The Performance
The drive unit is unique in this segment, and
ensures decidedly sporty performance figures: the 2011 E63 AMG accelerates from a
standstill to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph
(electronically limited). The high-revving, naturally aspirated engine with a
displacement of 6208 cc impresses with its agile responsiveness, muscular power
delivery and great flexibility. The V8 sound is a thrilling accompaniment for
mile after mile, while the smooth-running engine guarantees typical Mercedes
long-distance comfort. An extremely high-performance water cooling system
ensures maximum endurance even under the enormous dynamic stresses of the
racetrack.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT Transmission
The high-performance
roadster has also donated its AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission to
the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. This transmission dispenses with a conventional torque converter
and uses a compact, wet start-up clutch. In conjunction with the four individual
drive modes, the double-declutching and Race Start functions, the resulting
direct connection to the powertrain allows an extremely emotional and highly
dynamic driving experience, which can be adapted conveniently at the touch of a
button.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission also makes a
decisive contribution to fuel economy: a wet start-up clutch running in an oil
bath replaces the previous torque converter. This unit responds extremely
rapidly, dynamically and without the losses typical of a torque converter
transmission thanks to its low rotational inertia. The transmission is equipped
with four drive modes: "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport
plus) and "M" (Manual), which can be selected using a rotary electronic switch
in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Partial suppression of individual cylinders by
interrupting ignition and injection briefly during gearshifts under full load
leads to considerably faster shift times. In S+ and M modes, the 7-speed sports
transmission allows gearshifts to be performed in 100 milliseconds.
Electronically Controlled Damping System
Sporty or more
comfort-oriented? The driver of the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is not obliged to
accept any compromises in this respect. The AMG Ride Control sports suspension
copes equally well with the agile maneuvers of the racetrack and more
comfortable, sedate driving. High performance and typical Mercedes long-distance
comfort go together as an extraordinary synthesis in the E63 AMG. While steel
spring struts are used on the front axle, the rear suspension features
AMG-specific air springs. The advantage of this solution, which is exclusive to
AMG, is that the front steel spring struts ensure more sensitive responses while
the rear air struts, with their automatic level control system, keep the vehicle
at a constant height irrespective of the load.
An electronically
controlled damping system automatically varies the damping characteristics
according to the driving situation, reducing the roll angle of the body. The
result is instant adjustment to provide the best possible ride comfort together
with the greatest possible agility. In addition, the driver is able to choose
between the three suspension modes of Comfort, Sport and Sport plus at the touch
of a button.
Direct Power Steering and Individual 3-Stage ESP
Direct responsiveness comes courtesy of the speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion
steering. The steering ratio of 14:1 is 22 percent more direct than in the
standard production models, while a more rigid steering column plus the
characteristic mapping of the speed-sensitive servo assistance ensure better
steering precision and improved road contact.
The 3-stage ESP familiar
from the SL63 AMG and C63 AMG enables individual settings to be selected - with
clear benefits in terms of driving pleasure combined with the same, high level
of handling safety. The ESP button in the AMG Drive Unit allows the driver to
choose between "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF" - with the currently active
mode shown in the central display of the instrument cluster. Perfect
deceleration even when driving extremely briskly is ensured by the AMG
high-performance braking system with 360-millimeter, internally ventilated and
perforated brake discs all-round. Particularly resistant, motorsports-tested
composite technology is used at the front axle.
The optional ceramic
composite brakes with even larger brake discs guarantee even better braking
performance. The ceramic brake discs perform reliably at even higher operating
temperatures thanks to their greater hardness, all combined with an impressive
weight reduction of around 40 percent. Outstanding grip is ensured by the AMG
light-alloy wheels with tires of sizes 255/40 R18 at the front and 285/35 R18 at
the rear.
Even More Individuality
Customers requiring even
more sporty individuality are catered for by the AMG Performance Studio: the E63
AMG saloon can, for instance, be dynamically enhanced even further ex factory
with the Performance package. This includes the following:
- Lightweight, forged AMG light-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R19 tires at
the front and 285/30 R19 at the rear.
- AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension with a stiffer set-up.
- AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action.
- AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid.
- AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design.
- Roller blind for rear window.
The AMG Exclusive package provides a luxurious touch in the interior. It
includes:
- Nappa leather appointments for the seats, top section of the dashboard,
the beltlines, the door armrests as well as the center console and door
center
panels.
- Roof liner as well as A, B and C-pillars and sun visors in Alcantara.
- AMG floor mats.
Selected optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio are also
individually available ex factory:
- AMG ceramic composite braking system.
- Lightweight, forged AMG light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey and
polished, with size 255/35 R19 tires at the front and 285/30 R19 at the
rear.
- AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action.
- Brake calipers, painted red.
- AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber package.
- AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design with Alcantara
inserts in the grip areas.
- AMG carbon-fiber trim elements.
- AMG door sill panels, set of two, illuminated white.
- AMG floor mats.
Active and Passive Safety of the Very Highest Caliber
The
flagship AMG model in the E-Class traditionally meets the very highest
expectations with respect to active and passive safety. Naturally this also
applies to the E63 AMG: standard features include the new drowsiness detection
system Attention Assist, the unique anticipatory occupant protection system
PRE-SAFE, BAS PLUS, seven airbags and crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints.
On request the safety features can be brought to a level unprecedented in this
vehicle class with the Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist systems, the
PRE-SAFE Brake with an automatic emergency braking function, Adaptive Highbeam
Assist, Night View Assist and Speed Limit Assist. With its unique combination of
trend-setting driver assistance systems, the E63 AMG is extending its leading
position in the area of safety even further.
Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications