The all-new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG has hit the streets in Australia.
The E 63 sports sedan has been a popular fixture in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Mercedes is expecting this version to be the most popular ever with Australian buyers.
The new E 63 AMG comes with the powerful AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, the completely newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping and a new steel-sprung front axle, and with its autonomous exterior and interior design. Newly developed ceramic composite brakes (the Australian date of release of which is to be announced shortly) are another technology highlight for the top-of-the-line E-Class model.
Mercedes-AMG has also achieved a reduction in fuel consumption of more than 15 percent for the new E 63 AMG (combined cycle, 12.7-litres/100km, according to ADR 81/02) thanks to the concerted use of fuel-efficiency measures.
The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in the new E 63 AMG develops an output of 386 kW/525 hp and a torque of 630 Newton metres, matching the outstanding figures for the SL 63 AMG. The high-performance Roadster has also donated its AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission to the new model.
This transmission dispenses with a conventional torque converter and uses a compact, wet start-up clutch. In conjunction with the four individual drive modes, the double-declutching and Race Start functions, the resulting direct connection to the powertrain allows an extremely emotional and highly dynamic driving experience.
The drive unit is unique in this segment, and ensures decidedly sporty performance figures: the E 63 AMG accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). The high-revving, naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 6208cc delivers responsiveness, muscular power delivery and great flexibility.
15% reduction in fuel consumption
Despite 8 kW of additional output compared to the preceding model, the fuel consumption of the new E 63 AMG has been significantly reduced: at 12.7 litres of super-premium grade petrol per 100 kilometres (ADR 81/02 combined-cycle consumption). The fuel consumption of the E 63 AMG is more than 15 percent lower than before, and leads the field among sports saloons developing more than 377 kW. T
his has been made possible by a package of efficiency-enhancing measures including on-demand delivery of fuel and alternator management with recuperation of braking energy on the overrun. In-engine friction is also reduced by the AMG-exclusive twin-wire arc spray coating process used on the cylinder walls.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission also makes a decisive contribution to fuel economy: a wet start-up clutch running in an oil bath replaces the previous torque converter. This unit responds extremely rapidly, dynamically and without the losses typical of a torque converter transmission thanks to its low rotational inertia.
The transmission is equipped with four drive modes: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual), which can be selected using a rotary electronic switch in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Partial suppression of individual cylinders by interrupting ignition and injection briefly during gearshifts under full load leads to considerably faster shift times. In M mode the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission allows gearshifts to be performed in 100 milliseconds.
In the even more fuel-efficient drive mode “Controlled Efficiency”, the transmission shifts the gears gently, and the transmission control unit is programmed to perform early upshifts to keep engine speeds as low as possible.
At the same time the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission meets the most demanding requirements where driving dynamics are concerned: fast, spontaneous multiple downshifts ensure first-class agility in conjunction with the automatic double-declutching and Race Start functions: this enables the E 63 AMG driver to call on the maximum acceleration potential automatically.
Electronically controlled damping system and a new front axle
The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension copes equally well with the agile manoeuvres of the racetrack and more comfortable, sedate driving. High performance and typical Mercedes long-distance comfort go together as an extraordinary synthesis in the E 63 AMG.
This is made possible by the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension. While new steel spring struts are used on the front axle, the rear suspension features AMG-specific air springs. The advantage of a solution such as this, is that the front steel spring struts ensure more sensitive responses while the rear air struts with their automatic level control system keep the vehicle at a constant height irrespective of the load.
A new, electronically controlled damping system automatically varies the damping characteristics according to the driving situation, reducing the roll angle of the body. The result is instant adjustment to provide the best possible ride comfort together with the greatest possible agility. In addition the driver is able to choose between the three suspension modes of “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport plus” at the touch of a button.
The E 63 AMG is also equipped with a newly developed, dedicated front axle with a 56-millimetre wider track, a tubular stabiliser, new control arms, new wheel bearings, new elastokinematics and new hub carriers for more negative camber – thereby providing more grip when taking bends at speed. The AMG-specific kinematics also ensure significantly more precision.
This is a sophisticated axle design whose principle has already proved its worth in the C 63 AMG. The rear axle likewise has more negative camber, optimised elastokinematics and a new subframe mounting for greater stability at the physical limits.
