Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG (2017)

Overall, the front section exudes exceptional power and thus conveys the strong forwards thrust of the new performance saloon at first glance.

Elongated side view and muscular rear

The side view reinforces this impression by way of numerous, carefully matched elements. One special detail is the arrow-shaped wing signet in silver chrome bearing three-dimensional "V8 BITURBO 4MATIC+" lettering - an eye-catching way to highlight the drive system. The side sill panels make the saloon appear to sit even lower on the road and elongate the overall line. Inserts in silver chrome differentiate the S-Model.

As standard, the E63 4MATIC+ comes with 9.5 J x 19 (front) and 10 J x 19 (rear) 10-spoke light-alloy wheels painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, with tyres in size 265/35 ZR 19 (front) and 295/30 ZR 19 (rear). The E63 S 4MATIC+ runs on tyres of sizes 265/35 ZR 20 (front) and 295/30 ZR 20 (rear) mounted on 9.5 J x 20 (front) and 10 J x 20 (rear) 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted matt titanium grey with a high-sheen finish. A new design of 20-inch cross-spoke forged wheel, which looks as though it is centrally locked, is available as an option.

The muscular rear end provides the finishing touch in conjunction with the clearly defined spoiler lip in the colour of the vehicle on the boot lid, the rear apron with diffuser-look insert, and the two bright chrome-plated twin tailpipe trim elements on the selectable sports exhaust system. The E63 S 4MATIC+ also features a trim strip in silver chrome on the rear apron.

Performance-oriented lift balance

Designers and aerodynamics experts worked together to develop the E63 4MATIC+. Their insights not only resulted in the striking AMG bodystyling but also the performance-oriented lift balance - for agile handling characteristics on country roads and optimum driving stability at high speeds on the motorway. The developers also placed great importance on achieving a low level of wind noise, minimal aerodynamic drag for low fuel consumption, and thermal robustness for all systems. The complete package of measures involves a number of details on the front and underbody. Adapted to the saloon's airflow and topography, the clearly defined rear spoiler eliminates lift on the rear axle.

New peak of performance: 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with twin-scroll turbochargers

The versatile AMG 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine in the E63 S 4MATIC+ takes peak performance to a new level at 450 kW (612 hp). Maximum torque attains a new best value of 850 Nm. It is available over a broad engine speed range of 2500 to 4500 rpm and so provides a feeling of effortless superiority in every accelerator pedal position. A sprint from zero to 100 km/h is absolved in 3.4 seconds, and this dynamic acceleration only ends at the governed top speed of 250 km/h (with AMG Driver's package: 300 km/h). The E63 4MATIC+ is rated at 420 kW (571 hp) and has 750 Nm of torque. This variant accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.

The advanced AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine utilises well-proven twin turbocharging, with the two chargers not located outside on the cylinder banks, but rather between them in the V of the cylinders. The advantages of the "hot inner V" are a compact engine design, an immediate response from the twin-scroll turbochargers and low exhaust gas emissions thanks to optimum air flow for the close-coupled catalytic converters.

Two twin-scroll turbochargers are deployed for the first time to boost performance and improve responsiveness further. The housing is divided into two parallel flow passages. Combined with two separate exhaust ducts in the exhaust manifold, this makes it possible to control the exhaust gases on the turbine wheel separately. The exhaust gas from the first and fourth cylinders of the cylinder bank is fed into one duct and exhaust gas from the second and third cylinders to the other duct. The aim is to prevent the individual cylinders from having mutually adverse effects on the gas cycle. This reduces the exhaust gas back pressure and improves gas exchange.

The results are increased output due to improved cylinder charge with fresh mixture, more torque at low revs and very immediate response times.

Other engine measures include new pistons, an optimised air intake and charge air cooling, as well as extensive software developments. Spray-guided direct petrol injection with piezo injectors, the all-aluminium crankcase, the four-valve-per-cylinder design with camshaft adjustment, air-water charge air cooling, alternator management, the ECO start/stop function and the gliding mode have all been retained. To sum up, the eight-cylinder engine thrills with its exceptional power delivery and powerful acceleration in all engine speed ranges combined with maximum efficiency for low consumption and emission values.

AMG Cylinder Management

For maximum efficiency, Mercedes-AMG has equipped the V8 engine with the AMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system. This already helped the SLK 55 to achieve impressively low consumption and emission values and is now being used with a turbocharged engine from the high-performance sports car brand for the first time. In the partial-load range cylinders two, three, five and eight are deactivated, which crucially lowers the fuel consumption.

