Mmm, gotta love those big German performance sedans!
At the New York Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz decided to let the 2012 AMG version of the E-Class out of the bag. The new E63 AMG will now get a more economical 5.5 litre V8 capable of making 518 horsepower. That number goes up to an exceptional 550 horsepower if you check off the AMG sport package on the options list. Which you really should, because if you do, your E63 AMG will be able to get from 0-100 in an impressive 4.3 seconds. The E63 AMG with out the AMG sport package still manages an impressive 4.4 seconds. A seven speed automatic is standard and was developed by AMG themselves. The Speedshit MCT transmission allows for very quick, smooth shifts.
But if you’re the type that feels quite guilty as you keep opening your wallet to feed your AMG, don’t worry because this new version is supposedly 22% more efficient. And if you’re the type that feels quite guilty knowing you’re probably killing Mother Nature every time you drive your AMG, the E63 AMG helps her out with spray guided direct injection, stop/start technology and eco friendly power steering which basically only draws power (and thus fuel ) when the steering wheel is being turned. It’s no Prius, but it’s good to know Mercedes thinks of little things like these.
Speaking of the steering wheel, it is an all new sport steering wheel with alluminum paddle shifters. Alcantra can be found of the wheel if you opt for the AMG sport package.
So, do you think this is enough to lure loyalists from the newly redesigned BMW M5? Which would you rather? Sound off in the comments section.
[Mercedes-Benz]
I’d still take the M5. No availability of a stick is pretty mucha deal breaker for me. Nice car though. A friend of mine has a CLS 63 AMG and it goes like stink!