Mercedes' hot E-Class arrives next month
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A November release is scheduled for
the new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG.
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Mercedes-Benz
13th October, 2009
The high performance Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Sedan is being rushed to
Australia following its Frankfurt Motor Show debut to satisfy anxious buyers.
Similar to the coming Mercedes-Benz C-Class Edition 63 (C63) the Australian market has been able to uniquely
specify a model specification to match Australian requirements. The Australian E 63 comes standard with the rear boot
spoiler, sun protection package, 19 inch alloys as a stand alone fitment (these items are normally required as part
of selected option packages).
The new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG distinguishes itself from the regular E-Class models with the powerful AMG 6.2
litre V8 engine, the completely newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled
damping and a new front axle, and with its autonomous exterior and interior design.
Mercedes-AMG has achieved a reduction in fuel consumption of almost twelve per cent for the new E 63 AMG, thanks
to the concerted use of fuel-efficiency measures. With its unique combination of pioneering driver assistance
systems, the E 63 AMG further consolidates the brand's leading position in the field of automotive safety.
Echoing its distinct race-like sound is the E 63’s AMG-designed and developed 6.3 litre V8 petrol engine.
Developing a peak output of 386 kW and a maximum torque of 630 Nm, this high-revving, naturally aspirated
performance engine delivers unrivalled figures in this hotly-contested segment.
The E 63 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in a mere 4.5 seconds; its top speed is electronically limited to
250 km/h.
Its unique combination of a high-revving concept and a large displacement represents the best of both worlds:
High torque at low engine speeds combine to give flexibility to set the pulse racing – a maximum of 7,200 rpm is
possible.
The AMG eight cylinder engine features a wealth of technology adopted from motor sport: This includes the light
weight, particularly rigid closed-deck crankcase and cylinder walls with revolutionary LDS coating, as well as valve
gear designed for high engine speeds with bucket-type tappets in the cylinder heads.
Together with the variable intake manifold which has two integrated throttle flaps, the flow-optimised intake and
exhaust ducts ensure perfect cylinder charging and a high output.
Despite 8 kW/11 hp of additional output versus the preceding model, the fuel consumption of the new E 63 AMG has
been significantly reduced: At 12.6 litres of super-premium grade petrol per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined
consumption), the fuel consumption of the E 63 AMG is almost twelve per cent 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 alternator management with recuperation of braking energy on the overrun, both of which are
standard in the new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG.
In-engine friction is also reduced by the AMG-exclusive twin-wire arc spray coating process used on the cylinder
walls.
A newly designed water cooling system ensures maximum endurance even under the enormous dynamic stresses of the
race track.
AMG DRIVE UNIT with innovative RACE START function
The centerpiece of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission is the wet start-off clutch, which operates
in a sump and replaces the previous torque converter.
Thanks to its low rotational inertia, this transmission is extremely responsive and dynamic, with movements of
the accelerator immediately translated into motive power.
Equipped with four driving modes, the transmission shifts the gears with no interruption in tractive power and
provides tailor-made shift strategies for maximum driving pleasure.
In "C" mode, the gear changes are comfort-oriented, with "soft" accelerator mapping for extremely smooth progress.
In "S" mode the engine and transmission respond more immediately, with more revs in each gear and faster downshifts.
Gearshifts are also around 20 per cent faster than in "C".
Changing to driving mode "S+" shortens this time by a further 20 per cent, while "M" provides the most sporty
mode of all. In “M” mode the 6.3 litre AMG V8-engine responds more sharply and the transmission shifts the gears 10
per cent faster – corresponding to a 50 reduction versus "C" mode.
In "M" mode the gearchanges take only 100 milliseconds.
Particularly fast and responsive multiple downshifts are another major attribute of the AMG MCT sports
transmission. Kickdown allows the driver to change from seventh directly to fourth gear, for example, or from fifth
gear to second gear. In driving modes "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) and "M" (Manual) the automatic double-declutch
function is active.
This is not only a benefit in terms of the driver's emotional experience: the practically load-free downshifts
minimise any load-change responses, which has an extremely positive effect when braking into bends on the race
track.
The central control unit for the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission and all the dynamic functions is
the AMG DRIVE UNIT.
