What's the news?

No surprises that AMG has busied itself creating a new E 63 AMG off the back of Mercedes-Benz's revised E-Class, though the addition of an S model and four-wheel drive are noteworthy. Right-hand drive markets will be denied the all-wheel drive option, though the S model, with 585hp and 800Nm of torque (up from 557hp and 720Nm in the standard E 63 AMG) will make it to the UK.

Exterior

As with the non-AMG E-Class the E 63 gains new head- and tail lights, while the front view is dominated by a new grille and re-profiled bonnet. With a 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 engine to feed air to that front is punctured by massive intakes on the lower bumper, and the S model additionally gains a gloss black finish to the 'A-wing' element in the front, while the lower front splitter, three-dimensional sill inserts and rear bumper elements are finished in silver chrome. AMG's signature quad exhaust system is housed in a deeper, mesh and diffuser-style rear bumper, while the S models are recognisable thanks to small S badging on the boot lid and a red rather than silver finish to the brake callipers.

Interior

The interior gets the same sporting makeover, with deeper bolstered AMG sports seats, an AMG sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles, metal finished pedals and a row of AMG-specific gearshift and drive selectors alongside the AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed automatic gear selector between the front seats. The S model comes with a more focused specification again, including grey contrasting stitching to the black leather, grey seatbelts and an S AMG logo on the speedometer that tantalisingly reads 200mph - even if the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.

Mechanicals

More power, as if it were needed, marks out the new E 63 in standard guise gaining 32hp over its predecessor for a maximum output of 557hp. Torque rises too to 720Nm, allowing the standard car to reach 62mph in 4.2 seconds. If that's not quick enough, then the S model ups the power to 585hp and torque swells to 800Nm, giving it the ability to reach 62mph in just 3.6 seconds (3.7 seconds for the estate). That extra output is achieved by increasing the charge pressure on the turbochargers as well as other internal revisions to the V8. The S model also gains a differential lock and revised front suspension elements produced in aluminium, which AMG claims enhances the grip and agility even further. In either the standard or S models there are numerous opportunities to alter the settings, the seven-speed auto and AMG Ride Control suspension.

Anything else?

Lots, and plenty on the options list if your pockets are deep enough. There's no mention of the Performance Package - this largely negated by the inclusion of the S model - though expect a Driver's Package option, which will raise the electronic speed limiter closer to that 200mph speedometer reading. The UK is denied the rather appealing prospect of all-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz and AMG are likely to cite difficulties in production rather than any lack of demand. Standard E 63s will reach UK showrooms in April, with the harder, faster S model coming in June. No prices have been announced yet, but you'll not pay less than £75,000 for the standard car, the S model likely to add a sizeable premium on top of that.

Kyle Fortune - 10 Jan 2013