With combined fuel consumption of 8.9 litres and CO2 emissions of 203 grams per kilometre (combined), the E63 4MATIC+ and E63 S 4MATIC+ set a new best by comparison with their competitors.

When the driver has selected the "Comfort" transmission drive program, the cylinder deactivation system is available in the wide engine speed range from 1000 to 3250 rpm. The AMG main menu on the instrument cluster informs the driver whether the cylinder deactivation system is in use and whether the engine is presently operating in the partial or full-load range. The transition from four to eight-cylinder operation is immediate, fast and imperceptible, so that the passengers do not experience any loss of comfort.

Valves closed, fuel supply and ignition deactivated

This is made possible by intelligent interaction between the high-performance engine management system and CAMTRONIC valve lift adjustment, which is familiar in a similar configuration from the four-cylinder engines. There are eight dual actuators involved in half-engine mode, which operate the axially sliding cam units of the intake and exhaust camshafts via a shift gate. Half-engine operation is achieved by shutting off the relevant intake and exhaust valves of cylinders two, three, five and eight. This not only enables the load-change losses of the four deactivated cylinders to be reduced, but also increases the efficiency of the four remaining cylinders. The reason for this is to shift the operating point to higher loads.

AMG Performance 4MATIC+ variable all-wheel drive

Both E63 models are exclusively available with the innovative AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. This newly engineered, intelligent system brings together the advantages of various drive configurations. Torque distribution on the front and rear axles, which is fully variable for the first time, ensures optimum traction right up to the physical limit. The driver is also able to rely on high driving stability and handling safety under all conditions, whether the roadway be dry, wet or snow-covered. The transition from rear-wheel to all-wheel drive and back again is seamless, because intelligent control is integrated into the vehicle system architecture as a whole.

An electromechanically controlled coupling connects the permanently driven rear axle variably to the front axle. The best possible torque distribution is calculated continuously according to the driving conditions and driver's input. The performance saloon can thus be driven in a continuously variable way from traction-oriented all-wheel drive to purely rear-wheel drive. Transitions are seamless and based on an elaborate matrix. In addition to traction and lateral dynamics, the all-wheel drive system also improves the longitudinal dynamics for even more powerful acceleration.

It is still possible to drift thanks to fully variable torque distribution. This is where drift mode, part of the standard specification for the E63 S 4 MATIC+, comes into its own. This can be activated in the "Race" drive program using the shift paddles, provided that ESP® is deactivated and the transmission is in manual mode. When drift mode is activated, the E63 S 4MATIC+ becomes a purely rear-wheel drive vehicle. Drift mode remains engaged until the driver deactivates it again.

Short shift times, high efficiency: the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT nine-speed sports transmission

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT nine-speed sports transmission is specially tuned to requirements in the new E63 4MATIC+ and E63 S 4MATIC+. This involved re-engineering hardware and software alike.

A special software development enables extremely short shift times, fast multiple downshifts and the double-clutching function, making for a highly emotive gearshifting experience. A wet start-off clutch replaces the torque converter. This saves weight and optimises the response time to the driver's accelerator pedal input, particularly when accelerating and during load changes.

For a personalised experience: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs

The four different AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport Plus" and "Individual" allow drivers to extensively influence the characteristics of their E63 4MATIC+. Key parameters are modified such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension, steering, ESP® and all-wheel drive system. Independently of the DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, the driver has the option of pressing the "M" button to switch directly to manual mode, in which gearshifts are executed exclusively using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The suspension set-ups can also be selected if desired.

"Comfort" is the well-balanced drive program with a comfort-oriented suspension and steering set-up, as well as a fuel-efficient powertrain configuration and early upshifts - including smooth gear changes and a discreet engine sound. Cylinder deactivation, the ECO start/stop function and gliding mode are on: When the driver releases the accelerator in a speed range between 60 and 160 km/h, the clutch of the MCT transmission opens and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The electronics reduce the engine speed to idle level, and the motion resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode.

The DYNAMIC SELECT "Sport" and "Sport Plus" drive programs are designed for high vehicle dynamics. This results from an agile accelerator pedal characteristic with direct set-up and emotively appealing shift operations with shortened shift times and double-clutching function on downshifts. The increased idle speed in "Sport Plus" mode additionally enables the vehicle to move off particularly quickly while ensuring faster acceleration from rest. The E63 S 4MATIC+ also comes with the "RACE" drive program for highly dynamic driving on closed race circuits. Here all parameters are designed for maximum performance.

