a new diffuser. Standard wheel size for the E63 remains at 19 inches while the S version will get 20-inch alloy wheels as standard in most markets.

Inside, the E63 features similar tweaks to the rest of the facelifted E-class range, including the latest version of the MBUX infotainment system and digital instrument display, both of which offer bespoke AMG display options.

There is also a new twin-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with haptic feedback controls, and it includes a ‘hands on’ sensor that will trigger warnings and, eventually, activate emergency brake assist if it detects the driver does not have their hands on the wheel for an extended period. Mated to the new wheel are larger aluminium paddleshifters that can operate the 9-speed transmission.

The outgoing E63 was sold in India in the top-spec S version and we expect the facelifted car to also make it to our shores, sometime after the launch of the refreshed standard E-class sedan.

The company has recently introduced the AMG C 63 Coupe and the refreshed AMG GT-R in India, along with the third-gen GLS SUV.