AFFALTERBACH, Germany – Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance-car division unveils the third-generation E63 sedan the German automaker claims is the fastest accelerating model it has ever produced.
With an official 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.4 seconds in top-of-the-line S 4Matic+ guise, the E63 also holds the distinction of being the most powerful series production 4-door ever to wear the AMG badge. The car makes its world debut at the Los Angeles auto show in mid-November.
Fitted with the latest evolution of AMG’s twin-turbocharged 4.0L V-8, the E63 will be sold in two distinct versions, the standard 4Matic+ with 563 hp and 552 lb.-ft. (748 Nm) of torque, and the range-topping S 4Matic+ packing 603 hp and 626 lb.-ft. (849 Nm).
Compared with the twin-turbocharged 5.5L V-8 in the outgoing E63, the 4.0L gains 14 hp and 29 lb.-ft. (39 Nm) in standard guise and 26 hp and 37 lb.-ft. (50 Nm) in the S model.
This endows the 4,145-lb. (1,880-kg) E63 S 4Matic+ with a weight-to-power ratio of 6.9 lbs. (3.1 kg) per hp, down from 7.1 lbs. (3.2 kg) per hp in the second-generation E63. In the S, the engine develops a specific output of 151.4 hp per liter.
For the first time, AMG employs a pair of twin-scroll turbochargers to improve boost, combustion efficiency and throttle response. The engine also deactivates four cylinders to improve fuel economy in city driving.
Power is routed to all four wheels through a new, paddle-shifted 9-speed Speedshift Multi-Clutch Technology automatic gearbox with a wet start-off clutch. The AMG Performance 4Matic+ varies distribution of drive between the front and rear wheels for the first time. AMG says it allows oversteer when conditions permit via Drift mode. Activated by the shift paddles, the mode directs power exclusively to the rear wheels until the driver deactivates it.
AMG toughens the E63’s appearance to set it apart from lesser E-class models, combining unique grille, front bumper, hood and front fenders with black exterior mirror housings, widened door sills, a trunk-mounted spoiler, rear bumper and four trapezoidal tailpipes.
The E63 will be launched in sedan form, followed by a wagon variant.