RACESTART even simpler

The control logic for the RACESTART function is new and has been simplified considerably. In the Sport, Sport Plus or RACE drive programs, all the driver has to do is press the brake pedal forcefully with their left foot and simultaneously fully depress the accelerator pedal with their right foot.

The on-board electronics will now set the optimum engine speed. Depending on requirements or the road surface conditions, the engine speed can be increased or lowered in either direction by activating the shift paddles. If the driver now takes their foot off the brake pedal, the E63 4MATIC+ will accelerate from rest with optimal traction. The S‑Model completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, whilst the E63 4MATIC+ takes 3.5 seconds.

Specially developed suspension for maximum lateral and longitudinal dynamics

The agility and high cornering speed of the new E63 4MATIC+ and E63 S 4MATIC+ are also benefits of the completely re-engineered AMG sports suspension. It is based on the AIR BODY CONTROL fully supporting multi-chamber air suspension and affords very high camber stability. The vehicle dynamics and steering precision are also combined with a high level of comfort.

A four-link front axle design uses forged aluminium components with wishbones, strut rod and spring link. The suspension strut supports the vehicle weight via the supporting link across from the body. Independent wheel control and wheel suspension parts combined with the increased track width enable higher lateral acceleration, but minimal torque steer on the steering system.

Likewise model-specific, the entirely re-engineered rear axle was adapted specifically to the new performance saloon's increased vehicle dynamics. The multi-link concept impresses with highly precise wheel control and increased stiffness. The AMG-specific rear axle carrier makes the wider track possible, with the contact surfaces of the wheel bearings having been moved out compared with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon. Other measures include AMG-specific wheel carriers, elastokinematic tuning optimised for vehicle dynamics and higher negative camber. Newly developed elastokinematics guarantee the comfort expected from the E-Class combined with high precision and vehicle dynamics.

The rear axle differential has a new mount to improve the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) characteristics. Additional bracing measures and welds also make a contribution in this regard. As on the AMG GT R, an anti-roll bar made of tubular material reduces the weight of the rear axle. It has been adapted to the increased vehicle dynamics of the new performance saloons.

The radial brake connection has been derived from motorsport. It also helps to make the handling more agile and precise because it provides increased rigidity to counter the vibrations and forces that the suspension produces. Due to the special rubber bushes on the axles and the new elastokinematics, it was possible to improve camber stability by 30 percent compared to the previous AMG model.

Personalised driving experience thanks to three-chamber air suspension system

The air suspension system with three chambers, a sporty spring damper set-up and continuously adjustable damping also takes the ability to individually tailor the driving experience to a new level. It combines exemplary vehicle dynamics with good road roar and tyre vibration characteristics. The rigidity of the air springs can be fine-tuned by activating or deactivating individual air chambers. This results in a tangible increase in comfort, as well as having a positive effect on handling.

By carrying out extended series of trials and test drives, the developers at AMG have defined three spring tuning settings depending on the selected drive program and the actual driving conditions. During sudden load changes, fast cornering, heavy acceleration or hard braking, the spring rate is also automatically made harder on the front or rear axle. This reduces roll and pitching effectively and stabilises the performance saloons.

In the "Comfort" program the suspension is heavily oriented towards providing a comfortable ride. Irregularities in the road surface are absorbed and the four-door model travels smoothly. In "Sport" mode, the E63 4MATIC+ and E63 S 4MATIC+ handle significantly more dynamically with reduced roll thanks to a harder spring rate. "Sport Plus" mode delivers further enhanced agility and cornering ability because the front and rear axles have an even more rigid suspension.

What is more, the customer can set the adaptive damping in three stages - Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus - to choose between relaxed comfort on long journeys and maximum sportiness. The rebound and compression levels are adjusted independently of each other and the freely programmable characteristics map permits a wide spread between the minimum and maximum damper force. The difference between the comfortable and sporty suspension setting is thus more refined and is subjectively even more perceptible - depending on the particular driving situation.

The complete package is compelling: The E63 4MATIC+ and E63 S 4MATIC+ combine steering precision and the highest level of longitudinal and lateral dynamics with maximum traction, while at the same time boosting ride comfort.

