Image credit: S.B. Medien/S. Baldauf
Following the unveiling of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, focus has shifted to the arrival of the Affalterbach-tuned Mercedes-AMG E63 and E63 S versions. The awe-inspiring AMG performance models are reportedly in the final stages of testing and we believe our spy photographers spotted a pre-production unit while it was undergoing an evaluation.
Power hungry
The performance outputs of the Mercedes-AMG version of the E-Class has not officially been confirmed yet but, AMG has been hinting at a minimum power delivery "near the 450 kW mark". If this figure comes to fruition, it would make the AMG E63 more powerful than an AMG GT-S (375 kW) by some margin. The AMG E63s will be powered by the same 4.0-litre biturbo V8 that serves in the GT-S, but Mercedes-AMG says this version will represent the “next step” in terms of development.
New transmission
In the recent past, most AMG models have utilised seven-speed automatic gearboxes, but the Mercedes-AMG E63 will be the first AMG model to use the new, more efficient, nine-speed automatic transmission.
All-wheel drive
The Mercedes-AMG E63 will be produced as an all-wheel drive model around the world. This will mark a departure for South African aficionados, who are accustomed to AMG sedans (apart from the CLA45 AMG) being rear-wheel driven — but in the majority of markets, an all-wheel drive configuration is the norm. AMG representatives are however promising that the fastest E-Class models will be no less exciting to drive and just as raw-edged as previous E63s.
Coming soon
Rumours are that the AMG E63 could be launched before June this year (2016), at least in overseas markets. The regular E-Class is set to be launched globally at the end of February 2016. Spin-offs from the E-Class are set to continue with a station wagon, CLS Coupe and Shooting Brake set to be added to the range in time.
