Mercedes unveiled its most powerful E-Class ever: The 603-hp Mercedes-AMG E63.
We’ve just barely started getting familiar with all the fancy technology onboard the latest-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but like children with short attention spans, the e-mail from the German automaker has us looking off at another new toy to play with.
And for good reason. Making a jaw-dropping 603 horsepower, the S version of the new Mercedes-AMG E63 is the fastest and most powerful version of the maker’s mid-range model ever. And it even has a new Drift Mode to play with.
“The new E63 models represent the biggest step forward we’ve ever taken from one generation to the next,” boasts AMG Chairman Tobias Moers, pointing to the new variable all-wheel-drive system that gets paired with a biturbo 4.0-liter V-8 on the new E63.
Depending upon how deep your pockets are – and how willing you are to risk a ticket – there are two versions of the new sedan. The “base” E63 churns out an impressive-enough 563 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.
(AMG working on Formula One-inspired Hypercar. Click Here for details.)
The new AMG E63 races from 0-to-60 in just 3.4 seconds, or 3.2 seconds in the "S" model.
But if you’re going all-in, the Mercedes-AMG E63S will bump that up to 603 hp and 627 pound-feet. And the new 4Matic system can shift whatever power is needed, front or rear, depending upon driving conditions and the itchiness of your throttle foot.
Both versions of the engine are paired with an AMG-tuned nine-speed Speedshift multiclutch gearbox.
You’ll hit 60 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds in the “S” model, while the standard E63 will need about 3.4 seconds. To put things into perspective, the E63S has 27 more ponies than the AMG GT-R and will hit 60 about 0.2 seconds faster. Both E63 versions, meanwhile will get there ahead of the 640-hp Cadillac CTS-V, which has been one of the luxury midsize sedan segment’s performance benchmarks.
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If off-the-line acceleration isn’t your passion, you can opt to set the Driver Select Mode to Race, for some track time with the nanny tech systems dialed way back. There’s also the new Drift Mode, standard on the E63S. AMG says it transforms the sedan into a “purely rear-wheel-drive” monster that will let you hang the tail out as much as your gut can tolerate.
If off-the-line acceleration isn’t a passion, you can set the Driver Select Mode to Race, for some track time with the nanny tech systems dialed back.
Meanwhile, the AMG air body control suspension will help keep you leveled off, even in the fastest corners.
Visually, the E63 gets a number of exterior tweaks, including flared front intakes and vertical black struts in the front grille. The front wheel arches make nearly an extra inch of room to accommodate the E63’s bigger tires. And, inside, there’s new Alcantara and leather trim.
(To see how Mercedes is upping the ante with two new GT models, Click Here.)
We’ll be getting a closer look at the two E63 variants in just a few weeks, at the Los Angeles Auto Show. But don’t expect to take delivery, if you’ve got the cash in your checking account, until summer 2017.