Rear differential lock: optimal traction, including on the racetrack

To improve traction and vehicle dynamics the E63 4MATIC+ has a mechanical rear differential lock and the E63 S 4MATIC+ has an electronically controlled rear differential lock. Both differentials reduce the slip on the inside wheel when cornering, without control interventions in the braking system. This ensures that the driver is able to accelerate out of corners earlier and with more power thanks to the improved traction. The car remains more stable when braking from high speeds, and the limited-slip differential also improves traction when moving off. The greatest benefit of the electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential is the even more sensitive and proactive control, which pushes the thresholds higher and makes it even easier to drive at the vehicle's limits. To deliver optimum cooling, the housing of the limited-slip differential has additional cooling fins.

The three-stage ESP® with "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT Handling Mode" and "ESP OFF" settings works in perfect unison with the rear-axle limited-slip differential and AMG 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, and is optimally tuned to the outstanding dynamics.

E63 S 4MATIC+ with dynamic engine mounts as standard

Uniquely in this segment, the E63 S 4MATIC+ is fitted with dynamic engine mounts. These help to solve the conflicting goals of achieving as soft a connection as possible to the powertrain for high comfort and as rigid a connection as possible for optimum vehicle dynamics. The dynamic mounts are instantly and variably able to adapt their stiffness to the driving conditions and requirements. These measures enhance the vehicle's precision when driven dynamically. The steering response and steering feedback, for example, are thus even more direct. When cornering the ride feels more precise and the driver needs to make fewer corrections because movement of the major assemblies is minimised. On the racetrack there is no compromise on the rigidity of the mounts, which further reduces the major assemblies' propensity to inertia, and thus helps to improve lap times. Conversely, softer mounts noticeably enhance comfort on poor stretches of road, for example. In the case of undulating surfaces, increased damping steadies the powertrain as quickly as possible.

Direct and with clear feedback: AMG Sport speed-sensitive steering

The electromechanical speed-sensitive sports steering features a variable ratio on the E63 4MATIC+ and the E63 S 4MATIC+. It stands out thanks to the AMG-specific rack-and-pinion ratio with its precise, highly authentic feedback. Steering power assistance is variably adjusted in the stages "Comfort", "Sport" or "Sport Plus". The relevant characteristics are automatically activated depending on the selected DYNAMIC SELECT drive program or can be personalised in "Individual" mode. At low speeds the driver only needs to provide minimal steering input. At high speed he or she is able to rely on solid straight-line stability. The clearly defined centre bearing and authentic feedback likewise contribute to the optimum steering feel.

Good sensitivity and fade-resistant: the AMG high-performance braking system

The large-sized high-performance braking system decelerates the performance saloon reliably and quickly and is fade-resistant even under high loads. The E63 4MATIC+ has internally vented and perforated compound brake discs in size 360 x 36 mm at the front with six-piston fixed calipers and in size 360 x 24 mm with single-piston floating brake calipers on the rear axle. The E63 S 4MATIC+ is fitted with even larger compound brake discs on the front axle in size 390 x 36 mm. For the more powerful variant, the AMG Carbon Ceramic braking system is available as an option with brake discs in size 402 x 39 mm on the front axle and 360 x 32 mm on the rear axle.

The three-stage ESP® allows significantly higher vehicle dynamics and driving enjoyment in ESP® Sport Handling Mode and with the ESP® OFF setting. The specific traction logic is active at all times: When a driven wheel starts to lose traction, ESP® applies the brakes in a targeted way for optimum transfer of the engine output to the road.

In this way, the three-stage ESP® provides additional safety or more fun at the wheel to suit requirements.

• ESP® ON: for a high level of safety by adapting to the sporty character of the car
• ESP® Sport Handling Mode: allows wider yaw angles before system intervention for a sporty driving style
• ESP® OFF: system deactivated for a sporty driving style on closed circuits. During hard braking ESP® is switched back on temporarily.

Additional struts: reinforced bodywork structure

The new performance saloons have a rigid bodywork structure, which forms the foundation for maximum vehicle dynamics, comfortable handling even on poor stretches of road, and a solid feeling of quality. There are also four struts to additionally reinforce the bodyshell: The two front struts are even stiffer than on the E 43 4MATIC, whereas only the Mercedes-AMG E63 4MATIC+ and E63 S 4MATIC+ have the two rear struts.

Sporty characteristics: the interior design

The interior reinforces the consistently dynamic bias with numerous specially designed details. Ideal for a sporty driving style, the performance sports steering wheel in black leather features a flattened bottom section, Touch Control and electroplated shift paddles, as well as a steering wheel bezel with the AMG logo.

