2014 Mercedes E63 AMG – All You Need To Know

Mercedes-AMG unveiled the new E 63 AMG, which is now also available as a particularly exclusive and powerful S-Model with an output of 430 kW (585 hp), 800 Newton metres of torque and featuring a newly developed performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, earlier this year and we have a detailed look and perhaps all you’ll ever need to know about the new model.  Keep in mind that the information below is for the German market but much of the information can be carried over and applied to the U.S. market.  For U.S. specific information, Click Here.

The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine continues to be the absolute pinnacle of efficiency: the combination of high performance and low fuel consumption remains unrivalled by any other competitor in the segment worldwide. The permanent all-wheel drive is also optionally available for the other E 63 AMG models – in which the V8 engine has been uprated from 386 kW (525 hp) and 700 Nm to 410 kW (557 hp) and 720 Nm of torque. With this range, Mercedes-AMG is premiering high-performance passenger car models with an all-wheel-drive system geared to driving dynamics.

The launch of the new, customised model variants will offer Mercedes-AMG customers greater scope for individuality than ever before. The new high-performance, exclusive S-Models are an even more attractive proposition than the AMG Performance packages which have enjoyed great popularity to date. The S-Models form an integral part of the new AMG model range constellation as distinctive model variants; additional AMG high-performance automobiles will become available as S-Models in future. The E 63 AMG’s appeal is also boosted by substantially enhanced value for money: customers now receive more performance and driving dynamics and a broader scope of standard equipment and appointments. The new E 63 AMG also presents a more dynamic appearance than its predecessor. The new AMG design philosophy is immediately apparent at first glance, with the “twin blade” radiator grille and the “A-wing” in the AMG front apron defining the exclusive look. As previously, the top AMG model is available as a Saloon and an Estate variant.

Alongside the successful SUVs – ML 63 AMG, GL 63 AMG, G 63 AMG and G 65 AMG – two passenger car model ranges comprising up to eight unique models with performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive are now available from Mercedes-AMG in the guise of the E 63 AMG and the CLS 63 AMG. Additional models with all-wheel drive, such as the A 45 AMG and the CLA 45 AMG, will follow this year.

Overview of models for the German market:

The models for the U.S. market at a glance (all figures preliminary):

* electronically limited;

Acceleration to 100 km/h from a standing start in 3.6 seconds provides the E 63 AMG S 4MATIC with a comfortable lead over the entire competition; the top speed stands at 250 km/h (electronically limited). In addition to the increase in output, this is also attributable in no small part to the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive with a power distribution ratio of 33 to 67 percent (front/rear axle). Perfect traction during acceleration effectively avoids slip-induced losses.

On the new S-Model the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine generates a maximum output of 430 kW (585 hp) and maximum torque of 800 Newton metres – representing an increase of 20 kW (28 hp) over the AMG Performance package which was previously available as an option. This enhanced performance and power results from adaptation of the engine application, an increase in peak pressure and a rise in the charge pressure from 0.9 to 1.0 bar. At 410 kW (557 hp) and 720 Newton metres, the basic model also boasts an increase of 24 kW (32 hp) and 20 Newton metres over its predecessor.

Despite added power and enhanced performance, all models of the E 63 AMG offer high efficiency, low fuel consumption and low exhaust emissions. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine remains the most efficient series production V8 engine around – with substantially more cubic capacity than its direct competitors. The E 63 AMG rated at 410 kW (557 hp) with rear-wheel drive runs on 9.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres in accordance with NEDC (230 grams of CO2). The variant with performance-oriented 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the S-Model rated at 430 kW (585 hp) with all-wheel drive display only marginally higher fuel consumption, at 10.3 to 10.5 litres per 100 km (242 grams to 246 grams of CO2). On top of this, following the implementation of internal engine measures all E 63 AMGs meet the requirements of the stringent Euro 6 emissions standard which will not enter into force until 2015.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission for personal set-up

Maximum individuality and customised dynamics – these are the special strengths of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. The four modes – “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual) – offer the driver a personal set-up. In “C” mode, the ECO start/stop function is active and switches off the eight-cylinder engine when the vehicle is at a standstill. In addition, the transmission characteristics are tangibly soft, with smooth and early gear changes. Second gear is generally used as the starting gear in this mode.

