Mercedes-AMG E63 4Matic+ and E63 S 4Matic+ are most powerful performance sedans

Mercedes-AMG is redefining the performance sedan.  The brand is turning its intelligent E-Class executive sedan into the most powerful E-Class of all time, in the shape of the next generation of the Mercedes-AMG E63 4Matic+ and Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic+. 

The latest generation of the E63 sees Mercedes-AMG introducing a number of new developments that redefine the performance sedan. 

Innovative powertrain engineering and maximum performance are combined with distinctive design, exclusive equipment and the latest infotainment features for comprehensive, connected multimedia applications.

"The new E63 models represent the biggest step forward we've ever taken from one generation to the next.  Vehicle dynamics were especially important to us.  At the start of the development process, we opted for a fully variable all-wheel drive system which, when combined with the advanced performance of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, reaffirms our brand's "Driving Performance" claim," explains Tobias Moers of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Up to 450kW… in an E-Class!

Delivering superior power, the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine generates 420kW in the E63 and up to 450 kW in the S model, which makes it the most powerful engine to have ever been installed in an E-Class.

The versatile AMG 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine in the E63 4Matic+ is rated at 420 kW and has 750 Nm of torque.  This variant accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. 

The E63 S 4Matic+ takes peak performance to a new level at 450 kW.  Maximum torque attains a new best value of 850 Nm, available over an engine speed range of 2500 to 4500 rpm “and so provides a feeling of effortless superiority in every accelerator pedal position”.  A sprint from zero to 100 km/h is absolved in 3.4 seconds, and this dynamic acceleration only ends at the governed top speed of 250, or, with the optional AMG Driver's package: 300 km/h.

With acceleration of 3.4 seconds from 0-100 km/h the new business limousine sports sedan is at the top of its class.  Well, Jaguar doesn’t have a new XFR (yet?), Audi has no competing RS sedan model, and as the new 5 Series BMW is just becoming available now, we’ll have to wait to see what the new M5 will stir up.  The E63 models’ closest current opposition comes from an improbable corner – Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

A unique front

Every detail of the exterior and interior is designed to enable AMG Driving Performance to be experienced at first hand. 

The expressive exterior design is all about a defined look.  With a distinctive design forward of the A-pillar, the sporty front is set apart from other E-Class models.  The bonnet, for a start, has its own dual lines.  It demonstrates the effort Mercedes-AMG has put into the styling: for the first time on an AMG sedan, the bonnet is inset between the wings and bumper like on a coupé, thus exhibiting an entirely new, more dynamic approach to the sculpting. 

More powerful-looking and 17 millimetres wider, the wheel arches accommodate the greater track width and the larger wheels on the front axle.  The new radiator grille with twin louvres in silver chrome, vertical black struts and AMG lettering emphasise the distinctive look.  Overall, the front section “exudes exceptional power and thus conveys the strong forwards thrust of the new performance sedan at first glance”.

Side view and muscular rear

One special detail is the arrow-shaped wing signet in silver chrome bearing three-dimensional V8 BITURBO 4MATIC+ lettering, as a new way to highlight the drive system.

The muscular rear end provides the finishing touch in conjunction with the clearly defined vehicle-colour boot lid spoiler lip, rear apron with diffuser-look insert, and the two bright chrome-plated twin tailpipe trim elements on the selectable sports exhaust system.  The E63 S 4Matic+ also features a trim strip in silver chrome on the rear apron.

AMG Cylinder Management

For maximum efficiency, Mercedes-AMG has equipped the V8 engine with the AMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system.  This already helped the SLK55 to achieve impressively low consumption and emission values for its V8 engine, and is now being used with a turbocharged engine from the high-performance sports car brand for the first time.  In the partial-load range, cylinders two, three, five and eight are deactivated, which crucially lowers the fuel consumption (4 of the 8 cylinders).

With combined fuel consumption of 8.9 litres and CO2 emissions of 203 grams per kilometre (combined) the E 63 4Matic+ and E 63 S 4Matic+ set a new best.

When the driver has selected the Comfort transmission drive program, the cylinder deactivation system is available in the engine speed range from 1000 to 3250 r/min.  The AMG main menu on the instrument cluster informs the driver whether the cylinder deactivation system is in use and whether the engine is presently operating in the partial or full-load range.  The transition from four to eight-cylinder operation is immediate, fast and imperceptible, so that the passengers do not experience any loss of comfort… or instant power.

AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable all-wheel drive

All this power would just not be suitable for a rear-wheel-drive E63.  Both E63 models are exclusively available with the innovative AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system. 

This newly-engineered intelligent system brings together the advantages of various drive configurations.  Torque distribution on the front and rear axles, which is fully variable for the first time, ensures optimum traction right up to the physical limit.  The driver is also able to rely on high driving stability and handling safety.

AMG with drift mode

It is still possible to drift thanks to fully variable torque distribution.  This is where drift mode – part of the standard specification for the E63 S 4Matic+ model – comes into its own.  This can be activated in the Race drive program using the shift paddles, provided that ESP is deactivated and the transmission is in manual mode.  When drift mode is activated, the car becomes a purely rear-wheel drive vehicle.

Short shift times, high efficiency: the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed sports transmission

The AMG Speedshift MCT (Multi Clutch Technology) is now a 9-speed sports transmission, whereas this basic V8 engine in the C63 and AMG GT cars combines with a 7-speed.

For the first time a wet start-off clutch (which replaces the torque converter) is used.  This enables more agile response times to be achieved – it optimises the response time to the driver's accelerator pedal input.

A special software development enables extremely short shift times, fast multiple downshifts and the double-clutching function, making for a highly emotive gearshifting experience.

Market launch

The new E63 sales release follows in January 2017, with market launch beginning in March.  The Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic+ is due in South Africa in the 2nd quarter of 2017.