Although the Mercedes-AMG GT exists, it is ultimately the C 63 and E 63 that comes to mind when mentioning the three iconic letters. The E 63 4MATIC+, being the ultimate E-Class Mercedes-Benz can offer, is now available in Malaysia at the price just north of RM1.1 million.
The facelifted Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ offers more than just a new fascia but comes with the latest and best that the luxury car brand can offer. And this includes the very ‘small’ but very powerful turbocharged V8 engine.
The engine continues to be made by hand
Pop the hood on every Mercedes-AMG car and you’ll see that each engine is not made by bots. The workhorse here is a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo that makes 612hp and 850Nm, from 2,500rpm to 4,500rpm for effortless acceleration. The result — a 0-100kph time of 3.4 seconds.
The AMG 4.0-litre V8 engine is armed with two exhaust gas turbochargers that feature twin-scroll technology for optimum output and response. This allows the reduction of exhaust gas backpressure while optimising the gas cycle. Following that, the standard cylinder shutoff and further measures turn performance models into highly efficient machines.
When the “Comfort” drive program is selected, the cylinder deactivation system is available in a wide engine speed range from 1,000 to 3,250rpm. The instrument cluster’s special display indicates whether the cylinder deactivation system is in use and whether the engine is presently operating in four or eight-cylinder mode. The transition between these two operating states is immediate, fast and torque-neutral.
The E 63 S is fitted with dynamic engine mounts to solve the age-old conflict of extreme comfort and race-ready rigidity for optimum driving dynamics. The dynamic mounts quickly and variably adapt their stiffness to the driving conditions and requirements. These measures enhance the vehicle’s precision when driven dynamically, while the soft setting increases comfort tangibly.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission continues to partner with the venerable V8 engine. And why not, the transmission brings out the best in the engine. The autonomous software enables extremely short shift times and fast multiple downshifts while the double-clutching function makes for an emotive gearshifting experience. A wet multi-plate start-off clutch replaces the torque converter. It saves weight and optimizes response, especially when accelerating or coming off the power.
Drift Mode continues to slide into the all-wheel drive performance saloon
Just as the pre-facelift Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ has, the new performance car continues to carry the Drift Mode. It all comes down to the fully variable torque distribution that is activated through the ‘RACE’ drive program via the shift paddles, with the ESP deactivated and transmission in manual mode. Here, the E 63 S becomes a purely rear-wheel drive vehicle. Drift Mode remains engaged until the driver deactivates it again.
When not indulging in sideway shenanigans, the car’s AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system distributes torque to the front and rear axles. The system is fully variable for the first time to ensure traction on any surface.
For improved traction and driving dynamics, the performance models are equipped with an electronically regulated rear axle-locking differential. This reduces the slip on the inside wheel when cornering, without any control intervention in the braking system. The car remains more stable when braking from high speeds; the locking differential improves traction when moving off.
The Mercedes-AMG has more than a couple of driving mode options to play with. With the DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, up to six options are available including “Slippery”, “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport+”, “Individual” and “RACE”. The modes modify key parameters, such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering. Independently of the DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, the driver has the option of switching directly to manual mode, in which gearshifts execute exclusively using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The suspension set-up selections can be as specific as needed.
A new face to match its power
The new E-Class is defined by its more aggressive face, which is aptly carried forward to the E 63. Redesigned LED headlamps, a new vertical-bar AMG grille, and a drop front apron with aggressive air intakes enhances the performance saloon’s presence.
The rear is dramatically reshaped, as well, with new horizontally oriented LED tail lamps adding sporty distinction. Flared side sills, twin power domes in the hood, and a rear apron with a functional diffuser assert the extensive attention to aerodynamic and visual detail. Consequently, the reshaped rear apron emphasizes the broad effect on the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ and has a positive effect on aerodynamics. The 20-inch, 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels are also aerodynamically optimised with a wider aero rim edge.
Further individual focuses can be set with the AMG Night Package. The exterior mirror housings, window frames, trim insert in the longitudinal members and trim elements in the front and rear apron are kept in high-gloss black here. There are also tailpipe trim elements in black chrome. The AMG-specific radiator grille is also available in a darkened design. Exclusively available for the 63-series models, the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre Package I comprises a front splitter, trim insert in the longitudinal member and the trim element in the rear apron in carbon fibre.
Nothing but luxury the moment you open its doors
Of course, Mercedes-AMG isn’t skimping on anything when it comes to fitting the car with the finest appointments. Upholstery for the AMG seats is in nappa leather, combining secure lateral support and an AMG-specific seat upholstery layout with an “AMG” badge in the front seat backrests. The trim for the dashboard and beltlines as well as seat belts are in crystal grey. Nappa leather in black/titanium grey pearl with yellow contrasting topstitching is in the range of new AMG-specific upholstery.
The new AMG Performance steering wheel, with its distinctive twin-spoke design and seamlessly integrated buttons, appears here. The three-rounded twin spokes combine stability with lightness, and the steering wheel rim is a hallmark motorsport feature. The cover is in a combination of leather and DINAMICA microfibre.
In the steering wheel rim, there is also a sensor mat to detect “hands-on”. If the driver does not have their hands on the steering wheel for a certain time, a warning cascade starts, which then activates Emergency Brake Assist if the driver continues to be inactive.
The electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering has a variable ratio, said to be precise with authentic feedback. The steering servo assistance reduces at high speeds and continuously increases at lower speeds.
The steering assistance assigns to the various stages of the AMG DYNAMICS system. Comfortable steering tuning is set in “Basic”. In “Advanced” and “Master/Pro”, the driver receives incrementally more feedback about the driving status thanks to sportier steering tuning. The new buttons seamlessly integrated into the surfaces of the horizontal twin spokes have a very elegant look. Haptic sensing aids in the area of the symbols make control easier.
The interior is voice-activated
As with all new Mercedes-Benz, the AMG also receives that latest MBUX that comes alive with the words, “Hey Mercedes”. The software recognises and understands nearly all sentences from the fields of infotainment and vehicle operation, even if expressed indirectly.
In hopes to form an emotional tie with the machine, MBUX now addresses the drive with ‘you’ rather than more formal expressions. Weather forecasts for specific regions read is possible in virtually all languages.
A further highlight is the MBUX infotainment system with a touchscreen and touchpad, the intelligent voice control plus AMG-specific displays and settings. The two displays for the instrument cluster and multimedia displays blend visually beneath a shared glass cover to form the Widescreen Cockpit.
Via the AMG menu, the driver can call up various special AMG displays such as Engine Data, gear speed indicator, Warm-up, Set-Up, G-Meter and RACETIMER. With individual AMG displays such as visualisation of the drive programs or telemetry data, the touchscreen multimedia display likewise underscores the dynamic configuration.
Without insurance, the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ is priced at RM1,118,888.00. The price is inclusive of the 10 per cent sales tax. Of course, financing is available to the AMG that adds convenience and value to owning the E 63.
Will you be adding this to your fantasy five-car garage or on your real driveway?