The engine and transmission are far more agile in “S”, “S+” and “M” mode; in addition, the ECO start/stop function is deactivated. Partial suppression of the cylinders proves perfect for an emphatic driving style: briefly and precisely interrupting ignition and injection under full load leads to even faster gearshifts with a more emotional sound than before. An automatic double-declutching function for downshifting and the RACE START function are also included as standard with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission.

Performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive for the ultimate in dynamism

The performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive distributes the engine torque at a ratio of 33 to 67 percent (front/rear axle). The rear-biased power distribution provides for signature AMG high driving dynamics and superlative driving enjoyment. The 3-stage ESP® has been tailored specifically to the permanent all-wheel drive system. In “SPORT Handling” mode, ESP® Curve Dynamic Assist performs selective braking intervention on individual wheels in the interests of high agility, thereby avoiding understeering when turning and cornering. In bends, specific brief braking of the inner rear wheel results in defined cornering of the vehicle.

The AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive enhances driving safety and grip on wet or wintry road surfaces. Optimum traction is guaranteed by a multi-disk clutch with a locking effect of 50 Newton metres which exploits the frictional connection potential of all four wheels to the full on snow and ice in particular.

The technical basis is provided by a transfer case for the additional power take-off to the driven rear axle. This transfer case is integrated compactly into the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission and requires virtually no additional installation space. The torque is transmitted from the power take-off via a propeller shaft to the front axle. Power transmission from the front-axle differential to the front-left drive shaft is effected via an intermediate shaft which passes through an encapsulated shaft duct in the engine oil pan. The compact and weight-optimised design results in a comparatively low level of additional weight for the all-wheel drive system of only 70 kilograms.

E 63 AMG S-Model with differential lock on the rear axle

The E 63 AMG S sees Mercedes-AMG going one step further. True to AMG’s “Driving Performance” brand claim, the most powerful E-Class is additionally fitted with a differential lock on the rear axle. This high-tech package results in a further increase in traction, ultimately leading to even greater driving dynamics and enhanced driving enjoyment, especially on the race track.

All E 63 AMG models feature the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping system. The front axle employs a steel-spring suspension system, while the rear axle is fitted with a fully load-bearing air suspension system. Pressing the button marked with a shock absorber on the AMG DRIVE UNIT is sufficient to switch the electronics from “Comfort” to “Sport” or “Sport plus”.

The three-link front suspension has undergone further optimisation for the S-Model and the E 63 AMG with all-wheel drive. In conjunction with the newly developed axle components produced in aluminium, these optimisation measures result in markedly enhanced grip and agility combined with a high level of neutrality during fast cornering. The markedly more performance-oriented elastokinematics are exclusive to the S-Model, and offer the driver maximum neutrality and even better feedback and grip at the critical limits. With rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, the E 63 AMG’s 48 millimetre wider track at the front offers substantially greater stability at high cornering speeds and improved road feel. Increased negative camber on both axles additionally boosts lateral dynamics.

Electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive steering complements the vehicle’s set-up to perfection, the direct steering ratio of 14 : 1 providing for extremely agile handling in bends in conjunction with the variable servo assistance geared to the given suspension mode. The E 63 AMG is fitted as standard with 10-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey and featuring a high-sheen finish. Tyres in size 255/40 R 18 are fitted to 9.0 x 18 wheels at the front, while the 9.5 x 18 rear wheels have 285/35 R 18 tyres. The all-wheel drive and S-Model come with tyres in size 255/35 R 19 (front) and 285/30 R 19 (rear) on AMG light-alloy wheels in size 9.0 x 19 and 9.5 x 19. Only the high-performance S-Model features 10-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in matt titanium grey with a high-sheen rim flange.

Optional AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system

The E 63 AMG is equipped with an extremely effective AMG high-performance braking system befitting its status as an AMG automobile. The front and rear axles sport ventilated and perforated brake disks in ample 360 millimetre format. The disks which are subject to particularly high levels of stress and strain on the front axle feature the composite braking technology which has been tried and tested in the field of motor sport. Callipers in a silver painted finish with white AMG lettering and incorporating six pistons (front) and four pistons (rear) provide for spontaneous, fading-resistant deceleration and the shortest stopping distances. Callipers in a red painted finish distinguish the S-Model.

An AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system is exclusively available for the S-Model as an optional feature – recognisable by the even larger 402 millimetre brake disks and the “AMG Carbon Ceramic” logo on callipers sporting a special paint finish. This ceramic system is around 40 percent lighter, providing for reduced unsprung masses and enhanced driving dynamics, agility and ride comfort. The superior hardness of the ceramic brake disks leads to a longer service life and greater resistance to extreme stress and heat.

