Benz to offer exclusive Aussie cut-price E63 AMG

MERCEDES-BENZ will fast-track an exclusive version of the all-new E63 AMG sedan for Australia just two months after its global debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

Best news is that the redesigned iteration of Stuttgart’s finest and fastest large sedan will arrive in Australian showrooms in November, priced at $234,900 (plus dealer delivery and statutory charges) – $4056 less than the model it replaces.

That makes the new E63 about $6900 cheaper than its most direct rival in BMW’s M5 sedan ($241,816) and also puts it mid-way between Audi’s S6 quattro sedan ($204,900) and RS6 quattro sedan ($263,500), all of which are V10-powered.

Even better, Mercedes says that on top of the new model’s improved performance, dynamics and comfort, the 2010 E63’s price represents a spec-adjusted saving over its predecessor of more than $32,000.

As with the (C63-based) Edition 63, Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific has been able to secure a uniquely specified example of the E63, featuring standard equipment that is normally optional in other markets, including a rear bootlid spoiler, sun protection package and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Factory options will comprise an AMG rear differential with 40 per cent locking action, an AMG ‘Exterior Carbon’ package, a three-spoke AMG ‘Performance’ steering wheel and AMG interior carbon-fibre trim.

As before, at the heart of the new E63 lies a slightly more powerful 386kW (up from 378kW) version of AMG’s 6.2-litre petrol V8, which produces the same 630Nm of peak torque and revs to 7200rpm.

Despite the extra 8kW, combined average fuel consumption is reduced by 12 per cent, to 12.6L/100km, thanks to on-demand fuel and alternator management, brake energy recuperation on the overrun and an AMG-exclusive twin-wire arc spray coating process used on the cylinder walls.

Now fitted with a new water-cooling system and matched with an upgraded AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed automatic transmission, it blasts the more angular-looking new E-class sedan flagship to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.

The revised AMG auto features a wet start-off clutch to replace the previous torque converter and four driving modes, with gearshifts claimed to be 20 per cent faster in ‘S’ (sports) mode compared to ‘C’ (comfort) mode, another 20 per cent faster in ‘S+’ mode and a further 10 per cent faster in ‘M’ mode – in which they are claimed to take place in 100 milliseconds. There is also a ‘Race Start’ function for optimum takeoff speed.

There is also a dedicated new front axle with new steel spring-struts (the rear-end comprises AMG-specific air springs), a 45mm-wider track, tubular stabiliser bar, new control arms and wheel bearings, new elastokinematics and new hub carriers for more negative camber, plus a new AMG Ride Control sports suspension system with three-mode variable damping function from the C63 and SL63.

Other new E63 technologies include an individual three-stage electronic stability control program, a 22 per cent more direct power steering system and a high-performance AMG braking system with 360mm vented and perforated rotors all round.

The 19-inch AMG alloy wheels are nine inches wide at the front and 9.5 inches wide at the rear, wrapped in 255/40 R19 and 285/35 R19 tyres respectively.

Exclusive standard features include powered front AMG sports seats with improved lateral support, a four-spoke AMG sports steering wheel with AMG shift paddles, Nappa leather upholstery in three different colours, an AMG instrument cluster with an AMG main menu, AMG-badged door entry sills and brushed stainless steel pedals.

Standard safety equipment extends to Mercedes’ new ‘Attention Assist’ drowsiness detection system, the ‘Pre-Safe’ preventive occupant protection system, ‘Brake Assist Plus’, seven airbags and crash-responsive ‘Neck-Pro’ head restraints.

A reversing camera, ‘Parking Guidance’ system, ventilated and heated luxury front seats, active multi-contoured front-seat backrests, panoramic sunroof, ‘Keyless Go’ remote entry/starting system and an ‘Exclusive’ leather interior are also available.