The driver and front passenger enjoy a secure position in the front sport seats even when driving at speed, thanks to the improved lateral support. There is a distinctive seat upholstery layout in black nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre, nut brown nappa leather or macchiato nappa leather. The door centre panels match the seat design. AMG Performance seats with integral head restraints can be ordered as an option. Trapezium-grain aluminium trim elements highlight the sporty aspirations.

In the E63 S 4MATIC+ the interior has been refined further. Highlights include a nappa leather covering for the instrument panel and beltlines, the sports steering wheel with crystal grey 12 o'clock marking and contrasting topstitching, AMG crest in the front head restraints, crystal grey seat piping, IWC-designed analogue clock and seat belts in crystal grey.

The AMG instrument cluster places all the important information in the driver's field of vision. Dials in a chequered-flag look and the distinctive typography lend the large, clearly legible displays an especially sporty touch. The vivid widescreen multifunction display with two monitors is part of the standard equipment for the E63 S 4MATIC+ and is available as an option for the E63 4MATIC+. Customers with a passion for motorsport will be pleased to note the RACETIMER for recording lap times on closed-off tracks.

New AMG TRACK PACE app

To supplement the RACETIMER, Mercedes-AMG has developed the new Mercedes me connect AMG TRACK PACE app. Customers can use it to analyse and improve their track driving style and to share this with other AMG drivers via Facebook, Vimeo, YouTube or the AMG Private Lounge. This app for Apple iPhones® is connected to the on-board race app in the head unit via wifi or Bluetooth®. The COMAND Online infotainment system transmits all vehicle data - including speed, gear, steering angle, time, position and temperature - to the app in real time. The smartphone app can also be connected with GoPro cameras so that the driver can obtain an interactive video of their racing experience featuring all the related data.

Intelligent Drive

For the new performance saloons, all the connectivity and Intelligent Drive functions and options which make the Mercedes-Benz E-Class the most intelligent executive saloon are available. This includes semi-automated driving with the DRIVE PILOT, which can support the driver during disagreeable routine tasks such as driving in heavy traffic.

In addition to the standard Mercedes me connect functions such as eCall, accident recovery, breakdown assistance or after-sales service, Remote Online (standard with COMAND Online) offers numerous convenience features via smartphone, such as tracking to locate the parked vehicle, control of the stationary heater, locking and unlocking the vehicle or the retrieval of various items of information, such as mileage, fuel level or range.

New from Mercedes me connect is the Concierge Service. This includes personal service extending beyond the vehicle. The spectrum ranges from weather and stock market information and route recommendations to suggestions and reservations for sporting and cultural activities. Navigation data is transmitted straight to the vehicle. Customers can call up the Concierge Service using the iCall switch in the vehicle or from anywhere via the Mercedes me app. This new premium service is free of charge for the first year.

Numerous options from the AMG Performance Studio

Anyone wishing to personalise their E63 4MATIC+ or E63 S 4MATIC+ even further is able to order numerous options from the AMG Performance Studio. The Night package, attractive wheel alternatives and two Carbon-fibre packages can be used to customise the exterior specification. In the interior the Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre and the Performance seats, which are available for the first time, reinforce the sporty character. Carbon-fibre trim parts or glass-fibre elements in matt silver round off the possibilities.

Even more exclusivity: the E63 S 4MATIC+ "Edition 1"

Available for around a year after the market launch, the E63 S 4MATIC+ "Edition 1" is an exceptionally exclusive and distinctive offering. Complementing the paint finish in Night black magno, dynamic stripes on the side sill panels emphasise the elongated side view and underline the forwards thrust of the new performance saloon. Added to this are new AMG 20-inch forged wheels in matt black with high-gloss polished rim flange and the Night package.

AMG Performance seats in black nappa leather with yellow topstitching create an exceptionally sporty ambience in the interior. Also colour-matched are the AMG Performance sports steering wheel, door armrests, centre console, AMG floor mats and IWC-designed analogue clock with yellow topstitching or accents. The sports steering wheel in black DINAMICA microfibre features "Edition 1" lettering and a 12 o'clock marking in black. Carbon-fibre trim elements further enhance the exciting juxtaposition of colours and materials.

World première and market launch

The new performance saloon celebrates its world première as Edition 1 on 16 November 2016 as part of the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. The sales release follows on 16 January 2017, with market launch beginning in March 2017.