The latest version of the E Class, breathed upon by AMG is claimed to be the fastest production four-door sedan in the world.
The Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic, to give it its full title, is a new era for the high-performance division’s large sedan, thanks to downsized powertrains, all-wheel drive and semi-autonomous driving technology.
This new version of the E Class develops 450 kW of power and 850 Nm of torque from the 4.0 liter biturbo V8 also found in the Mercedes-AMG GT S coupe, the new four door five seater sedan covers zero to 100 km/h mark in 3.4 seconds.
The engine is a 32-valve aluminium V8 with direct-injection and new-to-series two twin-scroll turbochargers (located between the vee bank for reduced lag/quicker responses and compactness), helping to generate the maximum 450 kW from 5750-6500 rpm and the 850 Nm between 2500-4500 rpm.
‘Half engine mode’ disconnects cylinders two, three, five, and eight by shutting off their relevant intake and exhaust valves, to make it a four cylinder engine returning 8.8 liters per 100 km.
Additionally, as with some W213 models, the Drive Pilot intelligent semi-autonomous technology is standard, providing lane-keep control, adaptive cruise control and other active safety items.
AWD is achieved via an all-new in-house developed AMG Speedshift MCT Multi Clutch Technology nine speed Sports Transmission, with extremely short shift times with fast multiple downshifts and a wet start-off clutch replaces a torque converter.
The completely variable 4Matic AWD system employs an electromechanically controlled coupling – so it can switch from AWD to RWD.
On the braking front, the E63 S uses 390 x 36 mm vented and drilled compound brake discs up front with six-piston fixed callipers and 360 x 24 mm single-piston floating brake calipers on the rear axle. AMG Carbon Ceramic brakes are available in 402 x 39 mm and 360 x 32 mm front and rear axle sizes respectively.
A tubular anti-roll bar first seen on the AMG GT R reduces weight. Combined, all these items help improve camber stability by 30 percent compared to the outgoing E63, but how they come up with these comparisons, I do not know.
A useless setting is a drift mode; select Race, disengage the ESC, press manual mode, then using the shift paddles simultaneously, the E63 S turns the driver into a hoonigan, and remains in that setting until the driver deactivates it. Somehow I cannot see the type of driver who can afford such a car wanting to practice drifting.
Undoubtedly this new version of the E Class is as close to perfection as M-B and AMG can make it – but expect astronomical pricing if it comes to Thailand. I’ll guess around 8 million baht.
