Mercedes-AMG E 63 S pricing announced

THE super saloon genre is set to get a serious shake-up with the arrival of the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S in Australia.

But how much is entry into this high-powered club going to cost you? If you want to be driving the wild 450kW/850Nm twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 E63 S; you’re going to have to budget $239,900 – before on-roads.

There’s some respite though, in that pricetag is a little too steep. Traditionally Australia has only received the top of the line ‘S’ models from the AMG 63 range, but Mercedes-AMG has decided to bring the ‘regular’ 420kW/750Nm E 63 Down Under in addition to its top-shelf S model. The vanilla E 63 retails for a slightly more modest $209,900.

So what do you get in the E63 S over the ‘standard’ car, aside from the power hike of course? There are 20-inch cross-spoke forged alloy wheels for starters where the E63 rolls on heavier cast 20-inch alloys. AMG’s Night Package is standard, there are minor external styling touches and a performance exhaust system, performance seats, a steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather, red brake calipers, a digital TV tuner, and a wireless charging pad.

Both cars send power to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic gearbox. However if you want to enjoy the E 63’s much-publicised ‘Drift Mode’, you’ll have to shell out for the E 63 S. With a unique chassis tune that preferences side slip angles, Drift Mode will allow you to torture the rear treads exclusively.

An Edition 1 pack is available for both cars, priced at $18,900. This adds selenite grey magno paintwork, ceramic composite brakes, AMG decals, a DINAMICA microfiber steering wheel with yellow topstitching, carbon fibre trim elements, and yellow stitching throughout the cabin.

If the very loud, very fast E 63 is a bit too extreme for your liking, the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 E 43 is available for $159,900 (plus on road costs).

Rivals to the E 63 S include the yet-to-arrive BMW M5, Audi RS6 Avant ($245,116), and Lexus GS F ($151,490). Or if you are quick enough, a HSV GTSR W1 for $170,000.