NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC
Twin-turbo V6-powered all-wheel drive E-Class confirmed for AustraliaMercedes-Benz has released full details and images of the AMG E 43 sedan, which is powered by a 295kW twin-turbo V6 and confirmed for introduction in Australia next year.
The range-topping version of the new E-Class sedan – at least until a new E 63 arrives from Mercedes-AMG -- will join the three engine variants previously confirmed from the July local launch of the big new German sedan.
They include the entry-level E 200 powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder unit (135kW/300Nm) and the E 350d with 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel (190kW/620Nm).
The Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC is the first high-performance variant announced the 10th-generation E-Class and will be significantly quicker than both models, using AWD to propel itself to 100km/h in a claimed 4.6 seconds.
That's because although it delivers less torque than the V6 diesel at 520Nm over 2500-5000rpm, it offers a lot more power at 295kW at 6100rpm and weighs less at 1765kg.
Top speed is listed at an electronically limited 250km/h, NEDC fuel consumption at 8.3L/100km and CO2 emissions at 189g/km.
Due to make its world debut at the New York motor show on March 23 and on sale in Germany from September, the E 43 will come with rear-biased torque distribution with a front/rear ratio of 31/69 per cent.
It will also be equipped with a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with shorter shift times, retuned sports air suspension with AIR BODY CONTROL, a more direct steering ratio and AMG brakes.
"The new E 43 4MATIC offers impressive driving dynamics coupled with cutting-edge efficiency," said Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG.
"Twin turbocharging, features adopted from motorsport and the characteristic AMG design immediately indicate to our customers that the new E-Class from AMG offers pure driving performance coupled with cutting-edge technology and intense emotion."
AMG increased the output of Mercedes' 3.0-litre petrol V6 by 25kW with the aid of two larger turbochargers, more sophisticated software and higher boost pressure of 1.1 bar.
Braking is via inner-vented, perforated compound brake discs measuring 360x36mm with four-piston fixed callipers and AMG lettering up front, and 360x26mm with single-piston fixed callipers at the rear.
Cosmetic impact is increased via a beefier front bumper with larger side air intakes featuring cross fins, a diamond grille with chromed pins, a louvre in high-gloss black and AMG lettering.
It rides on high-sheen 19-inch AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels in high-gloss black, while at the rear there are two chrome-plated quad-flow exhaust tailpipes, a rear diffuser in silver chrome and bootlid spoiler.
Inside, there's artificial ARTICO leather/DINAMICA microfibre black trim (nappa leather will be optional) with red stitching, and door trims and dashboard highlights to match.
Completing the E 43s unique presentation are black roof lining, red seat belts, specific pedals, a flat-bottom multifunction black nappa leather sports steering wheel with red contrast stitching, and an AMG instrument cluster with RACETIMER and 280km/h scale in chequered-flag design.
Apart from nappa leather, options will include AMG seats and 20-inch bichromatic AMG wheels.
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