Newly developed power steering and individual 3-stage ESP®
For more direct responsiveness, the speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering is also a new development. The steering ratio of 14:1 is 22 percent more direct than in the standard production models, while a more rigid steering column plus the reconfigured characteristic mapping of the speed-sensitive servo assistance ensure better steering precision and improved road contact.
The 3-stage ESP® already found in the SL 63 AMG and C 63 AMG enables individual settings to be selected – with benefits in terms of driving pleasure combined with the same, high level of handling safety.
The ESP® button in the AMG DRIVE UNIT allows the driver to choose between “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF” – with the currently active mode shown in the central display of the AMG instrument cluster. Perfect deceleration even when driving extremely briskly is ensured by the AMG high-performance braking system with 360-millimetre, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round. Particularly resistant, motorsports-tested composite technology is used at the front axle.
As an option (Australian release date of this optional extra will be announced shortly) newly developed, optional ceramic composite brakes with larger brake discs guarantee even better brake performance and lower unsprung masses. The ceramic brake discs will perform reliably at even higher operating temperatures thanks to their greater hardness, all combined with an impressive weight reduction of around 40 percent. Outstanding grip is ensured by the 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a width of nine and 9.5 inches and mixed tyre sizes of 255/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear.
Dynamic interior and exterior
The dynamic design of the E 63 AMG is in keeping with the uncompromisingly sporty technology. The front aspect is characterised by 17-millimetre wider wings bearing “6.3 AMG” lettering, the new AMG front apron with large intake air apertures and the AMG-specific daytime driving lights in LED technology.
In conjunction with the Intelligent Light System, the E 63 AMG is equipped with tinted main headlamps. The striking visual presence is further enhanced by the AMG side sill panels and AMG rear apron with a black insert. As a hallmark of the brand, the AMG sports exhaust system has two newly designed, chrome-plated twin tailpipes. Finishing the rear-end design of the new E 63 AMG is a bootlid-mounted spoiler.
The newly designed interior of the E 63 AMG is a blend of high-grade materials and functional sportiness. Exclusive features include the dedicated, electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with improved lateral support and the AMG sports steering wheel in a four-spoke design with AMG shift paddles.
The AMG DRIVE UNIT provides adjustments for the MCT sports transmission, the ESP functions, the suspension set-up and the AMG drive modes. The AMG E-SELECT selector lever in the centre console is a completely new feature for the DRIVE UNIT. The driver can shift directly between R, N and D simply by nudging the lever, all thanks to drive-by-wire; P can only be selected by pressing a button.
Standard equipment also includes high-grade leather upholstery in three different colours, the AMG instrument cluster with an AMG main menu, door entry sills with AMG lettering and a sports pedal cluster – both in brushed stainless steel.
The feature-rich Exclusive Package is fitted as standard as standard equipment to the E 63 AMG, Normally optional on all V6- and V8-powered models from the E-Class range, it comprises the following elements:
Soft nappa leather upholstery fitted to the seats, upper section of the dashboard, waistlines, door and centre consoles, armrests and centre door panels
Roof lining, pillars and sun visors upholstered in Alcantara
AMG floor mats in black with AMG lettering
Even more individuality with tailor-made AMG extras
Customers requiring even more sporty individuality are catered for by the AMG Performance Studio: the E 63 AMG can, for instance, be dynamically enhanced even further ex-factory, with the Performance package. This package includes the following group of items:
AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension with a stiffer set-up
AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design (when specified, Lane Keeping Package including Blind-spot Assist is deleted; also not available with DISTRONIC PLUS)
Optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio are also individually available ex-factory. They include:
Brake callipers, painted red
AMG Exterior Carbon package
AMG interior carbon trim elements
Illuminated AMG door entry sills
Active and passive safety at a new level
The flagship AMG model in the E-Class traditionally meets the very highest expectations with respect to active and passive safety. Naturally this also applies to the new E 63 AMG: standard features include the new drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the unique anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, BAS PLUS, eleven airbags and crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints.
Safety features are brought to a level unprecedented in this vehicle class with the Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist systems as well as the Intelligent Light System. Optional extras include Night View Assist and the DISTRONIC PLUS autonomous cruise control featuring Brake Assist System (BAS PLUS) and PRE-SAFE® Brake with an automatic emergency braking function.
Australian customer deliveries of the new E 63 AMG are now underway and if you’ve got $234,900 plus dealer delivery and on-road costs one of these hot machines could be yours.