A few weeks ago, we reported that the next Merdeces-AMG E63 would be an all-wheel drive saloon with a drift-mode setting, much like that found in the Ford Focus RS. Affalterbach has now officially revealed its latest creation as the most powerful E-Class of all time (odd timing, considering all the attention the recently revealed Concept X-Class bakkie is receiving).
The previous W212 E63 made use of the btand’s 4Matic system as well, but this was only on offers in the S trim and was not available on the South African market.
The E63 fits directly above the E43 and is packed with power and technology. It makes use of a twin-turbo 4,0-litre V8 delivering 420 kW and 750 N.m of torque, which should propel it from 0-100 km/h in 3,4 seconds.
The E63 S, meanwhile, will produce 450 kW and 850 N.m, shaving one-tenth of a second off that acceleration time. Top speed for both models comes in at a pleasingly round 300 km/h.
The engine will also benefit from cylinder deactivation technology, with four cylinders shutting down under partial load. In Comfort mode, the deactivation function will be available between 1 000 and 3 250 r/min.
Power will be distributed to all four wheels through a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission. The launch control system has also been revised so that all the driver needs to do to activate it is firmly press the brake pedal when at a standstill, with the Sport or Sport+ driving mode selected, while simultaneously fully depressing the accelerator pedal.
So, what about the drift mode? Well, torque distribution on the front and rear axles is fully variable for the first time, with an electromechanically controlled coupling connecting the permanently driven rear axle variably to the front axle.
Mercedes says the “best possible torque distribution is calculated continuously”, according to the driving conditions and driver’s input.
“The performance sedan can thus be driven in a continuously variable way from traction-oriented all-wheel drive to purely rear-wheel drive,” says the German automaker.
“It is still possible to drift thanks to fully variable torque distribution. This is where drift mode, part of the standard specification for the E63 S, comes into its own. This can be activated in the Race drive programme using the shift paddles, provided that ESP is deactivated and the transmission is in manual mode.”
To improve handling, the E63 will make use of an air body control suspension which reduces body roll through high-speed corners. Front and rear multi-link suspension setups and anti-roll bars have also been revised.
Interestingly, the standard E63 will make use of a mechanical rear diff-lock, while the E63 S will employ an electronic one. The S trim also gains something called dynamic engine mounts, which adjusts the stiffness of the front-end based on driver inputs.
An Edition 1 model has also been confirmed. This will feature a black exterior with yellow stripes and 20-inch forged wheels in matte black with high-gloss polishing. Yellow interior detailing is used throughout the cabin.
Edition 1 models will be available by the third quarter of 2017. Expect to see more of these models at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16.