Detroit 2013: Mercedes E63 & CLS63 AMG 4Matic S

13 January, 2013

J-C Etter

Mercedes deploys the E-class facelift to the AMG range with, as a bonus, the availability of the sedan and wagon with 4Matic all-wheel-drive transmission. The twin-turbo 5.5L V8 jumps from 525 to 557ch, with 720 Nm of torque on tap from 1750 to 5250 rpm.

The V8 is mated to the AMG Speedshift MCT 7 gear box, with 4 management modes: C (for “Controlled Efficiency), with Stop/Start function, S (Sport), S+ (Sport Plus) et M (Manual).

The AMG 4Matic all-wheel-drive transmission splits the torque between 33 and 67% on the front and rear wheels, with a rear bias in line with the AMG DNA and a weight increase of only 70kg. In “Sport Handling” mode, brakes are used for torque vectoring purposes, to make the car more nimble and fight understeer. The 3 stage ESP system has been tuned specifically for the model as well. The range is equiped with the electronically controlled AMG Ride Control suspension, with a pneumatic system on the rear axle. The cars are fitted with 10 spoke AMG wheels, ,mounted with 255/40 R 18 front and 285/35 R 18 rear tires. A composite carbon ceramic brake system is available as an option, with 402 mm rotors at the front, the special compound lowering system weight by 40% and reducing unsprung masses.

The S version of the 5.5L V8 biturbo boosts torque to 800 Nm from 1750 rpm and 585 hp at 5500 t/min by raising boost level from 0.9 à 1.0 bar. This engine version is only available in conjunction with 4Matic transmision and benefits as wheel from a rear locking differential. Wheels are specific with 19″ rims finished in matte titanium paint with a high sheen lip.

	E 63 AMG Sedan	E 63 AMG 4MATIC Sedan/Wagon	E 63 AMG 4MATIC S Sedan/Wagon
Engine	V8 biturbo 5461 cm3
Power	557 ch / 5500		585 / 5500
Torque	720 Nm / 1750-5250		800 Nm / 1750-5000
Mileage NEDC L/100 km	9.8	10.3 / 10.5	10.3 / 10.5
CO2 Emissions	230 g/km	242 / 246	242 / 246
0 – 100 km/h	4.2	3.7 / 3.8	3.6 / 3.7
Top speed	250 km/h*	250 km/h*	250 km/h*

* electronically limited

The CLS & CLS Shooting Brake are offered with similar powertrains. Audi is no longer the sole option for the amateur of über-sedans and wagons looking for the piece of mind and versatility of all-wheel-drive transmission. The rear wheel drive versions will be commercially available from April 2013, while 4Matic and S versions will follow in June 2013.