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Motoring – by Barry Hook
The way Mercedes names its models may mean something to Mercedes but it doesn’t give a clue to the cars’ size.
Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG 4MATIC S-Model
Stepping aside from that little niggle, the new E63 AMG sports saloon and estate has been given a plethora of changes for 2013 as well as a new S-model. And if speed is your thrill, the S-model will take just 3.6-seconds to hit 62mph. (Ceramic brakes will be available as an option.)
That is only a couple of eye blinks away from catching the Bugatti Veyron. The E63 standardsaloon does the trip in 4.2-seconds.
The AMG 5.5-litre V8 bi-turbo engine is up there with the best in terms of efficiency. The combination of high performance and low fuel consumption remains unrivalled by any other competitor in the segment, worldwide.
Top speed of both the saloon and the S-model saloon/estate is electronically limited at 155mph. Fuel consumption (combined) on the former is 28.8mpg and 27.4mpg on the S. The S estate is marginally thirstier at 26.9mpg. They will spew out between 230 and 246g/km of CO2.
Like the predecessor, the new E63 AMG is rear-wheel drive. There is a seven-speed AMG Speedshift automatic gearbox, with a variety of modes ranging from ‘Controlled Efficiency’ – with stop/start tech – to Sport Plus and manual.
Catching the eye amongst the styling tweaks is what Mercedes calls the ‘A Wing’. It is actually the bumper which incorporates three large cooling air intake openings. Very Formula one-ish.
“When the customer so desires,” Mercedes told me, the interior of the E 63 AMG S-Model features grey contrasting stitching on the AMG sports seats, the door centre panels, the door armrests and the centre console. Silver seat belts are also fitted in conjunction with a black interior.
You will have to wait until April for sales of the standard model to start and a further 2-months before you will be able to get behind the wheel of that brisk S-model.
The company would not disclose any prices but it is highly probable that there will be a marginal increase over the existing E63 range which currently starts at £74,920.
