2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG revealed

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the AMG version of the off-putting new 2010 E-Class, with an upgraded version of the AMG-specific 6.2-litre V8. Dubbed as the E63 AMG, it also sports a number of improvements, while looking better than its more pedestrian non-AMG siblings.

The new E63 AMG distinguishes itself from the standard Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans with a newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping, revised front suspension and unique exterior and interior design. At the same time, Mercedes-AMG has achieved a significant reduction in fuel consumption of almost twelve percent for the new E63 AMG, thanks to the precise application of several fuel efficiency improvements.

The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in the new E63 AMG develops an output of 518 hp and a 702 Nm of torque, matching the figures for the SL63 AMG. An AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission replaces the conventional torque converter through the use of a multi-disc wet start-up clutch. It has four individual driving modes, rev-matched shifts and ‘RACE START’ function. In manual mode, the transmission allows gearshifts to be performed in 100 milliseconds.

The E63 AMG accelerates from standstill to 100 kph in just 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 250 kph (electronically limited). Despite 11 hp of additional output versus the preceding model, the E63 AMG improves fuel efficiency by using features such as on-demand delivery of fuel and alternator management with recuperation of engine power during overrun. In-engine friction is also reduced by a “twin-wire arc spray coating process” used to coat cylinder walls.

The driver of the new Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is not obliged to accept any compromises in this respect. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension copes equally well with the dynamic cornering of the racetrack and more comfortable, sedate driving. High performance and typical Mercedes long-distance comfort go together as an extraordinary synthesis in the E63 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 E63 AMG is also equipped with a newly developed, unique front axle with a 56 mm wider track, a tubular stabilizer bar, new control arms, new wheel bearings, newly-designed bushing geometry and kinematics and new wheel location for more negative camber – thereby providing more grip when taking turns at speed. The AMG-specific kinematics also ensures significantly more precision. This is a highly sophisticated axle design whose principle has already proved its worth in the C63 AMG. The rear axle likewise has more negative camber, optimized 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 3-stage ESP® familiar from the SL63 AMG and C63 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 during performance driving is ensured by the AMG high-performance braking system with 14.2 inch, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round. Particularly resistant, motorsports-tested compound (two-piece) construction technology is used at the front axle. Outstanding grip is ensured by the 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a width of 9 and 9.5 inches and mixed tire sizes of 255/40 R 18 at the front and 285/35 R 18 at the rear.

The purposefully dynamic design of the E63 AMG is fully in keeping with the vehicle’s impressive technology. The front aspect is characterized by 17-millimeter wider fenders bearing “6.3 AMG” lettering, the new AMG front apron with large intake air apertures and the AMG-specific daytime driving lights in LED technology. In conjunction with the optional Bi-Xenon Headlamps with Active Curve Illumination, the E63 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 new interior of the E63 AMG is an exciting blend of high-grade materials and functional sportiness. Exclusive features include 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 E63 AMG, the AMG selector lever has one-touch logic. Directly adjacent to it in the center console is the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which provides adjustments for the MCT sports transmission, the ESP functions, the suspension setup and the AMG driving modes. Standard equipment also includes high-grade leather upholstery in three different colors, 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.

Customers can select the optional AMG Performance Package, which includes the following:
• Lightweight, forged 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels
• AMG Performance suspension with stiffer spring rates
• AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
• AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design
• Top speed raised to 298 kph

The E63 AMG traditionally meets the very highest expectations with respect to active and passive safety. Standard features include the new drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the unique preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, Brake Assist PLUS, eleven airbags and crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints. Optional safety features can bring the vehicle to a level unprecedented in this class with Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist systems, the PRE-SAFE® Brake with an automatic emergency braking function, Adaptive High Beam Assist and Night View Assist PLUS.

The 2010 E63 AMG will hit Dubai and UAE showrooms, as well as other GCC markets, sometime in the second half of 2009.

To keep track of local prices, specs and fuel economy of the latest model when it is released, visit the Mercedes-Benz E-Class buyer guide.