Apparently, giving the E 63 AMG a new face like the rest of the updated 2014 E-Class range that will bow at next week’s Detroit Motor Show and adding its 4MATIC all-wheel drive as an option wasn’t enough for Mercedes-Benz’s performance division.
The Affalterbach crew fiddled around with the E63 AMG’s twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8, too, increasing its boost pressure from 0.9 to 1.0 bar. As a result, it now it puts out 550HP (557PS) and 531 lb-ft (720 Nm) of torque, an increase of 32HP and 15 lb-ft (20 Nm) over the outgoing model.
Since the standard E 63 AMG, which is available in saloon and estate forms, now has the same ponies as the previous car’s optional AMG performance pack, they’ve also added the S-Model option that’s available with all-wheel drive and increases power to 577HP and torque to 590 lb-ft (800 Nm).
The standard model accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds, a figure that drops to 3.7 seconds (3.8 for the estate) in 4MATIC versions. The S-Model is a tenth of a second quicker, completing the sprint in 3.6 seconds for the saloon and 3.7 seconds for the estate, while all models have their top speed electronically limited at 250 km/h (155 mph).
“‘Driving Performance’ encapsulates the philosophy pursued at Mercedes-AMG”, said AMGchairman Ola Källenius. “The S-Models in particular represent the most attractive proposition in the segment, boasting substantially enhanced value for money: the highest power and torque ratings in the segment, the new performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the new design and substantially more standard equipment and appointments are the outstanding strengths of the new high-performance automobiles from Affalterbach.”
The optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive features a multi-disk clutch and a transfer case that’s integrated in the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed transmission. It distributes torque at a 33/67 front/rear ratio and the three-stage ESP has been tuned specifically for this model: in “Sport Handling” mode, the Torque Vectoring Brake system will brake individual wheels as needed when cornering to avoid understeer.
All E 63 AMG versions are equipped with the AMG RIDE CONTROL electronically controlled adaptive suspension, which offers three modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus) as standard. The S-Model has a differential lock in the rear axle for better traction and cornering performance, especially at the track.
Braking is taken care thanks to 360 mm perforated and ventilated discs all around with six- and four-piston calipers front and rear respectively that sport a silver finish in the standard model and red in the S-Model.
If that doesn’t seem enough, AMG also offers even larger 402 mm ceramic discs, which, apart from being more durable, are also 40 percent lighter than the steel brakes thus reducing unsprung weight.
The rear-wheel drive versions of the 2014MY Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG will be launched in April and will be joined by the 4MATIC and S-Models in June.
By Andrew Tsaousis
