Mercedes-AMG E 63 upgraded

We’ve seen the facelifted Mercedes-Benz E-Class and now here’s the ultimate version: the upgraded 2021 Mercedes-AMG E 63 4MATIC+ super sedan that will arrive in Australia as part of the updated E-Class range in November.

Like the rest of the facelifted E-Class family, the updated E 63 brings a new look and Daimler’s latest MBUX infotainment system, but there’s no 48-volt mild-hybrid boosting or new e-turbo tech.

So the 2021 Mercedes-AMG E 63 4MATIC+ continues to be powered by AMG’s twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, producing the same 420kW/750Nm in standard form, which won’t come to Australia this time round, and the same big 450kW/850Nm outputs in S guise.

The latter will be the only E 63 variant offered Down Under, where the E-Class Estate will remain represented by the E 220d All-Terrain wagon.

Mercedes-AMG’s BMW M5 fighter continues to come standard with the AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system.

In top-spec E 63 S guise, the rapid saloon can hit 100km/h in a claimed 3.4 seconds – 0.1sec quicker than the E63 S Estate and the standard E 63 sedan, but one-tenth slower than the upgraded BMW M5 Competition, which also arrives here in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Underneath, Mercedes-AMG E 63 models ride on AMG’s RIDE CONTROL+ adaptive air suspension and come with a range of driving modes including Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Race.

Drift mode is now standard on top-spec E 63 S variants, allowing drivers to switch into a purely rear-wheel drive mode, matching the M5.

The Mercedes-AMG E 63 brings a host of new cabin equipment, including a new integrated button layout on the dash, a new twin-spoke steering wheel with touch-pad controls and more responsive Siri-style voice control assistant.

This is thanks to the fitment of Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system, which blends a central touch-screen with a digital instrument cluster to create a ‘Widescreen Cockpit’.

Meanwhile, safety has also been improved as part of the facelift, with the flagship E-Class model now getting active brake assist, active steering assist, a 360-degree camera and more advanced semi-autonomous cruise control.

There’s also a few changes to the E 63’s exterior, including a larger grille that sucks in more air than before, along with a larger central star badge, narrower LED headlights and wheel-arches with a more aggressive flare, allowing larger wider wheels up front.

The new model’s powerdome bonnet is more curvaceous and the front apron and splitter have been reshaped to allow for larger side air intakes, while also “significantly reducing lift at the front axle”.

The refreshed E 63 also looks wider from the rear-end, thanks to a redesigned rear bumper that’s said to improve the car’s aerodynamics, while the sedan’s tail-lights have also been made slimmer.

Pricing and local details will be available closer to the model’s launch in Australia, where the current Mercedes-AMG E 63 is priced between $218,200 for the standard model and $248,600 for the S.