Tobias Moers, head of Mercedes-AMG, revealed that the upcoming E63 AMG will not be available with rear-wheel drive, but will channel its brute force to all four wheels.

Speaking to TopGear during the launch of the new AMG GT R, Moers said simply “It’s going to be four-wheel drive. Only.” “But we are going to introduce a completely new four-wheel drive system, one which we’ve never had in the company”, he added. “That’s going to be the biggest step we ever did with a generation. In Germany we had the choice of 4×4 and 4×2, and 90-plus per cent bought the 4×4. People in that segment are looking for four-wheel drive.”

Although he didn’t share any details on the new AWD system, Moers did say that it will distribute the available torque between the axles actively, in the same fashion the Ford Focus RS does. That last part should reassure hardcore fans of the brand that the traditional AMG drifting values will remain on the agenda.

When asked if the new E63 AMG will also get the four-wheel steering that debuted in the AMG GT R, Moers said that there is no need for a system like this. AMG is planning on using the four-wheel steering system only in its more hardcore products and special versions.

Under the bonnet of the new E63 will be the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 from the AMG GT and C63 AMG, but with a different output. The block, crankshaft and most parts are going to be the same, but the cylinder heads and arrangement of turbochargers will be different.

Moers also told TG that the power war days were over for AMG, focusing instead on the overall package. “Power should be in line with the overall capabilities of the chassis. It’s more important to have a precise throttle response than all that power. You need a certain level and in that segment, it’s around 600bhp.”

Which sounds a lot like what we’ve showed you a couple of months ago, when a leaked document revealed that the new E63 AMG will be offered with 571PS (563hp) and 750Nm (553 lb-ft) in its base form and 612PS (604hp) and 850Nm (627 lb-ft) in the ‘S’ trim.

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