In tune with the “AMG Performance 2015” strategy, the E 63 now comes with the new AMG 5.5 litre V8 BITURBO engine. Although purists will mourn the naturally aspirated 6.3 litre AMG engine that has been replaced by the turbocharged 5.5 litre , a claimed 22% reduction in fuel consumption we think is worth the sacrifice.
The figures for the new engine stand as follows : 386 kW (525 hp) at 5250-5750 rpm with torque of 700 Nm at 1750-5000 rpm, 0-100kph time of 4.3s and an electronically limited 250 kph top speed. Spend another 8306.20 Euros and treat yourself to the AMG Performance Package and you get 410 kW (557 hp) at 5250-5750 rpm and earth shattering 800 Nm at 2000-4500 rpm . The optional package also shaves off a second off the 0-100 kph times. The estate version is marginally slower than the sedan.
Design changes include the new 10 spoke light alloy wheels, wheels, painted titanium grey and with high-sheen rim flanges and the V8 BITURBO badging on the front wings, which again are wider than on its predecessor. The characteristic AMG bodystyling includes the distinctive front apron: the large air intakes with black grilles help with the efficient flow of air through the cooling module positioned behind. The air vents in the front right-hand wheel well liner allow hot air from the additional AMG radiator to escape.
Another highlight comes in the form of the AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights. In conjunction with the optional Intelligent Light System, the E 63 AMG features darkened bi-xenon headlamps. There is also the AMG side sill panels and an AMG sports exhaust system with two sets of twin chrome plated tail pipes. We cannot help but think the BITUBRO badging is more geeky than mechanical. A hyphen that would have visually separated the Turbo from the Bi would have been much appreciated.
The interiors get the AMG treatment too. The AMG Performance steering wheel is flattened at both top and bottom, which Mercedes-Benz claims to facilitate better control of the vehicle. Aluminium shift paddles, perforated leather in the grip areas and 3D design of the airbag cover with its ‘Silver Shadow’ metallic trim element distinguish the steering wheel. The new E-SELECT shift lever with embossed AMG badge on the centre console and the AMG logo that shows three-dimensional full-colour TFT display borrowed from the CLS 63, positioned in the centre of the speedometer when the door is opened, complete the AMG branding.
Driver and front passenger also benefit from independent AMG sports seats, featuring a cross-piping design as well as electric adjustment, seat heating and AMG badges. All seats, armrests and door centre panels are finished in fine leather, and the seat centre panels in perforated leather. The quality of finish of the leather, which is soft to the touch, makes for a particularly pleasant ride experience. Three different appointment colours are available: black, mocha brown/almond beige and reef grey/alpaca grey. Trim elements also boast the highest quality black ash/black piano lacquer finishes.
AMG Performance Studio:
Since 2006, this arm of AMG, based in Affalterbach works towards customizing vehicles to customer specifications. The AMG performance package includes,
- AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension
- AMG light-alloy wheels in a new 10-spoke design, painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, with 255/35 R 19 (front) and 285/30 R 19 (rear) tyres
- AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
- AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system
- AMG Exterior Carbon package
- AMG Performance steering wheel
- AMG trim elements in carbon fibre/black piano lacquer
- Illuminated AMG door sill panels
- AMG Driver’s package (includes restriction of the top speed to 280 km/h (E 63 AMG Estate) or 300 km/h (E 63 AMG Saloon), participation in a driver training course at the AMG Driving Academy, AMG spoiler lip and electric sunblind for rear window (both for E 63 AMG Saloon only)
‘designo’ for tailor-made individuality
Straight from the press release,
A literally tailor-made individuality can also be achieved courtesy of the comprehensive designo range. Five different designo paint finishes can be combined with nine designo aniline leather appointment options as well as three different trims. Also providing a special look are the two matt paint finishes designo magno cashmere white and designo magno allanite grey.
The single-tone designo aniline leather appointments give the interior of the E 63 AMG a highly exclusive ambience: the AMG sports seats and door centre panels in the chosen leather colour as well as matching piping with contrasting stitching are coordinated with black nappa leather on the door armrests and the centre console cover. Velour floor mats with black designo leather edging, designo metal badges and the black roof lining harmoniously round off the look.
To enhance the high-class appeal of the interior even further, there is also the “Extended designo leather appointments” option. With this, the upper part of the dashboard and the upper door linings are finished in black designo leather. The “Extended designo leather appointments II” option takes things a step further, with fine nappa leather on the lower part of the dashboard, glove compartment lid, door base frames, map pockets on the doors and the side bolsters of the centre console.
Complementing the overall look perfectly are three trims, comprising designo natural curly maple wood, designo natural bamboo wood and designo black piano lacquer, as well as a designo Alcantara® roof lining available in three colours.
Transmission
A major contribution to the car’s exemplary consumption figures is also made by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. In place of a conventional torque converter, this uses a compact wet start-up clutch. The E 63 AMG also features a stop/start function as standard: this is active in the Controlled Efficiency (“C”) transmission mode and switches the eight-cylinder engine off when the vehicle comes to a standstill. The stop/start function can be activated or deactivated using the ECO button on the centre console. When in transmission mode “C”, the vehicle will always start up in second gear. The system will also change gears noticeably early and avoid high engine speeds. Demand-driven delivery of fuel and a generator management system with braking energy recuperation during deceleration add further to the economic use of fuel. For the enthusiast, the transmission modes “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual) with shorter response times, higher engine speeds and more spontaneous gear changes demonstrate the full potential of the new AMG V8 biturbo engine. In all three transmission modes, not only is the stop/start function deactivated but, at full load, the engine management system partially suppresses the cylinders. This carefully managed interruption to ignition and injection results in faster gear changes and an emotive acoustic effect. The automatic double-declutching function in reverse gear provides the perfect complement.
The E 63 AMG features the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with a specially designed front axle: the track has been widened by 56 millimetres compared with the E 500, and includes independent wheel carriers, for increased negative camber at the front, giving clear benefits in terms of grip when driving fast through bends.
As you would expect from a Merc, the Active and Passive Safety features runs quite long, let’s just say, as long as sanity prevails, or tries to, the occupants should live through to see the next generation of E Class roll out.