Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG (W212)

Following the recent introduction of the W212 E-class, Mercedes wasted little time in introducing its performance flagship model, the E63 AMG at the New York auto show last month. The published figures, though not unexpected, still make for interesting reading: 6.2 litres, eight cylinders, 525 horses, and 630Nm – a formidable force by any reckoning.

For the next round of engagements in the super saloon arena, the manufacturers are veering away from battling each other with just brute horsepower. A greater emphasis will be placed on efficiency and economy, with efforts on weight reduction and various energy saving measures coming to the forefront. Mercedes quotes improved consumption figures compared to the W211 E63, thanks in no small part to efforts such as brake energy regeneration, and a concerted effort to reduce in-engine friction

From the initial info made available to us, this car holds little surprises. It’s standard AMG fare here, but that’s fine, because there’s little wrong with AMG’s usual handiwork. Like all good AMG Mercs, the E63 cloaks its nuclear firepower under a skin of understated aggression in its bodywork.

W212 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

Exterior

Compared to the outgoing W211 E63 AMG, telling the new W212 E63 from its regular brethren will be an even trickier task, especially against those kitted in the AMG Sports bodywork, especially from the front. The front bumper vents, which are the usual styling cue to differentiate an AMG Merc, are of almost the same shape with the regular. On the E63, they are bigger, but it’s only visible if you put examples of both cars side by side. The tell-tale sign would be the arrangement of the LED bulbs of the fog lamps, where the regular model’s L-shaped configuration is replaced with a flat horizontal row.

The difference in the rear, with the exception of the “E63″ and “AMG” badges adorning the bootlid, is even less pronounced. It features the same unpainted and understated rear diffuser on the AMG Sport bodykit that also visually connects the tailpipes on both sides, though the E63 has quad tailpipes compared to the regular’s two.

Barely distinguished from the standard E at the rear, but quad tails and badges give it away.

There’s little chance mistaking it from the side though, especially at a stand still. First, if the monstrous cross-drilled discs don’t give the game away, the “6.3 AMG” badge on the fenders and the aggressive 18″ five twin-spoke alloys should. Completing the visual differentiation from the regular E-class are a pair of venting slats at the front bumpers just ahead of the wheels.

Surely you can tell it apart from here.

Interior

The interior has received a few touches from AMG which distinguishes it from the standard E-class, but only after the first glance. The first noticeable difference is the gear lever, with one-touch logic interface, back to the centre console from the steering column. Indeed the whole area around the gear lever has been made over, to accomodate the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which controls the various electronic settings of the transmission, suspension, and the ESP.

One-touch gear lever controls 7-speeder; surrounded by controls for AMG DRIVE UNIT.

For the purpose of steering the car, Mercedes is providing a four-spoke AMG sports steering with shift paddles to complete the sporty touch. Behind the wheel, the instrument panel is organised in the same 3+2 binnacle design of the standard E-class, with the temperature and fuel gauges in smaller binnacles flanking the larger clock, speedo and tacho binnacles. Another touch of product differentiation sees the dials printed in AMG style fonts, with the “6.3 V8″ lettering printed on the base of the rev meter and “AMG” printed on the  base of the speedo.

Overall cabin architecture is still from standard E, but minor sporty touches sets it apart.

Powertrain

Like before, Mercedes has opted to go with high capacity and natural aspiration in the engine for their latest AMG E, with the M156 engine under the hood once again. For the W212, the 6,208cc V8 produces a useful 525bhp and 630Nm, while achieving an impressive 12.6 litres / 100km fuel consumption figure.

6,208cc, V8, naturally aspirated – 525hp, 630Nm

Among new features engineered into the powerplant include an improved water cooling system, brake energy regeneration, and on-demand fuel delivery and generator management – all pointing to the direction of improved efficiency. The cylinder walls are finished by a twin-wire arc spray coating process to keep in-engine friction down to a minimum.

Drive to the rear wheels are channeled by a 7-speed semi-automatic transmission dubbed the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT, which uses a wet clutch in place of the usual torque converter. Featuring four driving modes (Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport Plus & Manual), Mercedes claims shift times as quick as 0.1 seconds in manual mode. On the road, this translates to a century sprint lasting 4.5 seconds en route to the electronically limited 250kph top speed.

0-100kph: 4.5 seconds.

Ride & Handling

On the four corners, Mercedes has equipped the E63 with what it terms the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension system, which is supposed to feel equally at home at Sepang or Jalan Ampang, compromising neither ride nor handling. Stopping power is provided by a quartet of massive 360 mm cross-drilled discs, barely disguised by five-spoke 18″ AMG alloys.

AMG has adopted a unique solution of springing the front axle with steel springs, while hooking the rear with air springs. The spring struts are supposed to give a more sensitive response for the front end, while the air struts, connected to the auto level control system, maintains constant vehicle height regardless of load. The whole setup is wired to a three-mode electronic control system, which varies damping characteristics based on the driving conditions.

Connecting the inputs from the steering to the front wheels is a speed-sensitive rack & pinion setup tuned to a steering ratio of 14:1, which Merc claims is 22% more direct than the standard E. Steering precision and road contact is also supposedly improved by means of a stiffened column and a remapped speed-sensitive servo assistance.

Mercedes claims steering ratio is 22% more direct than standard E.

The 3-stage ESP system is lifted from the AMG parts bin, having already seen action in the SL63 AMG and C63 AMG. Its aforementioned three stages, aptly named ESP ON, ESP OFF and ESP SPORT, can be selected by the driver using the AMG DRIVE UNIT on the centre console.

3-stage ESP keeps the big E in line.

Coupe Version?

The official debut of the E63 AMG  sedan took place last month at the 2009 New York International Motor Show, with official sales in Europe set to commence in August. We have yet to hear any mention of a coupe version of the E63 to complement the sedan, but its appearance surely is just a matter of time.

Sales start August. Malaysia can slowly wait.