“Intelligent drive” with new assistance systems

What started with the PRE-SAFE® system and continued with DISTRONIC PLUS has resulted in a new dimension of motoring at Mercedes-Benz: comfort and safety are merged into one. Mercedes-Benz refers to this as “intelligent drive”. In the E-Class, a whole host of new or optimised systems from the future S-Class celebrate their world premiere, making motoring more comfortable and safer.

The basis for all this is formed by new, state-of-the-art sensors and corresponding algorithms. Mercedes-Benz has made a major step forward with the introduction of the Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera. Just like the Mono Multi-Purpose Camera fitted previously, it is positioned behind the windscreen in the vicinity of the rear-view mirror. However, this camera features two “eyes” set at an angle of 45 degrees and with an overall range of 500 metres that produce a three-dimensional view of the area up to around 50 metres in front of the vehicle. In this way, the stereo camera provides data for processing by various systems. Intelligent algorithms perform an evaluation of this three-dimensional visual information in order to detect and carry out a classification, both spatially and in terms of their movement, of vehicles that are driving ahead, oncoming or crossing, as well as pedestrians and a variety of traffic signs within a large field of vision.

At the same time as the Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera, Mercedes-Benz is also introducing improved versions of the multistage radar sensor system. As standard, both the Saloon and Estate models are fitted with COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, a radar-based collision warning system with brake assist systems. It helps to significantly reduce the risk of a rear-end collision. Also forming part of the standard equipment is ATTENTION ASSIST, which is now able to warn of inattentiveness and drowsiness across a wider speed range, and also inform the driver about their level of fatigue and the amount of driving time which has elapsed since the last break. It also offers an adjustable sensitivity level.

In addition, also optionally available are a number of assistance systems which are either new or now feature significantly extended functions.

The following is an overview of the innovations:

• DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist can help to take the burden off the driver when it comes to keeping the vehicle in its lane and also track traffic in tailbacks semi-automatically

• for the first time, the Brake Assist system BAS PLUS with Junction Assist is able to detect crossing traffic and pedestrians too, and boost the braking power applied by the driver accordingly

• the PRE-SAFE® Brake can detect pedestrians and initiate autonomous braking to avoid a collision at speeds up to 50 km/h

• PRE-SAFE® PLUS can recognise an imminent rear-end collision. The driver of the vehicle following behind is warned by activation of the rear warning lights with increasing frequency (not in the USA and Canada). The PRE-SAFE® system then triggers occupant protection measures to reduce the forces to which occupants are subjected. It can also firmly apply the stationary vehicle’s brakes in the event of a rear-end collision to prevent secondary accidents

• Active Lane Keeping Assist can now detect when the adjacent lane is occupied, in particular by oncoming traffic too. When there is the risk of a collision, the system can also prevent the vehicle from leaving its lane unintentionally, when continuous lines are present, by applying the brakes on one side. As such it makes the ideal supplement to Active Blind Spot Assist

• Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus allows the high-beam headlamps to be kept on permanently without dazzling traffic by masking out other vehicles in the beams’ cone of light

• Active Parking Assist enables automated parking with active steering and brake control in both parallel and end-on spaces

• In addition to speed limits, Traffic Sign Assist can now also detect and display no-overtaking zones and the respective signs signalling their end. In the case of signs imposing access restrictions, it can also provide visual and acoustic warnings. For this reason, it is the first system which can prevent drivers from unintentionally becoming a “phantom driver” i.e. driving the wrong way along a motorway.

• The 360o camera covers all four sides of the vehicle, thus enabling a uniform all-round view, including virtual bird’s-eye view – a top-down view of the vehicle and its immediate surroundings. Dynamic guide lines help with entering and leaving parking spaces as well as manoeuvring

Distinctive design creating an even more dynamic and exclusive aura

The dynamism and performance stemming from the fascinating technology of the new E 63 AMG are also transported by the design as defining attributes of the vehicle. The AMG high-performance automobile sets new design trends in the process. The E 63 AMG presents the new AMG design philosophy. Predominant elements are the AMG “twin blade” radiator grille in silver chrome and the so-called “A-wing”. The new, three-dimensional air deflector spans the entire width of the AMG front apron, presenting the stylised “A” which is a hallmark of AMG vehicles. The “A-wing” painted in the car’s exterior colour with a trim strip in silver chrome provides the backdrop for three large cooling air intake openings. On the side air intakes, black flics provide for an ideal inflow of air into the cooling modules, while at the bottom a front splitter painted in the car’s exterior colour helps to reduce lift. Convex and concave surfaces dynamically combine the new front end of the E 63 AMG featuring a sculptural design with the distinctive flared wings on which “V8 BITURBO” lettering alludes to the superior engine power on board.

