Mercedes-AMG E 43 local deliveries commence

Local Mercedes-Benz dealers have begun retailing the E 43 at a list price of $159,900 – not too far removed from the smaller but more flamboyant C 63.

The twin-turbo V6 E-Class appeals to a different sort of buyer than the E 63 that's pencilled in for a local launch later this year. While it's good for a 4.6-second time in the 0-100km/h sprint, the E 43 goes about its business with little of the V8 model's fanfare. And the E 43 is also officially rated at 8.4L/100km for fuel economy, running on the recommended 98 RON premium unleaded fuel.

Producing 295kW and 520Nm, the V6 powering the E 43 is fed by direct injection and twin turbochargers. A nine-speed automatic transmission channels the torque to all four wheels, which measure 20-inch diameter and ride on Airmatic (air) suspension as standard. The sports braking system fitted features discs all round, perforated at the front.

For Australia, the E 43 comes with AMG's Night Package, alarm, Nappa leather upholstery and privacy glass as standard. In addition, the E 43 comes with a 13-speaker Burmester audio system, sports pedals, Air-Balance climate control with ionisation/air filtering/fragrance, Artico man-made leather for the upper section of the dash, AMG floor mats, front sports seats and sports steering wheel with flattened bottom section/chrome shift paddles. The glass sunroof is supplied as a no-charge option.

Distinguishing features include an AMG body kit with boot spoiler and sports exhaust system. Metallic paint costs no extra and the colours available for the E 43 are: Black, Polar White (both solid colours), Obsidian Black, Iridium Silver, Cavansite Blue, Diamond Silver, Selenite Grey and Kallaite Green.

Options include Red Topstitching for the black leather upholstery, carbon trim, Metal Weave/black piano-lacquer look trim, three-zone climate control, TV tuner and wireless charging for portable devices.

"The new E 43 4MATIC offers impressive driving dynamics coupled with cutting-edge efficiency. 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," says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG.

Watch out for our review tomorrow.