The electronic rotary switch for selection of the driving modes, including activation of the innovative RACE
START function, is located to the right of the shift lever.
Below this there are three keys for other functions: The first controls the ESP system, the second the ABC
suspension and the third, which bears AMG lettering, enables the driver to store the selected driving mode and the
suspension set up. Briefly depressing the AMG key displays the configuration options, and longer pressure saves the
preferred setups to memory.
The RACE START function opens up new dimensions in driving dynamics: It enables the driver of the E 63 AMG to
summon up the maximum acceleration potential while ensuring the best possible traction for the drive wheels. The
optimal start-off engine speed is set fully automatically to give the E 63 AMG the fastest possible acceleration –
if required even to maximum speed.
The driver does not need to perform manual gearshifts, as the AMG transmission changes the gears with the
shortest possible shift times.
Electronically controlled damping system and a new front axle:
Sporty or more comfort-oriented?
The AMG E 63 driver does not have to accept any compromises in this respect.
The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension copes equally well with the agile manoeuvres of the race track and more
comfortable, sedate driving.
High performance and typical Mercedes-Benz long-distance comfort go together as an extraordinary synthesis in
the E 63 AMG. This is made possible by the likes of 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 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.
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.
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The E 63 AMG is also equipped with a newly developed, dedicated front axle with a 45 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.
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 steering ratio of 14:1 is 22 per cent more direct than in the standard production models, while a more
rigid steering column plus the reconfigured 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 AMG 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, motor sports-tested composite technology is used at the front axle. Outstanding grip
is ensured by the 19 inch AMG light alloy wheels with a width of 9 and 9.5 inches and mixed tyre sizes of
255/40 R 19 at the front and 285/35 R 19 at the rear.
An interior with traditional Mercedes-Benz luxury and convenience
Whilst the performance and technology of the E 63 are unquestioned, the interior of the E 63 lifts the
comfort and convenience level to a new benchmark in the class.
The newly designed interior of the E 63 AMG is an exciting blend of high-grade materials and functional
sportiness.
Exclusive features include the dedicated, 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 E 63 AMG, the AMG selector lever has one-touch logic. Directly
adjacent to it in the centre console is the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which provides adjustments for the MCT sports
transmission, the ESP functions, the suspension set up and the AMG driving modes.
Standard equipment also includes high-grade Nappa leather upholstery in three different colours, 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.
The addition of Reversing camera, Parking Guidance, Ventilated and heated luxury front seats, Active
multi-contour backrest for driver and passenger, Panoramic sunroof, Keyless go and the Exclusive leather
interior feature in addition to the already exhaustive E-Class equipment list will make the E 63 the
compelling choice.
Active and passive safety at a new level
The top 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 new E 63 AMG: standard features include the new drowsiness detection
system ATTENTION ASSIST, the unique preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, Brake Assist PLUS, seven
airbags and crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints.
The safety features are at a level unprecedented in this vehicle class with the Lane Keeping Assist and
Blind Spot Assist systems, the PRE-SAFE® Brake with an automatic braking function which can bring the vehicle
to a complete stop and, Adaptive Highbeam Assist with Intelligent Lighting System.
Pricing
The E 63 has long been a favorite of discerning sports sedan buyers worldwide for its combination of
performance, dynamics and luxury.
The new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG lifts the benchmark even higher with a new level luxury, comfort and
features for a reduced Manufacturers List Price compared to the outgoing model. The price reduction over the
previous model is $4,056 which when combined with the additional equipment and features totaling $28,100
delivers a net customer advantage of $32,156.
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Model |
Power |
Torque |
0-100 km/h |
Price* |
In showrooms |
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E 63 AMG |
386 kW |
630 Nm |
4.5s |
$234,900 |
November |
The prices detailed in this news article are current Manufacturer’s List Prices (MLP) for the
Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG.
MLP includes GST and any LCT applicable to the base/standard specification model but EXCLUDES
DEALER DELIVERY AND ALL ON-ROAD COSTS such as, for example, registration fees, stamp duty, CTP
and the like (commonly called "statutory charges").
Drive away prices are available from Mercedes-Benz passenger car dealers.
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