The 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 and E63 S sedans have just debuted and they might be more exciting than the Benz pickup truck concept that was also just unveiled.
Sporting a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine, the Mercedes-AMG E63 and E63 S are the most powerful E-Classes of all time. The standard E63 model features 563 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, giving it a zero-to-60-mph time of 3.4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h). The more powerful E63 S packs 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to hit 60 mph from a standstill in 3.3 seconds while its top speed is 186 mph (299 km/h). Both models come equipped with an AMG Speedshift MCT nine-speed sport transmission and come standard with AMG Performance 4MATIC+ permanent all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution.
To help maximize fuel efficiency, the German automaker has equipped the V8 engine with the AMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system. In the partial-load range, cylinders two, three, five and eight are deactivated, helping conserve fuel.
According to Mercedes-AMG, the E63 also marks the first time on an AMG sedan that the hood is inset between the fenders and bumper like on a coupe, giving the model an entirely new, more dynamic approach to exterior sculpting. Overall, it is 0.67 inches wider, with the wheel arches able to accommodate greater track width and larger wheels on the front axle. There’s also a new radiator grille with twin louvers finished in silver chrome, further accented by vertical black struts and “AMG” lettering.
SEE ALSO: 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon Review
The E63 comes standard with 19×9.5-inch wheels up front and wider 19×10-inch wheels in the rear, while the E63 S runs on 20×9.5-inch front wheels and 20×10-inch rear wheels. A new design of 20-inch, cross-spoke forged wheels that looks as though they are centrally locked are also available as an option.
Part of the standard specification on the E63 S is drift mode, which can be activated in the “Race” drive program using the shift paddles, once ESP is deactivated and the transmission is in manual mode. Drift mode turns the E63 S into a purely rear-wheel-drive vehicle and remains engaged until the driver deactivates it again.
Inside the cabin, the E-Class gets distinctive seat upholstery in black Nappa leather and microfiber, nut brown Nappa leather or macchiato Nappa leather. On the higher-trim E63 S model, highlights include a Nappa leather covering for the instrument panel and beltlines, sport steering wheel with a crystal grey 12 o’clock marking and contrast topstitching, an AMG crest in the front head restraints, crystal grey seat piping, an IWC-designed analog clock, and seat belts finished in crystal grey.
Those looking to further personalize the E63 or E63 S models can order a wide selection of options including the Night Package, an AMG Performance steering wheel, AMG performance seats, carbon fiber trim parts or glass-fiber elements in matte silver.
The model will kick off its launch with an E63 S “Edition 1” that will be available for around a year after its market launch. The exterior features a Night Black Magno finish, complemented by dynamic stripes on the side sill panels and AMG 20-inch forged wheels in matte black and the Night Package.
The 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 and E63 S sedans made their debut at the 2016 L.A. Auto Show and will head to dealerships in the U.S. in the summer of 2017.
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