Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG first look

The first official image of the face-lifted 2013 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG has emerged, revealing a smooth front end design that moves the performance car away from its predecessor's angular form.

Details are scarce on the new model, which will make its public debut alongside the rest of the face-lifted 2013 E-Class range at the Detroit motor show, but AMG did let slip that the new model will be offered with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, a first for the E 63 AMG.

The good news is that by adding an AWD option the updated 2013 AMG-tuned E-Class flagship is likely to punch out faster 0-100km/h acceleration times due to increased grip levels, and will give vehicles like the Audi RS6 something to think about.

The bad news is that Australians will never get to drive AWD models on locals roads because the system is only tailored for left-hand drive vehicles sold in markets such as Germany and the USA.

Mercedes-Benz Australia's Manager, Corporate Communications, Jerry Stamoulis, told motoring.com.au that when the new E63 AMG arrives in Australia in the second half of 2013, it will only be offered as a rear-wheel drive vehicle.

"We'll see it in the second half of 2013," said Mr Stamoulis, adding that 4MATIC is "not available in right-hand drive".

Expected to be powered by AMG's oft-used 5.5-litre twin turbo V8 petrol engine, power and torque figures have not yet been confirmed. However it is highly likely the big bore V8 engine will be modified slightly to produce more power and torque than the current E 63 AMG's 386kW/700Nm.

"Whenever there's a new car you always try to make it better looking and make it faster. In the case of an AMG we're always trying to improve," stated Mr Stamoulis.

One of the biggest departures from the current E63 AMG model that broke cover in 2009 is the front end styling, which features new single lens headlights as per the rest of the face-lifted E-Class range, which will begin arriving in Australia from mid year.

As well as the new headlight treatment, the official image shows a swoopy front apron with a lower valance that appears to have been influenced by the Mercedes AMG F1 race car, sporting an aerodynamic front 'wing' motif.

Mr Stamoulis asserts the new front bumper treatment "makes the E63 even more aggressive," but insists the removal of almost all angular styling cues on the car will not upset current owners.

"Whenever a new car comes out you can't please everyone, but I don't think it'll put people offside," he said.

Pricing for the new car is expected to rise slightly over the current model's $240,985. Mr Stamoulis says "it's too early to talk about where we're heading [with pricing] because we're still negotiating with the factory."

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