Benz announces E 63 AMG pricing

Even more grunt, greatly improved fuel economy and exhaust emissions, and unchanged pricing for the sedan version are the dot points for the latest Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. Also news, for those with a need for greater space and utility, is the return of the E 63 AMG Estate.

Just-released details show the hyper Benz, with a new twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 engine developing the same 386kW of power as the outgoing, normally aspirated 6.2-litre V8, ups the torque from 630Nm to 700Nm while lowering the $240,985 sedan’s fuel consumption by a remarkable 21 per cent to a combined figure of 10.0L/100km. The $244,500 Estate returns an equally impressive 10.1L/100km.

The outcome is a zero to 100km/h time of 4.3 seconds for the sedan, with the wagon barely lagging behind at just 4.4 seconds. If that’s not enough, an $17,900 (sedan, wagon $16,900) AMG Performance Package ups power and torque to 410kW/800Nm and drops the zero to 100km/h acceleration time by 0.1 of a second in both Saloon and Estate. Somewhat irrelevant is that top speed is electronically limited to just 250km/h.

Apart from the improved efficiency of the new twin-turbo V8, other measures to save fuel and reduce emissions make an appearance in the E63 AMG.

The E 63 AMG’s seven-speed Speedshift MCT auto transmission uses a wet start-up clutch as part of the efficiency exercise too.

The E63 also gets auto stop/start – at least when the Controlled Efficiency “C” transmission mode is selected. This can be activated or deactivated via an ECO button on the centre console. The “C” mode also brings transmission upshifts sooner, and gets the car rolling in second, rather than first gear to help save fuel. The E 63 also gets a generator management system with brake energy recuperation during deceleration providing further help in improving efficiency.

A wider front track, and AMG Ride Control sports suspension with electronic damping and level control keeps the E 63 flat and sure-footed in varying load and road situations says Mercedes. The driver is able to select from “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+” to get the required handling and ride characteristics.

A more direct electro-mechanical speed sensitive steering system with variable power assistance also sharpens the E 63’s on-road responses.

Standard E 63 equipment includes a high-performance braking system, and 19-inch AMG wheels with tyres measuring 225/35R19 up front and 285/30R19 at the rear.

Inside, the E 63 Benz gets a distinctive new steering wheel flattened at both top and bottom “to facilitate even better control of the vehicle” and a bit of eye candy that includes aluminium shift paddles, “Silver Shadow” metallic trim on the airbag cover and a new E-Select shift lever complete with AMG badge. There’s also a three-dimensional full colour TFT liquid crystal display in the centre of the speedo.

Mercedes-Benz says initial orders for the E 63 Saloon and Estate will start coming in during the next few weeks.

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