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MCT Sports Transmission
The high-performance 2012 Mercedes-Benz
E63 AMG Wagon also features a cutting-edge AMG transmission. With a start-up
clutch that replaces the torque converter, the new seven-speed MCT sports
transmission provides the direct feedback of a manual transmission with the
total convenience of an automatic, offering impressive versatility and even
faster shift times. Thanks to its low rotational mass, the start-up clutch helps
the transmission respond instantaneously and dynamically, with no slip.
With four shift modes and an automatic rev-matching function, the MCT
transmission offers impressive versatility and even faster shift times. The
transmission also includes a Race Start feature, which helps maintain
full-throttle acceleration and optimal traction during motorsports competition.
AMG Eco Stop-Start System
Even with its 518-horsepower V8, the
E63 AMG Wagon is highly fuel-efficient, thanks in part to an innovative ECO
stop-start system. Whenever the AMG model has its transmission in 'Controlled
Efficiency Mode' and comes to a stop in "D" or "N" with the brake pedal
depressed, the engine is automatically turned off to save fuel. As soon as the
driver touches the accelerator pedal, the engine computer decides which piston
is in the best position for first ignition, and the direct fuel injection and
multi-spark systems work with a starter motor to re-start the engine almost
instantly.
In COMAND
A standard COMAND system features a
large seven-inch color display screen with a standard in-dash, six-disc CD/DVD
changer and a Bluetooth interface that allows a phone still in a pocket or purse
to be operated through the car's audio system. The COMAND system can also
display maps and directions for the optional GPS navigation system, which can be
set up to display Sirius real-time traffic information and Zagat restaurant
ratings. The system can also be equipped with an optional iPod/MP3 interface,
Sirius satellite radio, HD radio, and an advanced voice control system for
audio, navigation and phone systems. Using a consolemounted controller, the
central display can be operated by either the driver or front passenger.
"Time For A Rest?"
Among the many standard life-saving features on
the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon is the innovative ATTENTION ASSIST system that
can alert the driver to the first signs of drowsiness, a factor that causes more
than 100,000 accidents a year in the U.S. A steering sensor is coupled to smart
software that uses 70 parameters to establish a unique driver profile during the
first 20 minutes of driving.
Between 50 and 112 mph, the system
identifies the erratic steering corrections drivers make as they begin to get
drowsy and triggers an audible warning, and a "Time for a Rest?" message with a
coffee cup icon appears in the instrument cluster.
More Safety Systems
Assist the Driver
Other examples of trailblazing innovations include:
Active Lane Keeping Assist, which alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip
vibration in the steering wheel if the car drifts from its lane without the turn
signals on. Part of the optional DISTRONIC PLUS system, it operates at speeds
above 37 mph via a system that recognizes lane markings, thanks to a small
camera in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the video images.
DISTRONIC PLUS works in part with the Electronic Stability Program which can
sense impending loss of control. The system works in a split second by braking
individual wheels and/or reducing excess engine power, something that even the
most skilled driver cannot do.
Active Blind Spot Assist, which monitors
both blind spots behind and to the side of the vehicle is also part of DISTRONIC
PLUS. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the
driver gets visual and audible warnings. Both Active Lane Keeping Assist and
Active Blind Spot Assist incorporate an intervention feature, in which ESP
braking automatically helps correct the car's course if the driver doesn't heed
the initial warning.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist uses a small video camera
to sense both headlights and taillights, then softly and automatically
transitions between high and low beam operation to avoid dazzling other drivers.
With this system, the range of the headlights can be varied infinitely from
their current 220 feet to up to 1,000 feet.
Night View Assist PLUS can
now allow a driver to see pedestrians up to 300 feet earlier than before. When
the system recognizes pedestrians, they appear in the display with an outlined
frame highlighting each person.
In contrast to passive systems that rely
on thermal imaging, this active system bathes the road ahead with invisible
infra-red light from two beams mounted in the headlights. Extending the driver's
ability to see ahead to nearly 500 feet, Night View Assist PLUS uses an
infra-red camera in the windshield and displays the reflected images as highly
detailed black & white video images in the instrument cluster.
11 Air
Bags
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon is equipped with front,
side, pelvic and curtain air bags to provide extra protection for front
passengers in dangerous side-impact collisions. With a knee air bag for the
driver to minimize leg injuries in frontal collisions, the E-Class boasts nine
supplemental restraints, and rear side air bags are optionally available.
Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications