Detroit show: Potent Mercedes E63 AMG on the way
BY TIM NICHOLSON | 11th Jan 2013
The new ‘S-Model’ will be 20kW more powerful than the current range-topping E63 AMG Performance Pack that has an already respectable output of 410kW.
Standard E63 models will also receive a boost from 386kW to 410kW, with 720Nm of torque coming from Mercedes’ 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 that is carried-over from the current model.
The refreshed E63 AMG sedan and wagon will join the new-look E-Class sedan, wagon, coupe and cabriolet models in Detroit.
Mercedes started the drip feed of images in December when it released shots of what will undoubtedly be the volume-selling sedan and wagon versions of the E-Class.
Internationally, the E63 AMG and the S-Model will be available with AMG’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, but Australia will miss out on the all-paw system as it is not built in right-hand drive.
Mercedes-Benz Australia senior manager of corporate communications David McCarthy said that while a right-hand AWD drive version was unlikely for the 2013 iteration, it could be on the agenda for the next generation.
The design of the E63 is more aggressive than previous versions of the car, with the German marque incorporating AMG’s new design philosophy into the exterior of the new model.
A new ‘twin blade’ grille is the standout of the front end, replacing the more conservative-looking version from the current model that features the three-pointed star on top of the grille.
A black highlight runs through the centre of the blade, distinguishing it from its less performance-oriented coupe and cabrio siblings.
The E63 features a so-called ‘A-wing’, a three-dimensional air deflector that spans the entire front apron, revealing a stylised letter ‘A’ painted in the same colour as the body with a silver chrome strip.
A V8 Biturbo badge features prominently along the side panel, just above the flared wings, leaving no doubt about the performance pedigree of the car.
The interior features similar changes to that of the rest of the facelifted E-Class range, albeit with a sportier flavour.
Highlights in the cabin include black leather interior with silver seatbelts and a black Nappa leather AMG Performance steering wheel that is flattened at the top and the bottom.
Standard equipment on the performance flagship include AMG door entry sills, brushed stainless steel sports pedals, metallic paint and safety features such as crash prevention system and attention assist.
The German car-maker has ensured that the E63 will be the top pick for executive performance cars, with a 0-100km/h time of 3.6 seconds for the 430kW S-Model, the fastest in its segment.
The S-Model wagon is just 0.1 second slower at 3.7 seconds.
Performance figures for the standard 410kW E63 are nothing to be sniffed at either with a 0-100km/h time of 4.2 seconds.
The Benz’s main competitor, the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 BMW M5 pumps out 412kW and races to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
Another German competitor is the upcoming Audi RS6 Avant, due to storm into Australia late this year with a 412kW 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and a 0-100km/h time of 3.9 seconds.
Jaguar’s XFR-S that will arrive locally mid-year comes with a supercharged 404kW V8 and a 0-100km/h time of 4.6 seconds Despite the powerful engine and performance capability of the E63, Mercedes-Benz claims that the “AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine continues to be the absolute pinnacle of efficiency,” with fuel consumption figures of 9.8 litres per 100 km on the combined cycle and 10.3L/100km for the S-Model.
It is anticipated that the E63 AMG will make its Australian debut in September, around the same time as the rest of the E-Class lineup and Mr McCarthy said he is not expecting prices to increase over the current model.
Mercedes-Benz Australia celebrated a record year of AMG sales in 2012, shifting 1233 units with the C-Class based C63 the top-selling AMG model.
The E63 AMG makes up between eight and nine per cent of all E-Class sales locally and Mr McCarthy said he anticipates an increase in sales for the new model.
“The large car segment all around the world is challenging,” he said. “But this car is faster, more economical, better equipped, it is restyled and it has got a lot of improvements in it. I expect that we will move a few more.”
