W213 Mercedes-AMG E63 4Matic+ and E63 S 4Matic+ debuts – the most powerful E-Class, ever

Mercedes-AMG has taken the wraps off its most powerful E-Class, ever. As was the case with the W212, the company has announced two variants of the W213 versions of its new E 63, the E 63 4Matic+ and E 63 S 4Matic+. The car will officially make its world debut in Edition 1 form on November 16 at the Los Angeles Auto Show before entering the market in March next year.

Both feature the now-familiar AMG 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8, which debuted on the the AMG GT S. The M178 replaces the M157 5.5 litre V8 job that equipped the W212 E 63 and E 63 S, but despite the reduced displacement, output on the new car is marginally up from before (similar to the AMG GT R), in most areas.

On the E 63 4Matic+, the mill is good for 563 hp (571 PS) at 5,750 to 6,500 rpm and 750 Nm at 2,250 to 5,000 rpm (557 hp and 720 Nm from the 5.5 litre M157), while the more potent S variant has 603 hp (at the same rpm) and 850 Nm from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. While power is up over the 585 hp found on the W212 E 63 S, there’s slightly less torque from the new one, with 900 Nm available previously.

Performance figures for the base E 63 include a 0-100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds and an electronically-governed top speed of 250 km/h, though if an AMG Driver’s package is specified the limit goes up to 300 km/h). As for the S, it’s a shade faster to the century, at 3.4 seconds.

The engine is paired with an AMG Speedshift MCT nine-speed sports transmission, which replaces the seven-speed AMG Speedshift MCT unit seen previously. A wet start-off clutch replaces the torque converter, which saves weight and also optimises the response time to accelerator pedal input. Highlights of the unit include short shift times, fast multiple downshifts and a double-clutching function.

Also on, a new AMG Performance 4Matic+ fully variable all-wheel drive system. An electromechanically-controlled coupling connects the permanently-driven rear axle variably to the front axle, with the best possible torque distribution calculated continuously according to the driving conditions and driver’s input, allowing the car to shift from traction-oriented all-wheel drive to purely rear-wheel drive depending on conditions.

The S variant gets a drift mode function as part of its standard specification. The function 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 activated, the E 63 S 4Matic+ becomes a purely rear-wheel drive vehicle, and the mode remains engaged until the driver deactivates it. The cars also feature a rear differential lock, a mechanical unit on the base E 63, and an electronically-controlled one on the S.

An AMG Dynamic Select drive programme offers four drive modes – Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual – as well as a Race programme mode for closed race circuit use. As for the Racestart function, the control logic has been reworked and simplified considerably.

In the Sport, Sport Plus or Race drive programmes, 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, and the on-board electronics will now set the optimum engine speed.

Also present on the V8 mill is AMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system, which when running in a partial-load range and with the “Comfort” transmission drive programme selected, deactivates cylinders two, three, five and eight to help lower the fuel consumption.

The car features a distinctive design forward of the A-pillar, with the bonnet inset between the wings and bumper like on a coupé, which the company says provides a more dynamic approach to the sculpting. The wheel arches have also been widened by 17 mm to accommodate the greater track width and the larger wheels on the front axle.

Also on, a new radiator grille with twin louvres in silver chrome, vertical black struts and AMG lettering, as well as a a large front splitter and front apron – inspired by the design of a jet wing – complete with flics in black. At the back, elements include a boot spoiler lip, a rear apron with diffuser-look insert and chrome-plated twin tailpipe trim elements for the selectable sports exhaust system.

Standard fit wheels on the E 63 4Matic+ are 19-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, with 265/35 front and 295/30 rear rubbers. The E 63 S 4Matic+, meanwhile, gets 20-inch five-twin-spoke units, again in the same finish, wrapped with similar profile tyres in a 20-inch variation. There’s also a new 20-inch cross-spoke forged wheel available as an option.

The car features a completely re-engineered AMG sports suspension, which is based on the Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension. Key bits include a four-link front axle design – utilising forged aluminium components – with wishbones, strut rod and spring link and an entirely re-engineered rear axle adapted specifically to the new performance saloon’s increased vehicle dynamics. Other items of note include AMG-specific wheel carriers, elastokinematic tuning optimised for vehicle dynamics and a higher negative camber.

Elsewhere, the E 63 S 4Matic+ comes with dynamic engine mounts as standard, and both cars are equipped with an AMG Sport electromechanical speed-sensitive steering. As for brakes, both get an AMG high-performance braking system, with the S variant featuring larger compound front brake discs compared to the base model. The S can be specified with an optional AMG Carbon Ceramic braking system.

Inside, the base E 63 features trapezium-grain aluminium trim elements and front sport seats, available in black nappa leather/Dinamica microfibre, nut brown nappa leather or macchiato nappa leather upholstery choices, with an AMG Performance seats with integral head restraints available as an option.

Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+, Studioaufnahme ;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 9,2 – 8,9l/100 km; CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 209 – 203 g/km Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+, studio shot; Fuel consumption combined: 9,2 – 8,9 l/100 km; Combined CO2 emissions: 209 – 203 g/km

On the E 63 S 4Matic+, highlights include a nappa leather covering for the instrument panel and beltlines, AMG crest in the front head restraints, crystal grey seat piping, IWC-designed analogue clock and seat belts in crystal grey. A vivid widescreen multi-function display with two monitors is part of the standard equipment for the variant, and is an option for the standard E 63 4Matic+.

Other items on the equipment list include a Drive Pilot semi-automated driving function and Mercedes me connect functions. The usual personalisation bits such as a Night package are also available, as is the customary Edition 1 version for the E 63 S 4Matic+.

Available for around a year after the market launch, this E 63 S gets the E1 treatment, with a Night package, dynamic stripes on the side sill panels and new AMG 20-inch forged wheels in matt black with high-gloss polished rim flange going on the exterior.

The interior, meanwhile, gets AMG Performance seats in black nappa leather with yellow topstitching as well as an AMG Performance sports steering wheel. Also on, an IWC-designed analogue clock, and judging by the photos, a high-end Burmester audio system looks to be one of the specifiable pieces of kit.

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