In typical Mercedes-Benz fashion we didn’t have to wait years and years to see the high-performance E 63 AMG. The car is based on the new E-Class which was unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. E-Class sedan comes into Mzansi this July.
Sporting the same 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8, the E 63 AMG now has slightly more power. Merc says the engine is now a 6.3-litre but I'll wait for the technical specs to confirm this. Anyway, the car itself goes from 378kW to 386kW but maximum torque stays at 630Nm. The 0 – 100km/h time is dispatched in a claimed 4.5 seconds and top speed remains at 250km/h.
Mercedes-Benz has opted to fit the 7-speed MCT gearbox found in the SL 63 AMG, which is a good idea considering that the ‘box in manual mode changes faster than automatic and human drivers using a manual with a clutch. Standard wheels are 18-inch in size but optional 19-inchers are available on request.
Those LED daytime running lights are standard. The front bumper features a honey-comb mash lower grille with side vents. On the side are wide side skirts and the words “6.3 AMG”. The rear is quite plain I must say, with only the four pipes indicating anything of significance.
Inside we see an even sportier car than the one it replaces. Gearshift peddles behind the steering wheel, a short stubby gear changer, alloy foot pedals and a sports steering wheel are just some of the features.
The new E 63 AMG will be revealed live at the 2009 New York International Auto Show next week. It should arrive in Mzansi during the first quarter of 2010 at a price of about R1.2 million.
At that time its direct competitors will be the Audi RS 6 (426kW), BMW M5 (373kW) and Jaguar XF-R (380kW).
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