Mercedes-AMG E63 to boast 450kW, drift mode

BRACE yourself, Mercedes-AMG is preparing to set off the most powerful weapon in its arsenal – the new E63.

The company’s latest super sedan will arrive next year with more grunt than the AMG GT R, as confirmed by AMG boss Tobias Moers speaking to Australian media recently.

“It’s going be 600hp (441kW), under and above,” said Moers, suggesting E63 and E63 S models are in the works.

In its most powerful guise the Mercedes-AMG E63 is expected to push 450kW and 800Nm from AMG’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, eclipsing the 430kW and 700Nm outputs from the same engine in AMG’s current performance hero, the GT R.

All-wheel drive is the only option – there’s no rear-drive model this time around – though Moers confirmed the bespoke AMG-developed system has variable torque split capability and, for the first time, can send up to 100 percent of drive to the rear axle. And yes, “we do have a drift mode in the car,” said Moers.

Acceleration figures are yet to be officially announced, though 0-100km/h times will rival supercars at “three point something” seconds. Wheels understands that number will be closer to three seconds than four.

Spy shots of an E63 estate in testing show extreme wide-body arch extensions and enormous rubber at each corner and typically aggressive AMG styling.

“It’s the biggest step we’ve ever made in a generation change,” said Moers. “In terms of styling, presence of the car, it’s totally different to anything we’re used to. The tyre sizes, drivetrain, suspension, everything.”

“It’ll be faster on the [Nurburgring] Nordschleife than ever. It’s going to be under 7m50s.”

Expect to see an AMG-tuned version of Merc’s nine-speed gearbox with a manual mode, as well as adjustable air suspension and a multi-tiered ESC system.

AMG has shown a little of what the E-Class platform is capable of in its hands through the already released E43, though the E63 will be in another league of performance and price. A figure of $250,000 has already been hinted at, though it’s still some time away. Local cars won’t arrive until mid-2017.

Sedan and wagon bodies will be built, though sadly a lack of demand in Australia means we’re unlikely to see any E63 Estates arriving here. These days, more people are interested in the GLE63 SUV.

Expect to see the E63 in production guise before the end of the year, most likely late next month at the Los Angeles Auto Show.