The E-Class is one of the key models that make up the core of the Mercedes-AMG brand and which has now be significantly upgraded. The sporty driving dynamics of the performance models from AMG remain unchanged and are now combined with enhanced and luxurious comfort. Best of all, the glorious V8 engines lives on for a while longer although other power options are available too. The standard-specification, fully variable all-wheel drive system AMG Performance ‘4MATIC+’ guarantees optimum traction in any driving conditions, combined with the AMG ‘SPEEDSHIFT’ 9-speed transmission, which ensures fast and efficient gear shifts.
On The Outside
At the back end, two new, flatter tail lights now with two sections immediately catch the eye on the tail end of the saloon (sedan) version. They now extend into the boot (trunk) lid, where they are visually linked with a trim strip in high-gloss chrome on the top. On the Estate (station wagon) this trim strip extends even further up to the end of the outer rear lamps. The airflow break-away edge on the boot lid of the saloon is painted in the vehicle colour but there’s also the option of an AMG ‘Exterior Carbon-Fibre package II’. The reshaped rear apron emphasises the effect of width, while also having a positive effect on the aerodynamics. The final touch to the rear section of the car is added by the likewise redesigned diffuser.
The front section of the E63 has been redesigned with an AMG-specific radiator grille to ensure that the car is distinguished from regular MB models by virtue of its A-shaped outline, with flat headlamps,all serving to reinforce the impression of width. Features vary from variant to variant but one thing that highlights the eight-cylinder models is a harmoniously fitting flap in high-gloss black which extends across the entire front apron, continues into the outer edge of the jet-wing and rounds this off outwards to the sides.
The front splitter is either kept in the colour of the vehicle (base model), in Silver Shadow (S-Model), in high-gloss black (with optional AMG ‘Night Package’) or in carbon fibre (with the optional AMG ‘Exterior Carbon-Fibre Package I’). The muscular flare of the wheel arches, a full 27 millimetres wider on each side, makes space for the wider track and the larger wheels on the front axle. Rounding of the looks are new 19 inch (standard) or 20 inch (optional) light-alloy wheels with the E 63 S-Model fitted as standard with new 20 inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, all aerodynamically optimised.
On The Inside
The premium interior combines a fine ambience and high-quality materials with the added characteristic of AMG performance touches. The standard AMG seats for example combine secure lateral support with exceptional comfort on long journeys and have an AMG-specific seat upholstery layout with, you guessed it, an "AMG" badge in the front seat backrests.
The eight-cylinder models feature leather seat upholstery as standard, while numerous leather variants are optionally available for all models. AMG Performance seats with integrated head restraints and even better lateral support can also be ordered on request when buying new. Meanwhile, in the E63 S version there are added delights like nappa leather trim for the dashboard and beltlines as well as seat belts in crystal grey. Nappa leather in black/titanium grey pearl with yellow contrasting top-stitching is in the range as a new AMG-specific upholstery. Individually adjustable ambient lighting also comes as standard.
A further highlight is the excellent and continually refined ‘MBUX’ infotainment system with a touchscreen and touchpad, the intelligent voice control plus AMG-specific displays and settings. The two displays for the instrument cluster and multimedia displays blend visually beneath a shared glass cover to form the Widescreen Cockpit. In the base model the monitors measure 10.25 inches diagonally; on the S-Model 12.25-inch screens are on board as standard.
For the instrument cluster's display, the driver can switch between the three AMG display styles of "Modern Classic", "Sport" and "Supersport". The "Supersport" mode is particularly striking with a central, round rev counter and horizontal displays presented in perspective to the left and right of the rev counter and creating a spatial impression of depth.
With a distinctive twin-spoke design and seamlessly integrated buttons the new AMG Performance steering wheel, with a choice of leather or other materials, creates an even closer link between human and machine, we learn. The three rounded twin spokes combine stability with lightness, and the steering wheel rim is a hallmark motor sport feature. A new feature is in the steering wheel rim; a sensor that detects "hands-on". If the driver does not have their hands on the steering wheel for a certain time, a warning sounds, which finally activates ‘Emergency Brake Assist’ if the driver continues to be seemingly inactive.
On The Road
The AMG 4.0 litre V8 biturbo engine in the E 63 S 4MATIC+ achieves over 600bhp with a maximum torque of 850Nm thus conveying the feeling of effortless superiority with every accelerator pedal position. The S version of the Saloon completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and in 3.5 seconds as the base variant. The figures for the Estate are 3.5 seconds (S version) and 3.6 seconds (base variant) respectively.
In order to ensure optimum output and response from the AMG 4.0-litre V8 engine, the two exhaust gas turbochargers feature twin-scroll technology. They reduce the exhaust gas back-pressure and optimise the gas cycle according to the technical blurb. Thanks to the standard cylinder shut off and further measures the performance models are highly efficient. When the driver has selected the drive program "Comfort", the cylinder deactivation system is available in a wide engine speed range from 1000 to 3250 rpm. A special display in the instrument cluster indicates whether the cylinder deactivation system is in use and whether the engine is presently operating in four or eight-cylinder mode. The transition between these two operating states is immediate, fast and torque-neutral and thus is seamless. A V8 with fuel efficiency is very acceptable.
The S version is the only car in this premium sector that is fitted with dynamic engine mounts and special adaptive suspension. Together they solve the conflicting goals of achieving as soft a connection as possible to the drivetrain for high comfort and as rigid a connection as possible for optimum driving dynamics. The dynamic mounts are quickly and variably able to adapt their stiffness to the driving conditions and requirements. These measures enhance the vehicle's precision when driven dynamically, while the soft setting increases comfort tangibly giving the riders the best of both worlds.
MHH International & Mercedes-Benz
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