The new-generation 2017 Mercedes-AMG E63 S will hit
Australia in June, with the ‘regular’
E63 to follow in December.
Unlike the S-only C63 S, AMG’s larger hero sedan
will be offered locally in both E63 4Matic+ and E63 S 4Matic+ forms, the
dynamic Deutsche duo will be priced from AUD 209,900 and AUD 239,900 respectively,
before on-road costs.
Making the leap to a 63 badge buys you a twin-turbo
4.0-litre V8 producing 571 Hp and 750 Nm, while stepping onto the top rung sees
those numbers pumped up to a fairly monstrous 612 Hp and 850 Nm.
The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that drives the E63
models is matched to an AMG SpeedShift nine-speed multi-clutch sport automatic
transmission (with a wet start-off clutch), and the company’s enhanced 4Matic+
all-wheel drive system. This combination, packed into the 1950 kg new-generation
E63, promises a 0-100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds for the E63, shaved to 3.4
seconds for the S model. The previous model could deliver 3.9 seconds in 4Matic
form, but our market got only the rear-drive model, which delivered a
relatively pedestrian time of 4.1 seconds.
Other tricks of the new model’s engine includes
cylinder deactivation for reduced fuel use (9.3 L/100km for both models), along
with, more excitingly for the handful that might dare try it, a Drift Mode for
the S model that promises “the driving experience of an exclusively
rear-wheel-drive vehicle”.
There’s also a sports suspension package based on
Mercedes’ Air Body Control system, delivering adjustability of a three-chamber
air spring through the available transmission modes.
Stand-out standard kit for the E63 4Matic+ includes
a mechanical rear-axle limited-slip differential, 20-inch five-twin-spoke alloy
wheels, chrome exterior trim and Thermotronic three-zone automatic climate
control.
Step up to the E 63 S and there’s AMG’s electronic
rear LSD, active dynamic engine mount, AMG Performance selectable exhaust
settings, 20-inch cross-spoke forged wheels in matt black with high-sheen
highlights, darkened AMG Night Package exterior trim, red brake calipers, AMG
Performance seats and nappa/Dinamica microfibre-wrapped steering wheel,
nappa-trimmed instrument panel and door beltlines, digital TV tuner and
wireless charging for compatible mobile phones.
Not enough? It’s Edition 1 for you, then. For a
further AUD 18,900 (MRLP) on the S model, you’ll get ‘Designo’ Selenite Grey Magno
paint, ceramic composite brakes, AMG side graphics in a matt finish, AMG
Exclusive nappa leather seats with contrast yellow stitching, Dinamica
microfibre steering wheel with yellow stitching, carbon-fibre trim highlights
in the cabin, and more yellow highlights and stitching.
