The Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG is the latest model to swap the 6.2-litre AMG engine for a new 5.5-litre, twin turbo V8. Economy is improved but that doesn't mean sacrificing performance, as power is up by 9bhp.
Headline figures for the new motor are 518bhp and 516lb.ft. Customers who specify the optional AMG Performance Package will see those numbers increase to 549bhp and 590lb.ft. Acceleration from 0-62mph is claimed to take 4.3 seconds (or 4.2 seconds for the high powered version), while the estate is 0.1 seconds slower. Top speed is limited to 155mph.
Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 28.8mpg for the saloon and 28.2mpg for the estate. Carbon dioxide emissions are 230- and 234g/km. For comparison,
the old 6.2-litre car managed 22.4mpg and 295g/km.
Other revisions include a wider front track and more negative camber for sharper handling. Electromechanical steering with a more direct ratio is also fitted, while restyled - and lighter - alloy wheels mark out the new car from the old
'V8 BITURBO' badges on the front wings help identify the new E 63 further. There is also a new steering wheel, shared with the
CLS 63 AMG.
The twin-turbo Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG will go on sale from September and prices should remain the same as the outgoing model.
Alisdair Suttie - 23 Apr 2011
