The new generation Mercedes-AMG E63 and E63 S models have been introduced and the S model has become the most powerful and fastest E-Class of all time. They have dropped the 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 for AMG’s 4.0-litre force-fed V8 and you now get 4MATIC four-wheel drive as standard in both models.
- E63 packs 563 hp, 750 Nm and 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds
- E63 S packs 604 hp, 850 Nm and a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 3.3 seconds
Both models have a restricted top speed of 250 km/h and if you opt or the AMG Driver’s package, this increases to 300 km/h. The new V8 engine also has cylinder deactivation so if you are not needing all the oomph, it will turn into a four-pot when revs are between 1000 and 3250 rpm.
Also standard is a nine-speed Speedshift MCT (Multi Clutch Technology) automatic transmission with steering wheel paddles channels power to all four wheels. The new E63 models don’t offer the option of a rear-wheel drive only model anymore but the E63 S 4MATIC does come with a special ‘Drift Mode’ feature that delivers power exclusively to the rear wheels as standard. You activate the mode by putting it into the “Race” drive program using the shift paddles, provided that ESP is deactivated and the transmission is in manual mode, and it remains engaged until the driver deactivates it again.