The businessman’s dirty secret gets more AMG grunt

The Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG has always been the businessman’s dirty secret. A pinstriped wolf in sheep’s clothing, the thunderous AMG sports saloon masquerades as a refined and palatial vehicle for the corner-office elite. Yet beneath its distinguished exterior lies its true character; a huffing, snorting mechanical beast, ever-ready to devour its more placid contemporaries in the corporate lot with its roaring engine note and unmatched performance. Now even more powerful and efficient, the new generation of the high-performance car has taken its predatory nature to a new level, and now packs the earth-shattering AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine, part of the "AMG Performance 2015" model strategy, which delivers phenomenal power and torque.

Available in both saloon and estate variants, the base level E 63 AMG produces 525 hp and 700Nm of torque which can be called upon across the rev range between 1750 and 5000rpm. Combined with the optional AMG Performance package, these figures increase to 557 hp and 800 Nm, through 2000 to 4500 rpm. Both variants of the E 63 AMG achieve exceptional performance: acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 4.3 and 4.2 seconds respectively (Estate: 4.4 and 4.3 seconds), and the top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

The new engine, already familiar from the recently launched CLS 63 AMG, delivers an output of 525 hp to 557 hp, together with an impressive reduction in fuel consumption: the E 63 AMG consumes 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres (Estate 10.0 litres) according to NEDC combined, 2.8 litres per 100km (22 percent) less than its predecessor’s AMG 6.3-litre V8 naturally aspirated engine. An important contribution to this is also made by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, and the newly developed electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering system. Drivers can choose between ‘C’ for Controlled Efficiency, ‘S’ for Sport ‘S+’ for Sports Plus and ‘M’ for Manual settings putting the driver firmly in control of the car’s character and responsiveness at any given time.

Dynamic tweaks to the exterior of the new E 63 AMG advertise the power underneath the bonnet with new 10-spoke AMG alloy wheels, full AMG bodystyling across front, rear and both sides, a distinctive AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome-twin tailpipes while “V8 BITURBO” lettering warns the layman of the performance within.

On the inside, the new AMG Performance, three-spoked steering wheel has been flattened at both top and bottom to facilitate better control, and features aluminium gear shift paddles amidst perforated leather in the grip areas, and a three dimensional airbag cover design with ‘Silver Shadow’ trim element.

The new E 63 AMG also features a host of additional new driver assistance systems such as new AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension to further improve the ride, while Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist raise occupant safety to a whole new level.

Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Middle East and Levant, said: “The new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG has raised the bar once again in the executive saloon segment, and now offers further refined luxury and increased exhilaration for almost exactly the same price as its predecessor – something sure to put a smile on the face of even the most earnest CFO.”

With a host of optional ex-factory extras from the AMG Performance Studio available, including carbon fibre trim inside and out with piano lacquer, AMG Performance steering wheel, illuminated AMG door sills and titanium grey 10-spoke alloy wheels, the E 63 AMG is set to become a mouthwatering prospect for any senior executive.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG will be available in the Middle East as Saloon and Estate variants in Q4 with GCC pricing starting at USD119,450 (AED438,400).