Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

After the usual internet leaks Mercedes-Benz has released pics and info about their latest AMG bahnstormer, the E 63.

As with most AMG machines the numbers are big. Very big. In exchange for 6.3 litres of V8 metal you get 525bhp (386kW) with very handy 630Nm of torque. The car is only available with the AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed transmission, but at least its not a conventional torque converter auto. The box employs a wet start-up clutch and has four selectable options—in manual mode it can change gears in as little as 100 milliseconds. There’s also a RACE START function that blips the throttle at all the right moments making you look as adept as Mika Hakkinen.

What this means is the E 63 AMG will accelerate to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds. As usual for Mercedes-Benz, top speed is capped at 250km/h.

There’s the usual raft of improvements and electronic trickery under the skin including more direct steering and better fuel consumption. They say there is a three stage ESP system that includes an “ESP off” setting. I wonder if that is what they really mean, as Mercedes-Benz have been known in the past to not allow ESP to be fully deactivated by the driver.

Mercedes describes the design of this car as “decidedly dynamic”. I personally think that is decidedly optimistic. The more modern Benz design solutions haven’t always been a treat to the eye. And, to me, this E 63 is no different. It’s not that it’s ugly, but it’s just not pretty to look at. Sure, there are some nice design details, but overall it’s not on the money.

More words and images after the jump.

UPDATE: From the Australian press release – “The European market launch of the new E 63 AMG will commence in August 2009. This exciting new model will hit Australian road in the first quarter of next year. Full Australian specifications and pricing will be announced closer to the time of model release”

The E 63 AMG – the new generation of dynamic, sports saloon with day-to-day suitability

With 525 hp and AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission

Affalterbach – AMG is kicking off the new 2009 motoring season with a new dynamism: shortly after the launch of the new E-Class, the high-performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars is presenting the new E 63 AMG. This dynamic sports saloon with day-to-day suitability impresses with outstanding performance, thrilling handling characteristics and a technology transfer from the SL 63 AMG high-performance Roadster.

The new E 63 AMG distinguishes itself from the regular Mercedes-Benz E-Class models with a completely newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping and a new front axle, and with its autonomous exterior and interior design. At the same time Mercedes-AMG has achieved a reduction in fuel consumption by almost 12 percent for the new E 63 AMG, thanks to the concerted use of fuel efficiency measures. With its unique combination of pioneering driver assistance systems, the E 63 AMG further consolidates the brand’s leading position in the field of automotive safety.

The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in the new E 63 AMG develops a power output of 525 hp and a torque figure of 630 Nm, 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. It dispenses with a conventional torque converter and uses a compact, wet start-up clutch. In conjunction with the four individual driving modes, the throttle-blipping 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 sporty performance figures: the E 63 AMG accelerates from 0-62 mph in just 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). The fast-revving, naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 6208 cc impresses with its agile responsiveness, muscular power delivery and great flexibility. The newly composed AMG V8 sound is a thrilling accompaniment mile after mile, while the smooth-running engine guarantees typical Mercedes-Benz long-distance comfort. A newly designed water cooling system ensures maximum endurance even under the enormous dynamic stresses of the racetrack.

Fuel consumption cut by almost 12 percent

Despite 11 hp of additional output versus the preceding model, the fuel consumption of the new E 63 AMG has been significantly improved. It now returns 22.4 mpg, 2.6 mpg more than then previous car (NEDC combined consumption, provisional figure), and leads the field among sports saloons developing more than 500 hp. This progress has been made possible by a package of efficiency-enhancing measures. These include on-demand delivery of fuel and generator management with recuperation of braking energy on the overrun, both of which are standard in the new E 63 AMG. 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 driving 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 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 driving mode Controlled Efficiency, the transmission shifts the gears decidedly smoothly, 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 and precise multiple downshifts ensure first-class agility in conjunction with the automatic throttle-blipping and RACE START function: this enables the E 63 AMG driver to call on the maximum acceleration potential automatically.

Electronically controlled damping system and a new front axle

Sporty or more comfort-oriented? The driver of the new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG is not obliged to accept any compromises in this respect. 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-Benz 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 this solution, which is exclusive to AMG, is that the front 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 mm wider track, a tubular stabiliser, new control arms, new wheel bearings, new elastokinematics and new wheel location 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 highly 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® familiar from the SL 63 AMG and C 63 AMG enables individual settings to be selected – with clear benefits in terms of driving pleasure combined with the same, high level of handling safety. The ESP® key 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 mm, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round. Particularly resistant, motorsports-tested composite technology is used at the front axle. Outstanding grip is ensured by the 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a width of nine and 9.5 inches and mixed tyre sizes of 255/40 R 18 at the front and 285/35 R 18 at the rear.

Decidedly dynamic interior and exterior

The decidedly dynamic design of the E 63 AMG is fully in keeping with the uncompromisingly sporty technology. The front aspect is characterised by 17 mm wider wings bearing “6.3 AMG” lettering, the new AMG front apron with large air intake apertures and the AMG-specific daytime driving lights using LED technology. In conjunction with the standard Intelligent Light System, the E 63 AMG is equipped with tinted main headlamps. The striking visual presence is further enhanced by the AMG side skirts and AMG rear apron with a black diffuser insert. As a hallmark of the brand, the AMG sports exhaust system has two newly designed, chrome-plated twin tailpipes.

The newly designed interior of the E 63 AMG is an exciting 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. As a completely new feature exclusive to the E 63 AMG, the AMG selector lever has one-touch logic. Directly adjacent to it in the centre console is the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which provides adjustments for the MCT sports transmission, the ESP functions, the suspension set-up and the AMG driving modes. Standard equipment also includes high-grade nappa 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.

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 be dynamically enhanced with the Performance Package. This includes the following:

• Lightweight, forged 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear
• AMG Performance suspension with a stiffer set-up
• AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
• AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid
• AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design

Optional extras from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO are also individually available:

• Lightweight, forged 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear
• AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
• AMG Exterior Carbon package
• AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design
• AMG carbon-fibre trim in the interior
• Illuminated AMG door entry sills
• AMG floor mats

Active and passive safety at a new level

The top AMG model in the E-Class range 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 preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, Brake Assist PLUS, seven airbags and crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints. On request the safety features can be brought to a level unprecedented in this vehicle class with the Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist systems, the PRE-SAFE® Brake with an automatic braking function which can bring the vehicle to a complete stop, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Night View Assist.