Mercedes-AMG lobs E63 pricing

MERCEDES-AMG has released pricing for its all-new two-variant E63 sports sedan range that will race into Australian showrooms from July, priced at $239,900 plus on-roads for the E63 S 4Matic+ while the slightly less brutal E63 4Matic+ arrives in December from $209,900.

Claimed by the brand to be one of the fastest four-door sedans in the world, the E63 S can race from zero to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds on the way to an electronically-limited top speed of 300km/h.

Power comes courtesy of a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that pumps out 450kW at 6500rpm and 850Nm from 2500-4500rpm, with power sent to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Despite downsizing displacement by 1.5 litres over the old E63 S, the new model is not only 20kW/50Nm more powerful but also $10,000 cheaper.

In the E63 power is dialled down slightly to 420kW/750Nm, enabling a 0-100km/h time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed capped at 250km/h.

The 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system – fitted to Australian E63s for the first time – features fully variable torque distribution on the front and rear axles allowing for optimal handling and dynamics, while the E63 S comes with a ‘drift mode’ that turns the car into an exclusively rear-wheel-drive affair.

Combined fuel economy is a claimed 9.3 litres per 100km for both variants, which benefits from cylinder deactivation technology.

The E63’s AMG sports suspension comes with three different stiffness settings courtesy of the brand’s three-chamber Air Body Control air suspension setup.

Standard equipment on the E63 includes 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, a mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD), AMG-specific analogue clock, chrome exterior details and three-zone climate control.

Stepping up to the E63 S nets buyers 20-inch cross-spoke forged wheels in matte black, AMG Night Package exterior styling, AMG performance variable exhaust system, AMG Performance seats and steering wheel, red brake callipers, active dynamic engine mount, digital TV tuner, Nappa-leather-lined instrument panel and door beltlines, and wireless device charging.

As with recent AMG releases, an exclusive Edition 1 variant will be offered as a limited edition model to commemorate the new range’s launch.

Based on the E63 S, the Edition 1 adds selenite grey magno paintwork, carbon-ceramic brakes, AMG side sports decals in matte graphite, black AMG Nappa leather seats with yellow stitching, performance steering wheel in Dinamica microfibre with yellow stitching, carbon-fibre trim, and yellow highlights through the cabin.

Getting your hands on the Edition 1 adds $18,900 over the E63 S, bringing the total cost up to $258,800.

Once the E63 arrives in December, the E-Class AMG range will consist of three variants, including the twin-turbo V6 E43 that was released in March priced from $159,900.

Australia will not be getting the E63 Estate wagon version, which was revealed at this year’s Geneva motor show.

The E63 twins will do battle with the likes of the ageing BMW M5 – ahead of the new version that is due next year – Audi RS6 Avant Performance, Lexus GS F and Tesla Model S in the super-fast four-door category.

Mercedes-AMG CEO Tobias Moers said that vehicle dynamics was a big focus for the all-new, all-wheel-drive E63.

“The new AMG E 63 represents the biggest step forward we’ve ever taken from one generation to the next,” he said.

“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 V8 biturbo engine, reaffirms our brand’s ‘Driving Performance’ claim.”2017 Mercedes-AMG E63 pricing*

E63 (a)	$209,900
E63 S (a)	$239,900

*Excludes on-road costs