Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

Motoring Channel Staff - 1/April/2009

Stuttgart, Germany – One of the world's fastest sports saloons has finally broken cover, the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.

Utilising one of the most formidable German-made V8s on the market, this rear-wheel drive road warrior has more power but uses less fuel than its predecessor, and features an aggressive new look to boot.

Apart from its 386kW (518hp) 8-cylinder engine, one of the most fascinating aspects of the new E63 AMG is the new 7-speed transmission.

The full name is the AMG SpeedShift MCT 7-speed sports transmission, but the only people to use that full name are paid by Mercedes.

The new cog-swapper uses a multi-disc wet clutch running in an oil bath in lieu of the previous torque converter. AMG says this unit 'responds extremely rapidly, directly and without the losses typical of a torque converter transmission thanks to its low rotational inertia'. Translated: it's a quick shifter.

The media release claims the gearbox takes just 100 milliseconds to shifts from one gear into the next.

Thanks to this high tech gearbox the MB E63 AMG uses about 12% less fuel (claimed average) than its predecessor.

Using its seven ratios, the new gearbox puts more than 350 kilowatts and 600Nm of torque to the ground. The exact power output from the 6.2-litre engine is as follows:

Power: 386kW (518hp)
Torque: 630Nm (465lb.ft)
Top Speed: 250km/h (155mph)
0-100km/h: 4.5 seconds

The fast-revving, naturally aspirated AMG-built engine has a displacement of 6,208cc that delivers a 'thrilling' sound says the Germany car maker.

It features a newly designed water cooling system for improved endurance, suited to the stresses of the racetrack, while in-engine friction is reduced by the AMG-exclusive twin-wire arc spray coating process used to coat cylinder walls.

The new gearbox is probably the most exciting part of the new car however. Together with the engine's slight improvement in power the 7-speed transmission is expected to deliver most of the cars increased performance.

The MCT 7-speed gearbox is equipped with four driving modes that are changed via rotary electronic switch: 

"C" (Controlled Efficiency)
"S" (Sport)
"S+" (Sport plus)
 "M" (Manual)

The transmission can make fully automated changes in varying degrees of aggressiveness or can be put into manual mode where the driver chooses when to change gears for total control.

AMG has even hardwired the transmission into the engine control unit (ECU) so that it can partially suppress individual cylinders (via interrupting ignition and injection during gearshifts under full load) to speed up shift times. 

Some other features of the 7-speed gearbox include 'fast and precise multiple downshifts' according to Mercedes, along with automatic rev-matching.

There's ever a "Race Start" function that allows the engine to rev while engaging the clutch, which Mercedes says allows for 'the E63 AMG driver to call on the maximum acceleration potential automatically'.

All things considered, it sounds like a lot of engineering and testing has gone into this semi-auto gearbox, especially as it can handle more than 600Nm of torque.

The exterior of the big AMG has been modified to ensure it conveys the ideal image halfway between luxury and motor sports.

New front and rear aprons (wider by 17mm) add a sporty edge to the vehicle and together with 18-inch AMG alloy wheel rims shod with 255/40 and 285/35 front and rear tyres respectively, the E-Class AMG V8 model adroitly walks the line between motor sports and luxury.

Larger 19-inch alloy wheels are optional and some of the other eye candy includes the four odd-sized trapezoidal exhaust outlets at the rear, LED running lights at the front and sharp, clean body lines overall.

Though the E63 AMG's top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h, it can be extended to 300km/h (186mph) if you don't mind spending more money on the optional AMG Performance Package which includes the following:

• Lightweight, forged 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels

• AMG Performance suspension with stiffer spring rates

• AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action

• AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design

• Top speed raised to 300km/h (186mph)

Some of the other differences between standard E-Class and the new E63 AMG is the newly developed AMG Ride Control sports suspension.

This system features an electronically controlled damping system, new steel spring struts on the front axle and AMG-specific air springs at the rear axle to provide sharper overall steering response while keeping the car level.

The AMG Ride Control system has three suspension modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport plus) that can be changed at the touch of a button. 

Mercedes-Benz and its performance arm AMG also equipped the E63 with a newly developed, unique front axle with a 2.2-inch (56 millimeter) wider track. 

A tubular stabilizer bar, new control arms, new wheel bearings, newly-designed bushing geometry and kinematics, plus a new wheel location for more negative camber were also added to the front axle, which Merc says improves grip when taking turns at high speed.

Even the ESP system has been tweaked and is another switchable driving aid with 3-stages - on, sport, and off. 

New brakes have been added to the car which include internally ventilated and perforated discs.

Befitting a car with the heritage of the Mercedes E-Class, the E63 AMG gets a high class interior that begins with electrically adjustable AMG sports seats, has an AMG sports steering wheel with shift paddles in the middle, and ends with acres of leather and a new AMG selector lever with one-touch logic.

Safety systems include are unparalleled including a new drowsiness detection system Attention Assist, the preventive occupant protection system Pre-Safe, Brake Assist Plus, eleven airbags and crash-responsive Neck-Pro head restraints and more options than ever (such as Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist systems, Adaptive High Beam Assist and Night View Assist Plus).

Scheduled to be unveiled at the New York motor show on April 9th, the E63 AMG will rival vehicles such as the 432kW Audi RS6.

Mercedes-Benz recently said it has no plans to get involved in a power war and this has been confirmed with the 386kW power output, which is 46 kilowatts less than the Audi RS6. 

Related Links:
- Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Teaser (2010)
- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (2011)
- Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (2008)
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe (2009)
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2009)
- Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss (2009)
- Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black (2008)
- Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class (2008)
- Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Estate (2008)
- Mercedes-Benz New C-Class (2008)
- Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG (2008)
- Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive (concept)