Mercedes-Benz launched the most powerful E-Class of all times earlier this month. It’s called the AMG E63 S 4Matic and promises to give its rivals, the Audi RS7 and the BMW M5, a run for their money. Priced at Rs 1.5 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi), we got a chance to drive the E63 briefly at the Mecca of motorsports in India – yes, at the Buddh International Circuit. Without further ado, here are 5 important things you ought to know about this saloon.
Pricing
At Rs 1.5 crore, the E63 S is slightly more affordable than the Audi RS7, but about Rs 6 lakh more expensive than the BMW M5. But it ends up offering the best maintenance package in the segment. For a time period of 2 years with unlimited mileage, the compact plus maintenance package can be yours for Rs 88,000 or less than Rs 4,000 per month. This is peanuts as compared to the performance and features on offer. Also, the E63 offers more power and torque than its rivals which means it has the best power:money ratio here.
Numbers
As stated above, the E63 wins the number game. The 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine belts out 612 bhp of power and 850 Nm of torque. The ‘S’ moniker helps it get the last 41 horses – the normal E63 sold abroad is good for ‘only’ 571 bhp of power. These figures are far better than the rivals which also help the E63 sprint from 0-100 in just 3.4 seconds. Given the road and the optional AMG driver’s package, it can hit a top whack of 300 km/h. This has to be one of the most exciting four seater saloons in the world and certainly is the quickest AMG car ever.
New additions
For the first time, the AMG E moves from coil springs to an adaptive air suspension set-up. Further, power now goes to all the four wheels via Mercedes’ 4Matic tech though the Drift Mode cuts off power to the front wheels which allows drivers to get the tail out easily. No, we didn’t get a chance to sample this mode at the track due to paucity of time.
Luxury Limousine
Performance aside, this is the E Class after all which means this car knows how to take care of its occupants. Some of the standard and optional features include sunroof, climatized front seats, air balance package, power closing front and rear doors, Burmester high end 3d surround sound system and even folding rear seats for added practicality. And though it is shorter in length compared to the long wheelbase standard E, there is no dearth of space and comfort at the back.
Visually different
Although it’s called the E63 S, this one is visually a lot different than your conventional long wheel-base version (LWB) E-Class which is also India’s largest selling luxury car model. The E63 has a shorter, or rather standard wheelbase, that also makes it smaller in length. It rides on much larger 20-inch AMG wheels that are shod with wider tyres – 265/35 up front and 295/30 at the back. It gets ‘power bulges’ on the inner engine bonnet and the flared wheel arches underscore the power lurking in this vehicle. The E63 also gets AMG front apron with front splitters in silver chrome, AMG side panels and ample AMG logos to let the world know about your choice of wheels. Lastly, the quad pipes at the back are specially crafted for the S versions.
Also Read: Suzuki Swift Sport is MEGA fun, says this video review