New York show: More E63 AMG details emerge

MERCEDES-AMG is putting the finishing touches to what it says will be a worthy and groundbreaking torchbearer of the respected E63 nameplate.

Speaking with GoAuto at the New York motor show last week, Mercedes-AMG chairman Tobias Moers revealed that the upcoming W213-series E63 will be launched in Europe early next year, with other markets such as Australia to follow soon after.

Along with delivering better performance, sharper handling, more grip, a cushier ride and more excitement than any previous iteration, it will also usher in the first all-wheel drive version to be sold in Australia, underlining the sheer extent of change that is occurring.

It also ensures that rivals such as the Audi RS6 quattro no longer have the AWD advantage to themselves.

“The next E-Class will have around 600hp (about 440kW)… and higher torque too,” he boasted.

“It’s going to be a little bit of a different engine, but still with 4.0-litres, and we’ll have it with two power setups. The first one was brought to market with the GT S and C63, and this (revised) second one with a higher-output level, that we will bring to market with the E63.”

The outgoing W212-series E63 AMG S that retails from $250,540 plus on-road costs delivers 430kW and 800Nm from a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, reflecting the huge efficiency potential of the downsized engine.

As widely reported, the new E63 will switch to a nine-speed wet-clutch MCT multi-clutch transmission known as the AMG Speedshift 9G-tronic, tuned especially for faster and smoother responses than the previous 7G-tronic item.

Developed in conjunction with the AMG-designed and engineered AMG Performance 4Matic AWD system, the powertrain will represent a sizeable advancement for the super sports sedan.

“The E63 will make the biggest step we have ever made from generation to generation,” Mr Moers revealed.

“It’s a new all-wheel-drive system with a drift mode, it’s 9G-tronic, it’s new driving dynamics… it’s going to be four-wheel drive with right-hand drive.

“I think it is on another, unexpected level from us.”

Whether the new E63’s AMG Performance 4Matic AWD system is the same as the just announced E43’s is unknown.

The latter, with around 295kW and 520Nm from a 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 can sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds (on the way to an electronically limited 250km/h) and features a rear-biased torque distribution with a front-to-rear ratio of 31:69 percent.

AMG Airmatic Adaptive Sport Suspension is also part of the E43’s tantalising tech.