E-Class gets the AMG treatment

Jul 6 2009 Stewart Smith

IF you're looking for a luxury sports saloon with staggering performance, drop-dead looks, comfort and exclusivity then take a look at the new Mercedes E63 AMG.

It fits the bill in every department and will be available in the UK next month.

The E63 AMG combines all the elements of a super sports car, business runaround and grand tourer, all wrapped up in a gorgeous body which will turn heads wherever you venture.

The 'ordinary' Mercedes E-Class is no slouch but the AMG is right up there in the top drawer along with the BMW M5, Jaguar XFR, Audi RS6 and the new Porsche Panamera.

It's engine is hand-built at AMG's factory near Stuttgart and the result is one of the finest power units available anywhere.

The V8 6.3-litre engine develops a mighty 525bhp, the same as the SL 63 AMG high-performance roadster.

Performance is astonishing with a top speed limited to 155mph and a sprint time of just 4.5 seconds from rest to 62mph.

But AMG has done more than build the engine. It has developed a new steering system and Ride Control sports suspension with electronically controlled damping and a new front axle.

The AMG E63 has also been fitted with a Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission which can be used in four different modes: C mode (comfort and efficienty), S mode (sport), S plus (sport plus) and M mode (manual with paddles). These can be selected by the turn of a knob on the centre console.

Gear changes are as smooth as silk and are astonishingly quick. Even in manual mode a gearshift takes just 100 milliseconds - not far off race car speed.

Even though the new E63 has more power and better performance, Mercedes claims it is more fuel efficient, saving as much as 12 per cent on the previous model.

On the open road the E63 AMG offers exhilarating fun. I drove this speed machine in its homeland in Germany where there are still stretches of autobahns with unrestricted speed limits. What a blast that was. At 140mph the E63 sits rock solid on the tarmac with just a hint of wind noise. But you will have to take it easy over here.

Normally at that speed I would be decidedly tense, but the solidity of this machine is something else. If you have to pull up quickly the E63 has special AMG 360-millimetre internally ventilated and perforated brakes all round. New ceramic brakes are available as an option. 18in alloy wheels come as standard on the new Merc.

At a more leisurely pace, on A and country roads the E63 is as docile and easy to control as a small city car. It handles superbly on bends with no body roll, soaks up ridges and potholes and eases its way gently through built-up areas (collecting many admiring glances).

The exterior of the E63 gives it an exclusive, sporty look. The front apron has large air intakes and new daytime driving lights. It also has tinted main headlamps, special AMG side sill panels and rear apron with a black insert. The sports exhaust system has two newly-designed chrome-plated twin tailpipes.

Inside the AMG touches continue with special leather sports seats up front with improved lateral support plus a three-spoke steering wheel for the UK market.

As you would expect with a high-performance sports saloon, safety has been taken into account.

The E63 has seven airbags, belt tensioners, crash-responsive head restraints and ISOFIX child seat attachments, ABS. It also has Lane Assist, which detects of the driver is drifting from its proper lane. If detected the driver feels three distinct vibrations through the steering wheel as a safety warning.

Last, but not least, is the beautiful sound of this great sports saloon.

Put you foot flat to the floor and the growling, throaty exhaust reminds you that this is no ordinary motor.

Despite the tough economic times I suspect that Mercedes will have no problem selling this new fire-breathing motor.

Its price has yet to be announced, but expect it to creep in at just under £70,000.