The Performance

The drive unit is unique in this segment, and ensures decidedly sporty performance figures: the 2011 E63 AMG accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). The high-revving, naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 6208 cc impresses with its agile responsiveness, muscular power delivery and great flexibility. The V8 sound is a thrilling accompaniment for mile after mile, while the smooth-running engine guarantees typical Mercedes long-distance comfort. An extremely high-performance water cooling system ensures maximum endurance even under the enormous dynamic stresses of the racetrack.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT Transmission

The high-performance roadster has also donated its AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission to the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. This transmission dispenses with a conventional torque converter and uses a compact, wet start-up clutch. In conjunction with the four individual drive modes, the double-declutching and Race Start functions, the resulting direct connection to the powertrain allows an extremely emotional and highly dynamic driving experience, which can be adapted conveniently at the touch of a button.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission also makes a decisive contribution to fuel economy: a wet start-up clutch running in an oil bath replaces the previous torque converter. This unit responds extremely rapidly, dynamically and without the losses typical of a torque converter transmission thanks to its low rotational inertia. The transmission is equipped with four drive modes: "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) and "M" (Manual), which can be selected using a rotary electronic switch in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Partial suppression of individual cylinders by interrupting ignition and injection briefly during gearshifts under full load leads to considerably faster shift times. In S+ and M modes, the 7-speed sports transmission allows gearshifts to be performed in 100 milliseconds.

Electronically Controlled Damping System

Sporty or more comfort-oriented? The driver of the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is not obliged to accept any compromises in this respect. The AMG Ride Control sports suspension copes equally well with the agile maneuvers of the racetrack and more comfortable, sedate driving. High performance and typical Mercedes long-distance comfort go together as an extraordinary synthesis in the E63 AMG. While steel spring struts are used on the front axle, the rear suspension features AMG-specific air springs. The advantage of this solution, which is exclusive to AMG, is that the front steel spring struts ensure more sensitive responses while the rear air struts, with their automatic level control system, keep the vehicle at a constant height irrespective of the load.

An electronically controlled damping system automatically varies the damping characteristics according to the driving situation, reducing the roll angle of the body. The result is instant adjustment to provide the best possible ride comfort together with the greatest possible agility. In addition, the driver is able to choose between the three suspension modes of Comfort, Sport and Sport plus at the touch of a button.

Direct Power Steering and Individual 3-Stage ESP

Direct responsiveness comes courtesy of the speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering. The steering ratio of 14:1 is 22 percent more direct than in the standard production models, while a more rigid steering column plus the characteristic mapping of the speed-sensitive servo assistance ensure better steering precision and improved road contact.

The 3-stage ESP familiar from the SL63 AMG and C63 AMG enables individual settings to be selected - with clear benefits in terms of driving pleasure combined with the same, high level of handling safety. The ESP button in the AMG Drive Unit allows the driver to choose between "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF" - with the currently active mode shown in the central display of the instrument cluster. Perfect deceleration even when driving extremely briskly is ensured by the AMG high-performance braking system with 360-millimeter, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round. Particularly resistant, motorsports-tested composite technology is used at the front axle.

The optional ceramic composite brakes with even larger brake discs guarantee even better braking performance. The ceramic brake discs perform reliably at even higher operating temperatures thanks to their greater hardness, all combined with an impressive weight reduction of around 40 percent. Outstanding grip is ensured by the AMG light-alloy wheels with tires of sizes 255/40 R18 at the front and 285/35 R18 at the rear.

Even More Individuality

Customers requiring even more sporty individuality are catered for by the AMG Performance Studio: the E63 AMG saloon can, for instance, be dynamically enhanced even further ex factory with the Performance package. This includes the following:

• Lightweight, forged AMG light-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R19 tires at the front and 285/30 R19 at the rear.
• AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension with a stiffer set-up.
• AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action.
• AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid.
• AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design.
• Roller blind for rear window.

The AMG Exclusive package provides a luxurious touch in the interior. It includes:

• Nappa leather appointments for the seats, top section of the dashboard, the beltlines, the door armrests as well as the center console and door center
  panels.
• Roof liner as well as A, B and C-pillars and sun visors in Alcantara.
• AMG floor mats.

Selected optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio are also individually available ex factory:

• AMG ceramic composite braking system.
• Lightweight, forged AMG light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey and polished, with size 255/35 R19 tires at the front and 285/30 R19 at the rear.
• AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action.
• Brake calipers, painted red.
• AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber package.
• AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design with Alcantara inserts in the grip areas.
• AMG carbon-fiber trim elements.
• AMG door sill panels, set of two, illuminated white.
• AMG floor mats.

Active and Passive Safety of the Very Highest Caliber

The flagship AMG model in the E-Class traditionally meets the very highest expectations with respect to active and passive safety. Naturally this also applies to the E63 AMG: standard features include the new drowsiness detection system Attention Assist, the unique anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE, BAS PLUS, seven airbags and crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints. On request the safety features can be brought to a level unprecedented in this vehicle class with the Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist systems, the PRE-SAFE Brake with an automatic emergency braking function, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Night View Assist and Speed Limit Assist. With its unique combination of trend-setting driver assistance systems, the E63 AMG is extending its leading position in the area of safety even further.

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications