Super saloon packs performance and styling tweaks
Mercedes’ E63s Saloon and Estate have been updated with design modifications as seen with the recent E-Class styling albeit with more aggressive styling. The overhauled styling includes a larger grille and aerodynamic tweaks to optimise both grip and airflow to the engine, the new looks bring a stronger link to other Mercedes-AMG sports cars.
The new E63s maintains the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, which produces 603bhp and 627lb ft in the top S version which will be the only offering for the UK. Power is sent to all four wheels as before and through a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Work on the E63s’ dynamic engine mounts have been tweaked so they adapt more quickly to driving conditions, the dampers and chassis have also been enhanced. With the power remaining the same, significant tuning has been carried out to broaden the performance gap of the E63s.
In saloon form, the E63s has a 0-62mph time of 3.4sec, The estate versions are 0.1sec slower. Fuel consumption ranges from 23.7mpg to 24.3mpg, with CO2 emissions spanning 265g/km to 273g/km.
Additional advancements have been carried on the AMG Dynamic Select software, the system which changes systems such as the drive programmes, all-wheel drive systems and ESP stability control. The AMG Dynamics Plus package, which includes a Race drive mode and Drift function.
Exterior modifications of the new E63s feature an AMG exclusive radiator grille with 12 vertical louvres and a larger Mercedes star logo. Also at the front AMG engineers and aerodynamicists have fixated on decreasing wind resistance and increasing high-speed stability, the new apron is designed to significantly reduce lift at the front axle, there are also flatter LED headlights and bigger ‘power domes’ moulded into the bonnet. The wheel arches have also been enlarged by 22mm to accommodate a wider track on the front axle.
At the rear, there are restyled brake lights and a reshaped apron, which has also been tweaked aerodynamically, finished in gloss black with a silver trim but available in gloss black or carbon fibre. A new diffuser is also integrated. The E63s has new 20in aerodynamically optimised five-spoke alloy designs.
New paint colour options that were offered before on the Mercedes-AMG GT range, and only available in the E-Class line-up exclusively on the E63. An optional AMG Night Package adds a gloss black finish for the mirrors, window frame and exhaust pipes.
The Interior of the new E63s is closely related to the rest of the facelifted E-Class range, which consists of the latest version of the MBUX infotainment system and digital instrument display, with bespoke AMG display options. A new twin-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with haptic feedback controls and offered with Dinamica microfibre or leather, or combination finish. The wheel includes a ‘hands on’ sensor that will trigger warnings and, eventually, activate emergency brake assist if it detects the driver does not have their hands on the wheel for an extended period. Larger aluminium paddle shifters are Coupled to the new steering wheel so that you can operate the nine-speed transmission. Nappa leather covers the sports seats and the dashboard trim features bespoke AMG elements.
The Mercedes-AMG E63s is due to go on sale in the UK in July, prices expected to start from around £98,000.