Mercedes-AMG has been using its twin-turbocharged 3,0-litre V6 as somewhat of an entry level for the high-performance brand. The badge has seen its way onto the C-Class and SLC with future plans to broaden it throughout the lineup. Now it is the E-Class’s turn.
The E43 is expected to be more of a reserved AMG model thanks to the implementation of subtle body panels and interior trimmings that would make spectators believe this to be just a run of the mill E-Class. Giving it a bit of a dynamic appearance are the standard 19-inch five-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black and two chrome-plated quad-flow exhaust tailpipes.
The twin-turbo V6 powering the E43 will deliver an impressive 295 kW and 520 N.m of torque giving it a 0-100 km/h time of 4,6 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h, making this a true sleeper. This is aided by the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system (with a 31:69 torque ratio) mated to the 9G-TRONIC dual-clutch transmission.
Air suspension and sport sensitive adaptive steering provides the E43 with the added benefit of comfort but can be used for dynamic purposes depending on the selected driving mode. Stopping power for this presumably heavy saloon will be provided by 360 mm four-piston front and one-piston rear disk brakes.
The E43 will be part of the range when it is released to the public this September. Local pricing and availability is yet to be announced.
We’ve driven the standard E-Class which you can read about here.