The striking air outlet openings at the sides, the black grille and the two sets of twin chrome tailpipes belonging to the AMG sports exhaust system lend the rear an impression of width. The black diffusor insert with pronounced fins provides the E 63 AMG with a powerful touch of race track atmosphere at the rear.

S-Model with even more striking design features

Numerous newly designed, even more striking design features set the E 63 AMG S 4MATIC apart from the basic model. The “A-wing” at the front cuts a fine figure in high-gloss black, for example. The front splitter is finished in silver chrome, as are the striking three-dimensional inserts in the side sill panels. The rear end presents a powerful impression by virtue of the trim strip in silver chrome in conjunction with the two sets of distinctive twin chrome tailpipes belonging to the AMG sports exhaust system. The AMG spoiler lip (on the Saloon only) painted in the car’s exterior colour reduces lift at high speeds.

The 10-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels in a matt titanium grey painted finish with high-sheen rim flange fit snugly in the wheel arches with tyres in size 255/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear. Brake callipers in red painted finish and an AMG logo on the boot lid sporting an “S” in contrasting black are other characteristic features of the S-Models.

Dynamic, exclusive atmosphere inside

With the standard-fit nappa leather upholstery, the black interior of the E 63 AMG S-Model features grey contrasting topstitching on the AMG sports seats, the door centre panels, the door armrests and the centre console. Silver seat belts are also part of this standard interior. The rim of the AMG Performance steering wheel in black nappa leather is flattened at the top and bottom and boasts grip areas in Alcantara®and grey contrasting stitching. The front head restraints of the AMG sports seats incorporate exclusive embossed AMG emblems. The AMG instrument cluster in a new design features an “S AMG” logo on the 320 km/h speedometer and red applications. The standard scope of equipment and appointments further includes AMG door sill panels with white LED illumination, an electrically operated rear roller blind (Saloon only) and the anti-theft protection package.

Superior-quality materials, excellent workmanship and an exclusive atmosphere are common to all E 63 AMG models. The new AMG-specific analogue clock in IWC design is an attractive eye-catcher between the two central air vents.

The standard scope of equipment and appointments for all E 63 AMG models further includes (selection):

• Active Parking Assist
• AMG door entry sills
• AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
• Metallic paint finishes
• LED High Performance headlamps
• The following individualisation options are available (selection):
• AMG Carbon Fibre I package (A-wing on the front apron, side sill panel inserts and upper trim on the rear apron in carbon fibre)
• AMG Carbon Package II (exterior mirror housings and AMG spoiler lip in carbon fibre on the Saloon)
• AMG Night package (A-wing on the front apron with trim strip, front splitter, side sill panel inserts, exterior mirror housings and trim strips on the rear apron in high-gloss black, black twin tailpipe trims in chromed finish)
• AMG carbon-fibre engine cover
• AMG 5-spoke forged wheels with covered wheel bolts, painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish
• AMG Business package (rear apron from AMG Sports package, twin-pipe exhaust system with square tailpipe trims in polished stainless steel, omission of model designation on boot lid and “V8 BITURBO” lettering on wings, available for all E 63 AMG models)
• Trim in carbon fibre/piano lacquer
• designo roof lining
• designo trim

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system

A very special highlight among the optional equipment and appointments is the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system, developed by Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes‑AMG together with renowned Danish audio specialist Bang & Olufsen. The sound system enables an exclusive audio experience of the very highest standard.

The market launch of the new E 63 AMG with rear-wheel drive will begin in April 2013, with the all-wheel drive E 63 AMG and the E 63 AMG S 4MATIC following in June.

Price overview for Germany (incl. 19% VAT):

Saloons:

• E 63 AMG: € 103,054
• E 63 AMG 4MATIC: € 106,981
• E 63 AMG S 4MATIC: € 118,405

Estate:

• E 63 AMG 4MATIC: € 109,599
• E 63 AMG S 4MATIC: € 121,023