E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Now More Refined and More Efficient

Words John Clark | July 16, 2010
The Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG, the dynamic sports saloon from Mercedes-Benz, is now available with higher quality standard appointments
Words John Clark July 16, 2010

The E 63 AMG, the dynamic sports saloon from Mercedes-Benz, is now available with even higher quality standard appointments. The upper section of the dashboard and also the door beltlines are now finished in ARTICO leather, for example, while the centre console trim around the AMG DRIVE UNIT boasts an elegant black piano lacquer finish.

In addition, the interior of the E 63 AMG can be refined even further with a host of new, attractive optional appointments: as part of the the designo extended leather appointments II range, the lower section of the dashboard, the glove compartment lid, the door linings including map pockets and the side upholstery of the centre console are covered in exclusive nappa leather. This option costs 4700.50 euros and is only available in conjunction with the extended designo leather appointments, in which the upper section of the dashboard and the upper door linings are finished in designo black leather (2856 euros, all prices include 19% VAT). Those opting to combine both of these designo options will receive exclusive, perfectly finished full leather appointments designed to significantly enhance the vehicle’s interior.

AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, optional ceramic composite braking system

The E 63 AMG distinguishes itself from the standard E-Class models with the powerful AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping and a new front axle, and also with its unique exterior and interior design. A newly developed ceramic composite braking system is also optionally available for the top-of-the-range E-Class model. Thanks to the concerted use of fuel efficiency measures, Mercedes-AMG has achieved a reduction in fuel consumption by almost twelve percent in the E 63 AMG. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in the E 63 AMG develops an output of 386 kW (525 hp) and a torque of 630 newton metres, 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 E 63 AMG. This transmission dispenses with a conventional torque converter and uses a compact, wet start-up clutch. In conjunction with the four individual drive modes, the double-declutching and RACE START functions, the resulting direct connection to the powertrain allows an extremely emotional and highly dynamic driving experience, which can be adapted conveniently at the touch of a button.

The drive unit is unique in this segment, and ensures decidedly sporty performance figures: the E 63 AMG accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). The high-revving, naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 6208 cc impresses with its agile responsiveness, muscular power delivery and great flexibility. The V8 sound is a thrilling accompaniment for mile after mile, while the smooth-running engine guarantees typical Mercedes long-distance comfort. An extremely high-performance water cooling system ensures maximum endurance even under the enormous dynamic stresses of the racetrack.

Fuel consumption cut by almost twelve percent

Despite 8 kW (11 hp) of additional output versus the preceding model, the fuel consumption of the E 63 AMG has been significantly reduced: at 12.6 litres of super-premium grade petrol per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined), the fuel consumption of the E 63 AMG is almost twelve percent lower than before, and leads the field among sports saloons developing more than 377 kW (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 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 drive 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 briefly during gearshifts under full load leads to considerably faster shift times. In S+ and M modes, the 7-speed sports transmission allows gearshifts to be performed in 100 milliseconds.

In the even more fuel-efficient Controlled Efficiency drive mode, 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, spontaneous multiple downshifts ensure first-class agility in conjunction with the automatic double-declutching and RACE START functions: this enables the driver of the E 63 AMG to call on the maximum acceleration potential automatically.

Electronically controlled damping system

Sporty or more comfort-oriented? The driver of the 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 long-distance comfort go together as an extraordinary synthesis in the E 63 AMG. While 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 steel 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.

An 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 dedicated front axle with a 56-millimetre wider track, a tubular stabiliser, new control arms, new wheel bearings, new elastokinematics and new hub carriers 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.

Direct power steering and individual 3-stage ESP®

Direct responsiveness comes courtesy of the speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering. 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 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® button 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 instrument cluster. Perfect deceleration even when driving extremely briskly is ensured by the AMG high-performance braking system with 360-millimetre, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round. Particularly resistant, motorsports-tested composite technology is used at the front axle.

The optional ceramic composite brakes with even larger brake discs guarantee even better braking performance. The ceramic brake discs perform reliably at even higher operating temperatures thanks to their greater hardness, all combined with an impressive weight reduction of around 40 percent. Outstanding grip is ensured by the AMG light-alloy wheels with tyres of sizes 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-millimetre wider wings bearing “6.3 AMG” lettering, the AMG front apron with large intake air apertures and the AMG-specific daytime driving lights in LED technology. In conjunction with the optional Intelligent Light System (ILS), the E 63 AMG is equipped with tinted main headlamps. The striking visual presence is further enhanced by the side sill panels and rear apron with a black insert. As a hallmark of the brand, the sports exhaust system has two chrome-plated twin tailpipes.

The interior of the E 63 AMG is an exciting blend of high-grade materials and functional sportiness. Exclusive features include the dedicated, electrically adjustable sports seats with improved lateral support and the sports steering wheel in a four-spoke design with shift paddles. The AMG DRIVE UNIT provides adjustments for the MCT sports transmission, the ESP® functions, the suspension set-up and the AMG drive modes. The E-SELECT selector lever in the centre console enables the driver to shift directly between R, N and D simply by nudging the lever, all thanks to drive-by-wire, while the parking lock P can only be selected by pressing a separate button. Standard equipment also includes high-grade leather upholstery in three different colours, the instrument cluster with an AMG main menu, door entry sills with AMG lettering and a sports pedal cluster – both in brushed stainless steel.

The COMAND APS multimedia system (from 3046.40 euros) comes with the latest maps free of charge over a period of three years in 39 European countries. Mercedes-Benz partners are able to carry out map updates on the navigation system during dealership visits. Thanks to the new free map updates, Mercedes drivers using the COMAND APS will be able to reach their destination more reliably and quicker.

Even more individuality with tailor-made extras

Customers requiring even more sporty individuality are catered for by the AMG Performance Studio: the E 63 AMG saloon can, for instance, be dynamically enhanced even further ex factory with the Performance package (8270.50 euros). This includes the following:

  • Lightweight, forged AMG light-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear
  • AMG RIDE CONTROL 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
  • Roller blind for rear window

The AMG Exclusive package (4700.50 euros) provides a luxurious touch in the interior. It includes:

  • Nappa leather appointments for the seats, top section of the dashboard, the beltlines, the door armrests as well as the centre console and door centre panels
  • Roof liner as well as A, B and C-pillars and sun visors in Alcantara
  • AMG floor mats

Selected optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio are also individually available ex factory:

  • AMG ceramic composite braking system (11,305 euros)
  • Lightweight, forged AMG light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey and polished, with size 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear (2320.50 euros)
  • AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action (2975 euros)
  • Brake callipers, painted red (714 euros)
  • AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre package (from 4641 euros)
  • AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design with Alcantara
  • inserts in the grip areas (476 euros)
  • AMG carbon-fibre trim elements (3451 euros)
  • AMG door sill panels, set of two, illuminated white (714 euros)
  • AMG floor mats (107.10 euros)

(all prices incl. of 19% VAT)

Active and passive safety of the very highest calibre

The flagship AMG model in the E-Class traditionally meets the very highest expectations with respect to active and passive safety. Naturally this also applies to the E 63 AMG: standard features include the new drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the unique anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, BAS 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 emergency braking function, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Night View Assist and Speed Limit Assist. With its unique combination of trend-setting driver assistance systems, the E 63 AMG is extending its leading position in the area of safety even further.

The E 63 AMG is available for 105,791 euros (saloon) or 108,409 euros (estate, all prices incl. of 19% VAT).